Paper ID: CBM-023: 2.1. Utilization of Bamboo As A Building Material

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Paper ID: CBM-023

International Conference on Recent Innovation in Civil Engineering for Sustainable Development
(IICSD-2015)
Department of Civil Engineering
DUET - Gazipur, Bangladesh
Utilization of Bamboo as a Construction Material for Low Cost Housing and

Resorts in Bangladesh
E. Hasan1*, M. R. Karim2, S. K. Shill3, M. S. Mia1 and M. S. Uddin1
Abstract
The main objective of the paper is to develop awareness in the civil society on bamboo as a potential
building material for low cost housing and resorts in Bangladesh. To achieve the goal of the study, a
comparative study has been carried out between a two storied conventional reinforced concrete
structure and a two storied RC structure having bamboo partitions. From the cost analysis, it is found that
the construction cost of a two storied RC building having bamboo partitions is lower than a two storied
conventional RC building. Due to lower self-weight of proposed building as compare than conventional
building, it is also found that the earthquake load on proposed building is lower than conventional
building. Use of bamboo as building materials may reduce the demand of brick production in a country;
consequently CO2 gas emotions will be reduced. Bamboo wall reduce 53 percent of wall construction
cost. Furthermore, a bamboo partitions building is not only economically but also aesthetically better
than brick partitions buildings.
Keywords: Bamboo, brick partition wall, RC, CO2, resistant, heat, comfortable.
1. Introduction
From many years ago, bamboo has been used as a sustainable solution of building component of
structures in developing countries .It is a rapid growth material has made this grass an interesting
structural material due to its long durability [1]. Bamboo can even help the whole world by its
remarkable CO2 sequestrating capacity. Bamboo has historically been used as a building material due
to its inherent properties, being regenerating with high tensile strength and light weight [2].
Low cost technology reducing the cost of construction through the use of locally available materials,
without sacrificing the strength, performance and life of the structure [2]. The construction cost can be
divided into two parts [3]:
Cost of materials : 65 to 70%,
Labour cost : 65 to 70 %,
When bamboo contact with moisture or water its strength increase time to time. Brick absorb heat but
bamboos reflect heat so the house gives more comfortable life these are interesting characters.
At first, an overview of the project objectives is presented that include mechanical properties of
bamboo and current practice in joining methods and connections. Finally, a comparison of structural
rebar and estimating of a panel on our work.
2. Materials And Methodology

2.1. Utilization of bamboo as a building material
Bamboo reaches its full growth in just a few months and reaches its maximum mechanical strength in
just few years [1]. Some of the positive side such as light weight design, better flexibility and
toughness due to its thin walls. There is always need low cost mass housing schemes for people
earthquake affected areas, emergency structures in different situations (like low income area). Low
cost housing proposal uses bamboo as a cladding material [1]. Bamboo was chosen as it is cheap,
1
DUET Undergraduate Student (DGPS Member), ( [email protected])
2
Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, DUET, ( [email protected])
3
Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering, DUET, ([email protected])
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82
lightweight and easy to replace [1]. Bamboo building is suitable in climates.Bamboo is a truly
sustainable unrivalled timber, with the compressive strength of concrete and the tensile strength of
steel. It’s lightweight, hollow, round, curving, and tapering. It’s also flexible, making it ideal for
earthquakes, as it will bend and flex long before it breaks. Growth of every ton of bamboo consumes
nearly a ton of carbon dioxide besides releasing fresh oxygen into the atmosphere. It is adaptable to
most climatic conditions and soil types [2]. It can withstand up to 3656 kg/cm2 of pressure. It can
have reasonable life of 30 to 40 years. Construction techniques using as main material have been
found very suitable for earthquake resistant housing. It is an environment-friendly, energy-efficient
and cost-effective construction material [4].
An interesting character occurs on bamboo that is when bamboo comes in contact with moisture or
water it’s strength will increase time to time [4].
Below figures presented bamboo bush and collection part of green bamboo:
Fig 1: Bamboo bush Fig 2: Green Bamboo
2.2. Mechanical properties of bamboo

