BAMBOO

• WHAT IS A BAMBOO?
• CLASSIFICATION OF BAMBOO
• PROPERTIES OF BAMBOO
• BAMBOO USED IN CONSTRUTION
• DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN WOOD AND BAMBOO
• USES OF BAMBOO
• ADVANTAGES AND DISADVNTAGES OF BAMBOO
 WHAT IS BAMBOO?

Bamboo (Bambuseae) is a tribe of flowering perennial evergreen plants

in the grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae.
Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family.
The word bamboo comes from the Kannada term bambu, which was
introduced to English through Malay.
Bamboo has a long and well established tradition as a building material
throughout the worlds tropical and sub-tropical region.
Bamboos are tall, tree-like, fast growing grasses with durable woody or
branched stems.
Bamboo building construction is characterized by a structural frame
approach similar to that applied in traditional timber frame design and
construction. The major elements, the posts and beams, generally
constitute part or structural framework.
Bamboo possesses excellent strength properties, especially tensile strength. The
strength and mechanical properties of bamboo are influenced by a number of
factors such as the type of species, harvesting age, climatic and soil conditions,
moisture content, location of the sample with respect to the length of the culm, and
the presence or absence of nodes. The chemical constituents present in bamboo do
not have enough toxicity to impart any natural resistance to fungal or insect attack.
In addition, the presence of a large amount of starch makes bamboo highly
susceptible to attack by staining fungi and powder post beetles.30 Bamboo has a
strong interaction with moisture, and can have moisture levels of 100–300%
(compared with its dry weight). It is crucial to remove the moisture as far as
possible before application .
If untreated, the life span of bamboo is normally just over 2 years, but if
appropriate preservation measures are adopted, it can last up to 10 years.
Preservation measures could vary depending on species and environment; common
preservation treatments include: smoking, heating, wa- ter immersion and
impregnation coatings.
CLASSIFICATON OF BAMBOO
Bamboo is a perennial, giant, woody grass belonging to the group
angiosperms and the order monocotyledon. The grass family Poaceae (or
Gramineae) can be divided into one small subfamily, Centothecoideae,
and five large subfamilies, Arundinoideae, Pooideae, Chloridodeae,
Panicoideae, and
Bambusoideae. In distinction to its name, bamboos are classified under
the subfamily Bambusoideae.
Some examples of bamboo genera are Bambusa, Chusquea,
Dendrocalamus, Phyllostachys, Gigantochloa and Schizostachyum.
other genera, species, and some English names adapted from the
common names of bamboo. Most of the bamboos need a warm climate,
abundant moisture, and productive soil, though some do grow in
reasonably cold weather (below –20Oc).
MORPHOLOGY AND GROWTH
Bamboo is distinguishable from one another by the differences of these
basic features, along with the growth style of the culm, which is either
strictly erect, erect with pendulous tips, ascending, arched or clambering.
Several published materials extensively described the morphology and
structure of bamboo. Bamboo is a fast growing species and a high yield
renewable resource. Bamboo growth depends on species, but generally
all bamboo matures quickly. Aminuddin and Abd.Latif stated that
bamboo might have 40 to 50 stems in one clump, which adds 10 to 20
culms yearly. It is suggested that with a good management of the
bamboo resource, the cutting cycle is normally 3 years. The fast growth
characteristic of bamboo is an important incentive for its utilization. Due
to the fact that it is abundant and cheap, bamboo should be used to its
fullest extent.
Cross section of a bamboo culm

Schematic diagram of sampling technique from bamboo culm.

PROPERTIES OF BAMBOO
In the United States, interest in bamboo has increased as several studies
have been done to evaluate bamboo’s physical and mechanical properties
and its utilization potential as an alternative to wood resources [Lee et al.
1994; Ahmad 2000; Shupe et al. 2002].
The objectives of this study were to study:
(1) vascular bundle concentration at different ages and heights,
(2) fiber characteristics,
(3) contact angle of different layers,
(4) moisture content, SG, and bending properties, along longitudinal and
radial directions of one, three, and five year old bamboo determine the
correlation between SG and bending properties, and
(5) compressive strength of bamboo at different ages and heights
Table 3-1. Vascular bundle concentration of bamboo at different age. Table 3-2. Average fiber length from one, three, and five year old bamboo.
Year Height Outer a Middle Inner Year Layer Fiber Length Fiber number
(mm) measured
Bottom 346 174 105
Outer 2.16 484
One Middle 344 232 153
One Middle 2.27 401
Top 392 297 214
Inner 2.19 294
Bottom 292 155 126
Outer 2.08 321
Three Middle 378 213 135
Three Middle 2.32 301
Top 467 256 163
Inner 2.26 292
Bottom 298 175 117 Outer 2.03 456
Five Middle 369 193 146 Five Middle 2.32 431
Top 458 295 148 Inner 2.39 307
a The unit is bundles/cm2.

