ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 1

PLATE NO: 2

BAMBOO’S RESEARCH

ANGEL KAYE A. BADIANA

BS ARCHITECTURE 1 B

AR. JAYBEE AVELINO

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN INSTRUCTOR

OCTOBER. 21, 2019

 INTRODUCTION
Bamboo, a sustainable wood and renewable resource, is being used more and
more in furniture as a replacement for cedar, mahogany, and other popular hardwood
lumbers. Not only is this multifaceted plant used for furniture, but it is also used
structurally for buildings, textiles, and as a food source.

THE HISTORY OF BAMBOO

Bamboo is actually a grass from the plant family known as Poacea and grows
easily and heartily in several varieties. It is considered one of the fastest growing wood
plants (grasses, actually) on the planet! Unlike trees, and much like the grass you see
on your lawn, once cut it continues to grow. It rapidly reproduces the visible bamboo
poles or “culms” after being trimmed due to its strong and resilient underground system
of roots called rhizomes. Bamboo poles grow an average estimate of 24 inches or more
per day. Because of the rapid regrowth and longevity of bamboo, its production easily
takes the stress away from traditional hardwood forest production. Typical hardwoods
such as cedar take many years (up to 40) to produce post size trees for cutting.
Bamboo takes a fraction of that time. Thinning out a bamboo plant actually promotes
healthier growth and 20 percent can be cut every year. Bamboo is typically associated
with the tropics but it can grow in most climates! With a rapidly growing population, the
demand for wood made products places tremendous pressure on our global hardwood
resources and also depletes natural wildlife habitats. Bamboo provides a high
performance alternative, allowing our beautiful trees to stay intact.

Bamboo’s Surprising Strength

How strong is bamboo? It’s a very strong, hard wood. Think about it this way:
Some of the best hardwoods grow in tropical climates. Plant life in these climates has to
stand up to constant moisture, harsh winds, storms, etc. Bamboo is so strong, it used
structurally in buildings. It has been utilized as such for hundreds of years. If it is used
for buildings and bridges, you can imagine chairs made of bamboo will be quality and
last a long time.
 The Potential of Bamboo as Building Material in Organic Shaped Buildings The
use of bamboo as building materials has occurred in a long period. Most of traditional
houses in Indonesia and Asia use bamboo as building materials, both as structural and
non-structural materials. The use of bamboo in traditional houses is due to the fact that
bamboo grows abundantly in tropical rain forest.. Bamboo is considered as cheap and
non-permanent materials. It is also considered as low-class material, even called as
“the poor man timber” by many modern builder (Lobokivov, 2009).

As construction materials, bamboo has a very strong fiber. The compressive strength of
bamboo is two times higher than concrete, while the tensile strength is close to steel.
Bamboo fiber has a shear stress that is higher than wood. Bamboo has wider span than
wood. Bamboo also can be curved without breaking. Bamboo is considered as one of
building materials that are very strong with tensile strength more and less than 28,000 N
per square inch, compared to steel which is 23,000 N per square inch (Anagal, et al,
2010).

BAMBOO AS A BUILDING MATERIAL

Advantages
 Bamboo is easy to cut, handle, repair, reposition and maintain, without the need
for sophisticated tools or equipment.
 Because of its extraordinary physical characteristics, Guadua bamboo is suitable
for all types of structures and constructions.
 Bamboo is non-polluting and does not have crusts or parts that can be
considered waste.
 Its circular form and hollow sections make bamboo a light building material,
which is easy to handle, transport and store.

 Bamboo can be utilized for permanent and for temporary constructions.

 In each of its nodes, bamboo has a dividing or transverse wall that maintains
strength and allows bending thus preventing rupturing when bent. Because of
this fantastic characteristic a bamboo construction offers superior earthquake-
resistance.
 The composition of the fibers in the walls of the bamboo allows it to be cut
length-wise or cross cut in pieces of any length, using simple manual tools like
the machete.
 The natural surface of the bamboo is smooth, clean, with an attractive color
which does not require painting, scraping or polishing
Disadvantages
Although bamboo is a great sustainable material, it has a number of
disadvantages. One major disadvantage of bamboo is its poor resistance to fungi and
bacteria. It is sensitive to attack from insects. So it must be treated against them,
otherwise, the material has a very short life. The second disadvantage is joint, although
there are a number of bamboo joint techniques, their structural efficiency is low. There
is a lack of design guidance, the structural calculations and construction permits are
difficult to obtain. There are some principles to pick bamboo. The first one is do not use
green, fresh cut bamboo. Bamboo has to be completely dry before using it in
construction. In addition, air dried is the best way to dry bamboo. During the drying
process the bamboo diameter shrinks so if incomplete dry bamboo is used in joinery
this will result in losing and weak joints after a few weeks. Furthermore, bamboo which
is less than 3 years of age should not be used. Only use mature bamboo of 4-6 years.
Bamboo that has flourished should not be used. Rest assured bamboo only flourishes
once in a life time (60-120 years). It is important to use bamboo nodes because it is the
strong point of a bamboo pole. If a bamboo column or beams do not have a node at
both ends, the bamboo may crush.

STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS

Bamboo is a unique building

material in that it is strong in both
rigidity and density. While tensile
strength remains the same
throughout the age of the bamboo
plant, the plant fiber strength
increases as it gets older. There is
some controversy in determining
proper testing protocols though and
is still under debate. To utilize
bamboo to its utmost potential,
several conditions are important to
consider. One factor is that bamboo
grown on slopes is stronger than
bamboo grown in valleys, and that
bamboos that grow in poor dry soils are usually more solid than those grown in rich
soils. Bamboo also shrinks diametrically, and that should be taken into consideration.

There are certain limitations of the use of bamboo in construction due to the
nature of the plant. The starchy interior is attractive to insects, and if not treated can rot,
and fill with insects. In addition, because bamboo has a slick waterproof coating, it
cannot be painted very easily, but it can be accomplished with the right types of paint.
Bamboo architecture is growing in popularity. It has gone from the building material of
the poor to the choice of architects and artists with rapid ambition. While the world isn't
yet ready for whole cities made out of bamboo, it is certainly ready for homes made of it,
and it seems to be coming in the near future.

BAMBOO AS COLUMN
The development of bamboo composites (high capacity sections of bamboo for
column) for modern bamboo structures. Bamboo being a natural out crop from mother
earth is a grass which grows very tall and has excellent structural properties. It is in use
since time immemorial in building small houses and structures in a non-engineered
manner. The development of bamboo composite column of high capacity with test
results has been put forth. Compressive tests on composite column segment of bamboo
of 150x 150 x 405 mm were conducted on compression testing machine (CTM) and a
maximum failure load of 670kN has been observed, Load vs. Displacement curve,
Stress vs. Strain curve and Peak loads has been recorded. The results of the test
confirms that the capacity of these bamboo composites to be comparable on strength
with similar reinforced concrete (RC) and steel sections. With these encouraging test
results, modern engineered bamboo structures can be a real possibility, wherein
replacing RC and steel structures/sections wherever required and thought of in an
acceptable manner. The possible replacement of RC and steel by increased usage of
bamboo as building material can be possibly bring in a reduction in release of
greenhouse gases in atmosphere and would bring about curbing environmental
pollution.
 BAMBOO AS FLOOR
Bamboo has been used as an alternative for
flooring because of its physical similarities to true
hardwoods. Bamboo floor manufacturers and sellers
promote its strength, durability, its eco-friendliness
and its natural resistance to insects and moisture.
The hardness of traditional bamboo flooring ranges
from 1180 (carbonized horizontal) to around 1380
(natural), while newer manufacturing techniques
including strand woven bamboo flooring range from
3000 to over 5000 using the Janka hardness test.
Other flooring materials have comparable Janka
ratings, with a higher number indicating a harder
material: red oak (1290); white oak (1360); rock
maple (1450); hickory (1820); and Brazilian Cherry /
Jatoba (2350).

BAMBOO AS WALL

Solid bamboo walls give a

room a pleasant and warm look. The
bamboo walls have, just like many
other Derako walls, very good
acoustic characteristics. To improve
these acoustic characteristics even
further the spaces between the
bamboo slats can be fitted with an
acoustic non-woven tissue. The
bamboo used on the walls is available
in four different colours: DT neutral,
DT caramel, SP neutral and SP
caramel.
Derako MOSO bamboo cladding
This Derako bamboo cladding is unique in its kind and combines the sustainable
and high quality MOSO bamboo slats with the innovative Derako system.

Bamboo is extremely sustainable

Walls fitted with solid bamboo are extremely sustainable. Bamboo walls are just
as durable as walls fitted with tropical hardwood

Curved bamboo walls

Both the linear system fitted with solid bamboo slats (finished with SLR profile),
and the grill system are suitable for curved or arched applications. These can
be applications in which the walls are curved or where they flow smoothly
into the ceilings. For these walls the creativity of the architect/designer is all
important.