The bamboo mechanical properties vary from specimen to specimen and the scientific tests are used
in this study as guidance for analysis of the designed structure[2]. It has been found that a large
number of studies on bamboo properties and its structural design have been conducted at the Hong
Kong Polytechnic University, China. Bamboo fiber has equivalent tensile strength of 650MPa with
tensile strength of steel (500-1000MPa) and much higher flexibility determined by lower Young =
50GPa compared to steel . Some of the important properties of bamboo are [4] :- Average weight –
0.625 kg/m, Modulus of rupture – 610 to 1600 kg/cm2 , Modulus of Elasticity – 1.5 to 2 x105 kg/cm2 ,
Ultimate compressive stress –794 to 864 kg/cm2, Safe working stress in compression –105 kg/cm2 [4].
2.3. Durability and resistance of bamboo against insect and fire

Bamboo is vulnerable to attack by insects such as borers and termites, and rot fungus [1]. Several
techniques are available for the chemical preservation of bamboo. However, one method which has
proved to be very effective is the ASCU method, whereby bamboo could be protected for at least 20
years. This method developed by the Forest Research Institute, Deharadun (India) bamboo is treated
with a solution of arsenic pent- oxide, copper sulphate, and sodium dichromate. The bamboo can be
treated with a natural Boron salt solution, which will protect bamboo from insects attack. Bamboo
cannot be considered a permanent building material. Without treatment a limited number of works has
been done on the fire protection of bamboo. A reasonably cheap fire resistant composition comprises
of ammonium phosphate, boric acid, copper sulphate, zinc chloride and sodium dichromate [1].
2.4. Methodology
2.4.1. Preparation of bamboo
It is required to prepare bamboo using the following steps before utilization as a construction
material-
(i) Depending on the species, 3 to 5 year old bamboo is best for construction purposes [1].
(ii) The bamboo should be harvested in dry season in order to avoid fungus attack [1].
(iii) Use the appropriate species for the particular application [1].
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(iv) The bamboo will not be exposed to direct sun, moisture and rain [1].
(v) Its need to use only straight portions from the bamboo culms for construction [1].
(vi) Bamboo should be treated against insects and fungus [1].
2.4.2. Making of wall panel

(i) Select the bamboo as per the checklist, the length of single rounded bamboo 25 to 30 ft.
(ii) Remove the lower and upper part of bamboo; it is not useful because it is solid in nature.
(iii) Cut the rounded bamboo in required height of wall panel i.e.3 to 7 ft.
(iv) By using wooden batten prepare a frame of required size of wall panel
(v) Fix the rounded bamboo vertically by using nails.
2.4.3. Connection and Joining Systems

(i) Avoid openings in culms (e.g. drilling & cutting).
(ii) Construct joints near nodes, they are stronger and protects against insects.
(iii) Securely fit joints by edge preparation and a correct level of tightening.
(iv) Make durable connections (i.e. materials and quality, design solution, etc.).
2.4.4. Compression test on bamboo

The load vs. displacement diagram has been presented in fig. 4. [1]. Compression test on bamboo was
carried out using universal testing machine.
Test Parameters: Width - 300 mm, Thickness - 65 mm, C/S Area – 19500 mm2
Fig. 4. Load vs. displacement of bamboo wall
Fig. 3. Bamboo Panel
2.4.5. Stiffness of bamboo

A comparison of stiffness and strength of different construction materials is given in Fig. 5. [1]
Fig.5. Stiffness and strength of various building materials
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2.4.6. Model of bamboo wall houses

Two low cost model houses are presented in Fig. 6. These models describe how bamboo can be used
as wall purpose in housing. In the first image, which present tiles sloped roofing resort and another
image presents inclined roofing bamboo housing.
Fig 6. A two storied resorts made of bamboo wall
3. Result and Discussion

Based on the material properties and economic considerations, bamboo is a very suitable component
for cheap architectural implementations in Bangladesh. Because of, from the cost analysis it is seen
that, to make a 10' wall of bamboo 4076 BDT is required. Whereas, to make 10' brick wall 8820 BDT
is required. Therefore one can conclude that cost of brick wall more than twice of bamboo wall.
3.1. Comperative analysis

An ETABS analysis has been performed for comparative analysis. A two storied building is analyzed
using bamboo partition wall load and also considering brick partition wall load and then the
performance and results are compared with each other. In a specific beam section for a brick wall
building need 0.83 percent rebar where as a bamboo wall building need 0.48 percent rebar. Along
with a column section for a brick wall building need 1.61 percent rebar where as a beam section need
below than 1 percent rebar. It says it is a low cost housing.
3.2. Where this types of building uses

i. Rural & Low income area.
ii. Resort area likes (Hill area, Cox’s bazar, Sylhet, Gazipur, Mymensing)
iii. Where bamboo price is lower.
3.3. Cost analysis