Table 3-3. Specific gravity of bamboo a.

Year Height Outer Middle Inner
Bottom 0.61 (0.05) 0.32 (0.03) 0.29 (0.06)
One Middle 0.63 (0.08) 0.33(0.05) 0.29 (0.04)
Top 0.63 (0.06) 0.34 (0.02) 0.32 (0.04)
Bottom 0.81 (0.06) 0.60 (0.02) 0.56 (0.02)
Three Middle 0.82 (0.04) 0.61 (0.06) 0.55 (0.07)
Top 0.84 (0.02) 0.60 (0.04) 0.55 (0.04)
Bottom 0.81(0.03) 0.66 (0.02) 0.58 (0.04)
Five Middle 0.82 (0.04) 0.66 (0.01) 0.59 (0.03)
Top 0.84 (0.03) 0.63 (0.02) 0.58 (0.02)
a
Based on oven dry weight and volume at 12% moisture content.
BAMBOO USED IN CONSTRUCTION
Bamboo, like true wood, is a natural composite material with a high
strength-to-weight ratio useful for structures. Bamboo has also long been
used as scaffolding. Bamboo has been used as reinforcement for concrete
in those areas where it is plentiful, though dispute exists over its
effectiveness in the various studies done on the subject. Bamboo does
have the necessary strength to fulfil this function, but untreated bamboo
will swell with water absorbed from the concrete, causing it to crack.
Several procedures must be followed to overcome this shortcoming.
Several institutes, businesses, and universities are researching the use of
bamboo as an ecological construction material. In the United States and
France, it is possible to get houses made entirely of bamboo which are
earthquake- and cyclone-resistant and internationally certified. Bamboo
building construction is characterized by a structural frame approach
similar to that applied in traditional timber frame design and
construction.
In this case, the floor, the wall, the roof elements are all interconnected and
often one dependent on the other for overall stability. The use of bamboo for
foundation is rather restricted. This is mainly due to the fact that like timber
when in contact with damp ground, they deteriorate and decay very quickly
unless treated with some very effective preservatives. The use of bamboo for
foundation is rather restricted. This is mainly due to the fact that like timber
when in contact with damp ground, they deteriorate and decay very quickly
unless treated with some very effective preservatives. However, in spite of
their short life considerable use of bamboos is made as foundation or
supporting posts in case of houses built on raised platforms.
 PRESERVATIONS OF BAMBOO
NON CHEMICAL METHODS OR TRADITIONAL METHOD
Non-chemical methods are otherwise known as traditional methods of preservation, which are widely used by villagers and are usually done
on bamboos used for structural purposes. However, the treatment cost is almost nothing and thus can be carried out without special
equipment. This method includes curing, smoking, whitewashing and soaking.
a) Smoking
Traditionally, bamboo culms are placed above fireplaces inside the house so that the smoke and heat rises up can both dry and blackens the
culms. It is possible that the process produces some toxic agents that provide a degree of protection. This is considered an effective treatment
against insects and fungi.
b) White washing
Bamboo culms and bamboo mats for housing construction are often painted with lime. This is carried out mainly to enhance the appearance,
but there is also an expectation that the process will prolong the life of the bamboo structure by preventing moisture entering the culms. It is
possible that the water or moisture absorption is delayed or in some cases prevented which will provide a higher resistance to fungal attack. In
Indonesia, bamboo mats are tarred and later sprinkled with a layer of sand. When this is dry, up to 4 coats of whitewash are applied.
Plastering is also a common practice using cow dung mixed with either lime or mortar.
c) Curing
Bamboo culms are treated during or immediately after extraction and before stacking in the storage yard. Curing involves harvested culms,
with branches and leaves intact, in open air. The leaves continue to transpire causing the starch content of the culms to fail.
d) Soaking
The culms are submerged in either stagnant or running water or mud for several weeks. This is one of the best methods to preserve bamboo