BAMBOO AS ROOFING FRAME

The main advantages of using bamboo for roof constructions are:

It is a traditional
technology, which is well
understood by local artisans. No
special tools are required. The
large-scale utilization of bamboo
has no disastrous environmental
consequences (as in the case of
timber), on account of its quick
replacement within 4 or 5 years.
The physical properties of
bamboo make it an ideal
construction material for seismic
areas. Compared with most other
building materials, bamboo is
cheap to buy, process and maintain. There are, however, drawbacks that need to be
overcome, for example: limited durability, mainly on account of excessive wetting and
drying, insect and fungal attack, physical impact, and wear and tear; limited social
acceptability, as a result of the limited durability of bamboo. This construction system
was developed at the Research Laboratory for Experimental Construction, Kassel
College of Technology, Federal Republic of Germany, headed by Prof. Gernot Minke. It
demonstrates an unusual use of bamboo, in which the construction obtains its stability
by compressive forces, acting perpendicularly to the bamboo's axis. On the principle of
masonry barrel vaults, full-section bamboo culms are laid horizontally, one on top of the
other following a curve, defined by an inverted catenary. (This is a curve formed by
hanging a uniform chain freely between two points. The tensile forces induced by
gravitation run along the line connecting the points of contact of each chain link. Since
the curve remains stable when reversing the direction of forces, an inverted catenary is
the ideal shape of a barrel vault.) Split bamboo strips of equal length are hung such that
their ends are exactly the same distance apart as the ultimate roof span. The full-
section bamboo culms are laid horizontally forming an inverted vault. Split bamboo
strips are then laid on the inside, exactly opposite the outer ones. Holes are drilled
through the split and whole bamboo and fixed by bolts or rivets. The whole structure is
then turned over and fixed on the top of the walls, which preferably should have a
timber or concrete ring beam, onto which the roof is connected.

BAMBOO BRACING

The Bamboo Brace is a dynamic elbow splint for children with special needs that
encourage extension of the elbow at more favorable angles in order to learn gross and
fine motor skills as well as prevent undesired oral/facial interaction.

As a rehabilitation tool, The Bamboo Brace is excellent for both cases of

spasticity (i.e. cerebral palsy) and weakness (i.e. low muscle tone, Down syndrome). In
both situations, the dynamic re-alignment of the elbow assists children in gaining
strength and control of key joints and musculature that are critical to the development of
gross and fine motor skills.

As a flexible yet effective deterrent, The Bamboo Brace also prevents unwanted
interaction of the child’s hands with the head, neck, and face for a variety of situations
including mouthing, hand wringing, post cleft lip and palate surgery, autism and Rett
syndrome.
 BAMBOO PRESERVATION

Treated Bamboo Poles

Many developing counties (where most bamboos grow) suffer a lack of
awareness and professional treatment facilities. Furthermore, not all curing methods
ensure satisfying results which leads to uncertainties about the advantages of using
bamboo all together.

A lot of bamboos used for structural purposes in rural housing are untreated (or
the wrong species) and deteriorate in just a couple of years, hence the reason bamboo
is still considered as a poor man's timber.

Not only does the incorrect use affect the reputation of bamboo, it also
puts heavy pressure on the resource, since frequent replacement is necessary.

Chemical preservatives
Should be used to protect bamboo products from such degradation. These are
well established methods providing good protection even in adverse conditions.

Bamboo Insect Infestation

Untreated bamboo, just like

almost any other wood, has a high
chance of being attacked by insects.
Bamboo insect infestation occurs
due to the presence of starch and
other carbohydrates. Insects obtain
their food supply from the bamboo
and degrade it, therefore bamboo
should be chemically treated to
avoid infestation.
How to Remove Bamboo Mold

The forming of bamboo mold,

spores and mildew on the surface of
bamboo canes is not uncommon,
especially when bamboo is not 100%
dry. Surface mold on bamboo
products will only occur once, maybe
twice until the moisture content inside
the bamboo canes is completely
evaporated.

Leaching Bamboo

Storing bamboo in water or

"leaching bamboo" is a traditional
bamboo preservation method, used
by indigenous communities and
farmers of several Asian and Latin
American regions. In Latin America it
has been the tradition to transport
bamboo from the mountain and
jungle areas towards the urban
centers by means of bamboo rafts.

LIFESPAN

Without any protective treatment, most bamboo species have an average natural
durability of less than 2 years. Stored under cover, untreated bamboo may last 4-7
years. These variations in bamboo durability strongly depend on the species, the length
of the culm, the thickness of the wall, but also, and equally important, the time of
harvesting.
 BAMBOO CONNECTION AND NAILING

Some types of connections

A modern steel connection

Aims followed by the use of bamboo lead todifferent connection layouts. We chose the
way that powertransition is done as a criterion to seperate them from eachother.

 friction-tight ropeconnections

Connection with bamboo strips Friction-tight rope connections are the common
connecting method. Traditionally natural materials are used:

 cocos/sago palm fibre

 bast
 Strips of bamboo
 Rattan

For tight connections green bamboo strips are used, the fibres is watered before
tying around the bamboo. While drying, the fibres shorten and the connection
becomes stronger.

