Bamboo: An Innovative Buiding Material

Bamboo: An Innovative
Material
Literature Review
Cont
ents
Introductio
Intention
of Thesis
n
Dictionary
Meaning Of Keywords
Characteristics,
Aspects
of the issue
Historical
Aspect of
theofphenomenon
Chronological documentation
architecture
Contemporary architecture
Opinions of Experts
workshop
Introduct
Bamboo is one of the oldest and most versatile building
ion
materials with many applications in the field of construction,
particularly in developing countries, It is strong and lightweight
and can often be used without processing or finishing. In spite of
these clear advantages, the use of bamboo has been largely
restricted to temporary structures and lower grade buildings due to
limited natural durability, difficulties in jointing, a lack of structural
design data and exclusion from building codes.
The diminishing wood resource and restrictions imposed on
felling in natural forests, particularly in the tropics, have focused
world attention on the need to identify a substitute material which
should be renewable, environmentally friendly and widely
available. In view of its rapid growth (exceeding most fast growing
woods), a ready adaptability to most climatic conditions and
properties superior to most juvenile fast growing wood, bamboo
emerges as a very suitable alternative. However, in order to fully
exploit the potential of bamboo, development effort should be
directed at the key areas of preservation, jointing, structural design
Introdu
Bamboo: An Innovative Material is a comprehensive effort
to emphasize the inherent strength and flexibilityction
of the
material, highlighting its high scientific credentials and simple
applicability; all leading to the realization that bamboo can
prove to be a startling replacement for the modern materials.
Exploiting the potential of bamboo, developing preservation
techniques, jointing techniques, structural design and
codification adds to research.
Providing Bamboo Research and Development Center
can help in this direction. Using bamboo as a major building
can aware people about Bamboo as a structural material
creating its vocabulary of Architecture.
Introduct
Bamboo:
An
Innovative
Material
is
a
ion
comprehensive effort to emphasize the inherent strength
and flexibility of the material, highlighting its high
scientific credentials and simple applicability; all leading
to the realization that bamboo can prove to be a
startling replacement for the modern vocabulary of
steel, aluminum and glass.
Exploiting the potential of bamboo, developing
preservation techniques, jointing techniques, structural
design and codification adds to research.
Providing Bamboo Research and Development
Center can help in this direction. Using bamboo as a
major building can aware people about Bamboo as a
structural
material
creating
its
vocabulary
of
Architecture.
Introducti
Bamboo:
An
Innovative
Material
is
a
on
comprehensive effort to emphasize the inherent strength
and flexibility of the material, highlighting its high
scientific credentials and simple applicability; all leading
to the realization that bamboo can prove to be a
startling replacement for the modern vocabulary of
steel, aluminum and glass.
Exploiting the potential of bamboo, developing
preservation techniques, jointing techniques, structural
design and codification adds to research.
Providing Bamboo Research and Development
Center can help in this direction. Using bamboo as a
major building can aware people about Bamboo as a
structural
material
creating
its
vocabulary
of
Architecture.
Intention of
Thesis
The intention of thesis is to explore how

bamboo can be a participatory material in
creating contemporary architectural spaces.
The Great Hall, The Cooper Union
Cross waters -Bamboo bridge
Kontum Indochine Cafe
tionary
Bamboo : ameanings
kind of grass, whichof key words
explains the speed of growth. This
means that theres lots of it, and
when its harvested it grows itself
back again quickly enough not to
leave a dent in the eco-system.
Material : the matter from which a
thing is or can be made.
Innovative : the application of
better solutions that meet new
requirements, in articulated needs,
or existing market needs.
Elaboration on Issue
aracteristics, aspects of the issue

atures
ecies
ysical properties
eatment
es other than construction
torical aspect of the phenomenon