against the attack of microorganisms and insects.
CHEMICAL METHODS
•CHEMICAL METHODS
•Methods that use preservative chemicals are generally more effective than non-chemical methods in the protection of bamboo under
storage, but they are not always economical or feasible. The penetration of liquids into the culms takes place through the vessels in the
actual direction from end to end. The vessels account for only 5-10% the bamboo cross-section. Thus even when the vessels are filled
to saturated point, the bamboo can still be vulnerable to fungal insect attack if the preservative does not diffuse sufficiently into the
main tissue of the culms. The chemical treatment techniques are as follows:
•a) Butt treatment
•The butt ends of the freshly cut culms with the branches and leaves intact are placed in a drum containing the preservative. The
continued transpiration of the leaves draws the chemical solution into the vessels of the culms. This process is very slow and often the
vessels do not take up enough of the liquid to preserve by diffusion, the surrounding fibers and parenchyma cells. The preservative in
the barrel must be replenished regularly in order to maintain the desired level. When the treatment has been completed, care should be
taken in the disposal of the contaminated foliage. Butt treatment is usually adopted to bamboo posts.
•b) Open tank method for cold soaking
•This method is economical simple and provides good effective protection for bamboo. Culms, which have been prepared to size, are
submerged in a solution of water-soluble preservative for a period of several days. The solution enters the culms through the ends and
sides by means of diffusion.
•c) Pressure treatment
•Pressure treatment, using either creosote or water borne preservatives offers the best method of preservation for bamboo culms. The
applied pressure ranges from around 0.5-1.5N/mm2 and as such requires special plants and equipment. Costs are high, but a service life
up to 15 years can be expected from adequately treated bamboo when used in the open and in contact with the ground.
d) Hot and cold bath process
The bamboo is submerged in a tank of preservative, which is then heated, either directly
over a fire or indirectly by means of steel coils in the tank. The bath temperature is raised to
90o C and maintained as such for 30 minutes and then allowed to cool. The bamboo should
be allowed to dry slowly to provide further diffusion of the preservative to take place.
f) Glue line treatment
This is specific to bamboo mat board and involves adding preservatives to the glue during
manufacture. Additives that have been shown to provide effective preservation treatment
without impairing the bond strength of the mat include 1% chlordane or 1% sodium
octaborate tetra hydrate with a 1:2 diluted pH solution containing 17% solid content.
Difference between Bamboo and Wood
Key difference: The term ‘wood’ is used to refer to the trees, specifically
it refers to the substance that trees are made out of. Wood is the hard,
fibrous structural tissue that is commonly found in the stems and roots of
the trees. It is a natural composite of cellulose fibers. Bamboo, on the
other hand, is essentially a grass in the Poaceae family of grass. There
are hundreds of species of bamboos; however, most bamboo timber is
sourced from the Phyllostachys and Bambusa genera.
As a grass, bamboo does not have sapwood, heartwood or growth rings. Its texture is uniform and will range from medium to fine
depending on density. The color is generally pale yellow to almost white. Bamboo differs from wood as it has a hollow stem and
lacks rays or visible pores. In order to process bamboo as a timber, the bamboo fibers are pulled, soaked and then pressed together
with adhesives. However, as most bamboo is processed in its original country, the standards may vary. Hence, some manufactures
may use cheap adhesives to process the bamboo, “which may emit into the air and harm the owners. It is advisable to check the
formaldehyde content of the material before acquiring.