From the analytical investigation carried out in this study on a 10'-0ʺ wall made of brick and that
made of bamboos, a cost analysis result is presented here. A10' wall made of bamboo cost is 4076
BDT and a 10' wall made of brick wall, cost is 8820 BDT, respectively.
A comparison between 10 ft. brick wall and 10 ft bamboo partition is given table -1, 2.
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Table 1: A 10 ft. bamboo wall detailed construction costs are as below
Item Description Quantity Total Unit price Total

quantity (Tk.)
Along Ht. below lintel
40 Nos. 272 ft. 5 1360
width = 6.8'
Along Ht. upper lintel
40 Nos. 112 ft. 5 560
width = 2.8'
For wall Nails 8 Nos. 1.00 kg 90
For wall Wooden Batten 70Nos./0.015 cft. 1.1 cft. 700 766
For wall Hard board 2 Nos/50 sft. 100 sft. 4 400
Chemical Boric Acid 1 kg. 1 kg. 100 100
Chemical Borax 1 kg. 1 kg. 300 300
Labor cost 1 Nos. 500 500
Total cost 4076 Tk.
Table 2: A 10 ft. brick wall detailed construction cost are as below
Item Description Quantity Total Unit price Total

quantity (Tk.)
Along Let, A 5'' wall,
95 sft. 480 nos. 8 3840
Width(brick) Height = 9.5'
Along width Cement 95 sft. 2.5 bag 480 1200
For wall Sand 95 sft. 11 cft. 20 220
Plaster Work Cement 190 sft. 2 bag 480 960
For wall Sand 190 sft. 10 cft. 20 200
Head mason 2 Nos. - 600 1200
Helper 3 Nos. - 400 1200
Total cost
8820 Tk.
4. Conclusion
At conclude we can say bamboo is a well-established building material. It is not easy to create
beautiful spaces by using bamboo, because it is uneven material. We try to control the accuracy of the
construction by applying unit-frame pre-fabrication. It is essential for us to educate workers and build
the construction together. Good plantation control and management, straightening the culms through
heat treatment, as well as good quality control can diminish irregularities of the material. However,
bamboo gives a good thermal insulation by reflecting heat while brick absorbs heat, so the inside of
house kept more comfortable.
5. Acknowledgement
Thanks to all of my friends, senior, juniors and well-wishers for their support and encourages to this
research work.
6. References
[1] Dr. A.C.Attar, Alternative Walling System for Low Cost Housing by Using Bamboo,
Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, Sakharale, Kolhapur.
[2] Satish Pawar, Bamboo in Construction Technology, Dept. of CE, Shivajirao S. Jondhale
College of Engineering & Technology, Mumbai, India.
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[3] Grewal, J., (2009), "Bamboo Housing in Pabal", EWB-UK Research Conference 2009 at the
RAEng. London.
[4] www.bambootechnologies.org
[5] A.A.J.F. Van den, Bamboo as a building material, Delft University of Technology,
Netherlands.
[6] Keenan. A. Georges.(2002).Green Building: Project Planning and Estimating, Kingston.
[7] Chung, K.F.,Chan, S.L.(2003),The Hong Kong of Polytechnic Bamboo University.
[8] Forest Research Institute, Deharadun (India).
IICSD-2015

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Paper ID: CBM-023

Utilization of Bamboo as a Construction Material for Low Cost Housing and

E. Hasan1*, M. R. Karim2, S. K. Shill3, M. S. Mia1 and M. S. Uddin1

2. Materials And Methodology

Fig 1: Bamboo bush Fig 2: Green Bamboo

2.2. Mechanical properties of bamboo

2.3. Durability and resistance of bamboo against insect and fire

2.4.2. Making of wall panel

2.4.3. Connection and Joining Systems

2.4.4. Compression test on bamboo

Fig. 4. Load vs. displacement of bamboo wall

Fig. 3. Bamboo Panel

2.4.5. Stiffness of bamboo

Fig.5. Stiffness and strength of various building materials

2.4.6. Model of bamboo wall houses

Fig 6. A two storied resorts made of bamboo wall

3. Result and Discussion

3.1. Comperative analysis

3.2. Where this types of building uses

3.3. Cost analysis

Table 1: A 10 ft. bamboo wall detailed construction costs are as below

Item Description Quantity Total Unit price Total

Table 2: A 10 ft. brick wall detailed construction cost are as below

Item Description Quantity Total Unit price Total

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