Nowadays also industrial materials are used:

 iron wire (zinc coated)

 Plastic tapes/ ropes
 BAMBOO JOINT AND JOINERY TECHNIQUES

How to join bamboo and what are the best bamboo joints? Well first of, it is
important to know a few basics principles about joining bamboo before discussing the
different joinery techniques. So here goes...

 Do not use green, fresh cut bamboo. Bamboo has to be completely dry before
using it in construction (preferable air dried). During the drying process the
bamboo diameter shrinks, so when bamboo is used in joinery this will result in
lose and weak joints after a few weeks.
 Do not use bamboo when it is less then 3 years of age. Only use mature
bamboo of 4-6 years.
 Do not use bamboo infected by insects (powder beetle for example). Bamboo
has to be properly cured with a boron mix immediately after harvesting.
 Do not use bamboo that has flourished. Rest assured bamboo
only flourishes once in a lifetime (60-120 years).
 Do not use bamboo poles with profound vertical cracks.
 Use appropriate cuts and joints when building with bamboo.
 Use bamboo with the right diameter and wall thickness for your project.
 Do not use conventional wood nails in bamboo joinery, they will cause the
bamboo to split. Instead use nylon, steel or vegetal cord of the appropriate
diameter.
 When using bamboo as a column make sure that the lower part connecting with
the surface ends with a node. If not the bamboo will splinter when struck (for
example to position the column).
 When connecting bamboo poles with bolts, make sure to bolt them together in
between 2 nodes, otherwise the bamboo may crush.

BAMBOO PEGS
Bamboo Clothes Peg
Bamboo Clothes Pegs are the perfect alternative to a plastic peg. They are strong and
durable and will have a longer lifespan than a plastic clothes peg. One major
environmental advantage of using a bamboo peg is that when they do eventually reach
their end of life, you can remove the metal and compost the bamboo. This makes these
pegs the ultimate zero waste product.
Bamboo for frames
In earthquake areas, bamboo's flexibility makes it a good choice for construction of a frame for
floors, walls, and roofs. Such a frame may then be finished by weaving bamboo to form the solid
parts of the building, or by using other materials such as clay, mud, or thatch.

Use only whole culms. Cut off and discard the upper, tapered ends of each culm so that all shafts
used will have uniform thickness and strength.

The design of a bamboo frame is simple:

Begin with corner posts firmly planted in the corners set out at the site. Next, attach joists
(horizontal culms that will support the floor and roof). Then attach studs (vertical culms that will
form the wall frame).

Bamboo for floors

The culm of certain species can be split open and flattened out, making a "board".
Among other uses, these boards can be laid directly on a hard earth surface to make a
floor. Clay is the best soil for this purpose. It should be evenly graded (for proper
drainage) before the boards are pounded into place.
Bamboo for Foundations
There is very limited use of bamboo as foundation material because when in contact with
moisture laden surface they decay fast. However, this issue can be tackled to quite an extent
though proper treatment using appropriate chemicals.

The various types of foundations constructed with bamboo are:

a) Bamboo which is in direct contact with ground surface.

b) Bamboo fixed to rock or preformed concrete footings

c) Composite bamboo or concrete columns

d) Bamboo piles

RATTAN USES

 Rattan use for friction-tight rope connections.

 Lashing ties is the common type of connectionat a joint is lashing. The ties are also of
organicmaterial and therefore provide optimalcompatibility between the elements of
theconstruction system. It also use as cords and ropes, binding wire, plate srips.
 Rattan tie to fix a plug connection
 Friction-tied rattan connection.
 The end ofthe beam and the tie do the powertransmission. If the connection is not
tightenough, the beam may crack at the drill-hole.The additional bandage prevents the
sling fromslipping. If connected at a post nodium, thebroader nodium in addition
complicates slipping of the beam. If post and cross-beam are of the same diameter,
thelashing tie replaces a stop at the side. Acroossing bandage shortens the sling
andprevents the post from sliding.
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ACTUAL BAMBOO HOUSE

 Bamboo interior

ng Area Porch
 Indoor Garden

Kitchen Area Entrance and Gallery

Front View

Top View
 Master Bedroom and private toilet
and bath

Bedroom 1 Public Toilet and Bath