It is also slightly difficult to work with bamboo, as it tends to split and pull out when being cross-cut. Furthermore, bamboo is very
high in silica which may lead to dulling of blades and processing tools.

Also, bamboo glues, stains, and finishes well. Hence, it is commonly used for furniture, flooring, and window blinds, as well as
veneer, paper, fishing rods, ladders, scaffolding, wind musical instruments, such as flutes, woodwinds, chimes, in addition to
carving, turning and decorative items.
 USES OF BAMBOO
Various uses of bamboo [Gielis 2002].

Use of bamboo as plant Use of bamboo as material

Ornamental horticulture Local industries

Artisanat
Furniture

Ecology A variety of utensils

Stabilize of the soil Houses

Uses on marginal land Wood and paper industries

Hedges and screens Strand boards

Minimal land use Medium density fiberboard

Laminated lumber
Paper and rayon

Agro-forestry Parquet

Natural stands Nutritional industries

Plantations Young shoots for human consumption

Mixed agro-forestry systems Fodder

Chemical industries
Biochemical products
Pharmaceutical industry
Energy
Charcoal
Pyrolysis
Gasification
The Benefits of Natural Bamboo
Ecologically Friendly: Bamboo is made from natural vegetation. The bamboo plant is a
highly renewable resource that is able to grow to maturity in as little as three to five
years. This is much faster than hardwood trees which can take upwards of twenty years
or more to reach maturity.
Easy Maintenance: Bamboo is relatively easy to maintain.
Water Resistant: This material is slightly more resistant to water damage, stains, and
warping than hardwood materials, although it is still a concern.
Natural Material: The use of natural materials is an important trend in the construction
industry right now. As people are becoming more ecologically conscious they are
demanding products that reflect these values. They are also seeking materials and
designs that reject the modern cookie cutter world and instead focus on individual
personality and natural evolution.

Price: This material is priced at about the same level as most hardwood floors. You will
often find bamboo ranging from about two dollars to eight dollars per square foot. You
should avoid bargain basement materials as they are often lower quality castoffs
Durability: There are certain types of bamboo that can be extremely strong, hard, and
durable. Natural, un-carbonized bamboo that was properly harvested and manufactured can
be as durable as red oak. Strand woven bamboo can be manufactured even harder than that.

Style: Bamboo is a trendy flooring material that can elevate the elegance of a space almost
instantly. It has an appearance and a feel that is similar to hardwood and yet, is still distinct
and different. This can add an ineffable quality to a room.

Refinishing: Over time bamboo floors may become discolored, scratched, or marred.
Luckily the surface of this material can be refinished, sanding it down and then reapplying
the finishing coats to give it a fresh new look. The amount of sanding that can be done will
be determined by the thickness of the planks used.
 The Drawbacks Of Bamboo
Environmentally Ambiguous: Bamboo is a natural material that is made from
a highly renewable resource. However there are a number of environmental
concerns regarding bamboo. The adhesive used in its construction can
contribute to the toxicity of an interior space. There are also some concerns
that forests are being cut down and replaced with bamboo fields for
commercial purposes. While bamboo definitely has some green qualities it is
still environmentally ambiguous in a lot of ways.
Lack of Hardness: While natural un-carbonized, and strand woven bamboo
flooring is relatively hard and durable, bamboo planks that are darker in color
are generally also softer. That is because the carbonization process used to
color the wood also weakens it structurally.
Water Damage: As mentioned above bamboo is more resistant to water
damage than the average hardwood. However it is still a natural material made
of organic elements, and as such excessive moisture will cause it to warp or
will allow mold to grow. A flood can severely damage a bamboo flooring
installation
 HOW TO JOIN BAMBOO
TOGETHER

BAMBOO FOR SCAFFOLDING DIFFERENT SIZES OF BAMBOO

 BAMBOO USED AS FURNITURE BAMBOO USED TO BUILD A HOUSE

BAMBOO USED IN MAJOR CONSTRUCTION BAMBOO GROWING FROM ITS ROOTS

SCAFFOLDING
 CONCLUSION
Conclusion Since time immemorial, bamboo has played an important role
in the development of mankind. It is used for a wide range of day-to-day
purposes, both as a woody material and as food. It has been the backbone
of much of the world’s rural life and will remain so as the population
increases. The properties as top grade building material and increased
availability of bamboo in our country makes it possible to use, bamboo in
the field of construction extensively. Its high valued utilization not only
promotes the economic development, but also saves forest resources to
protect our ecological environment as a wood substitute. As an economic
building material, bamboo’s rate of productivity and cycle of annual
harvest outstrips any other naturally growing resource, if today you plant
three or four structural bamboo plants, then in four or five years later you
will have mature clumps, and in eight years you will have enough mature
material to build a comfortable, low cost house.
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States and Worldwide, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, 1998.
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Programme, Nairobi, Kenya, 2002.
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[11] :\www.bambus\new\eng\reports\mechanical_properties\referat2.html