igin of bamboo
currence in the world and India
urrent uses
Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Features
Even though bamboo can reach up to
35m high it is not considered as a tree
or bush, but rather the fastest
growing grass in the world.
This plant appears in every various
climate of any continent except arctic
Antarctica and Europe.
Its
because
of
its
extensive
underground network. Like a regular
grass in our lawns, when bamboo is
being cut, this underground roots can
grow to another stem which is
professionally called clum. It can never
happen to any kind of a tree.
it can grow to its maturity up to 3
years and then it is ready for
harvesting.
Characteristics,
Aspects of the issue
Species
Bambusa balcooa
Local name: Bhaluka
Habitat & distribution: Occurs at altitudes of up to 600
m. Prefers heavy textured soil with good drainage.
Uses: The most common use of this sturdy and strong
bamboo is in house construction. It is a good bamboo for
scaffolding and ladders.
Bambusa bambos
Local names: Kotoha
Habitat & distribution: Attains the best growth in moist
deciduous forests up to an altitude of 1000 metres. Prefers
rich and moist soil, and thrives near perennial rivers and
valleys.
Uses: It is used as raw material for pulp and paper, to
make panel products and handicrafts, and for thatching
and roofing.
Bambusa nutans
Local names: Bidhuli, Mukia ASSAM
Characteristics,
Species
Bambusa pallida
Local names: Bijuli
Habitat & distribution: Grows best in high rainfall and
humidity areas with moderately high temperature.
Uses: Mainly used in for making baskets, and mats.
Bambusa polymorpha
Local names: Jama betwa
Habitat & distribution: Prefers deep, fertile, welldrained loam and riverine alluvial soil
Uses: It is a bamboo with many uses - as edible shoot,
in woven form for handicrafts, and
for house
construction.
Bambusa tulda
Local names: Jati
Habitat & distribution: Occurs at altitudes of 1500
metres and thrives along water courses
Uses: Traditionally favoured for basketry and woven
applications.
Dendrocalamus brandisii
Local names: Bulka
Characteristics,
Species
Dendrocalamus giganteus
Local names: Maipo
Habitat & distribution: Grows well in humid tropical and subtropical regions
Uses: Used for construction purposes and to make boat
masts.
Dendrocalamus hamiltonii
Local names: Kako
Habitat & distribution: Occurs in fine-textured soil in semievergreen forests.
Uses: Used as edible shoot, for roofing and construction
purposes.
Dendrocalamus strictus
Local names: Lathi bans
Habitat & distribution: Found normally at altitudes up to
1000 m, in dry, open deciduous forests.
Uses: The culms are used as building material and for
making furniture, mats, basketry and implements.
Characteristics,
Species
Melocanna bambusoides
Local names: Mautak
Habitat & distribution: It grows best on low hills and
in undulating countryside.
Uses: Used in the construction of houses and for
making woven products. An important source for
paper pulp.
Ochlandra travancorica
Local names: Eera, Eatta, Earakalli, Kreetta
Habitat & distribution: Thrives in moist deciduous
and semi-evergreen forests
Uses: Used for basketry, mat-making and
decorative handicrafts.
Schizostachyum dullooa
Local names: Dullooa
Habitat & distribution: Grows in the lower
elevations up to an altitude of 1200 m.
Uses: Making baskets, mats and small boxes.
Thyrostachys oliveri
Local names: Kanak Kai

Physical properties
Tensile strength: The fibres of the bamboo
run axial. In the outer zone are highly elastic
vascular bundle, that have a high tensile
strength. The tensile strength of these fibres is
higher than that of steel, but its not possible to
construct connections that can transfer these
tensile strengths.
Shrinking: Bamboo shrinks more than wood

when it loses water. The canes can tear apart
at the nodes. Bamboo shrinks in the cross
section ca. 10-16 %, in the wall thickness ca.
15-17 %.
Fire resistance: The fire resistance is very

good because of the high content of silicate
acid. Filled up with water, it can stand a
temperature of 400 C while the water cooks

Treatment
Untreated
bamboo
have
life
expectancy no more than five years
and can be attacked by fungi and
insects.
Moreover it can cause high risk of fire
spread when internodes in the clum
can burnt and collapse the building.
That
makes
bamboo
not
very
impressive building material, but as
every product it has to come across
well prepared treatment, before being
used in construction.
This plant consists of carbohydrates
that attracts fungi and insects. The
solution for this issue is to inject water
soluble salts into bamboo cells. When
water evaporates it removes starch

Bamboo is subject to attack by micro-organisms and insects
in almost any construction application. Unfortunately, like most
ligno cellulosic materials, bamboo has very low resistance to
biological degrading agents The service life is therefore mainly
determined by the rate of attack.
A variety of methods to improve the durability of bamboo
have, however, been developed. Several of these techniques
Non-chemical (traditional) of preservation
are described here with the aim of providing helpful guidelines
Non-chemical methods of preservation, otherwise methods
to users.
known as traditional methods are widely used by villagers and
can be undertaken without the use of any special or
sophisticated plant and equipment or significant increase in
costs. Typical traditional methods include:
Smoking
Whitewashing
Elevated construction

Smoking method
Traditionally, bamboo culms are
placed above fireplaces inside the
house so that the smoke and heat
rises up and both dries and
blackens the culms. It is possible
that the process produces some
toxic agents that provide a degree
of protection. Alternatively, the heat
generated by the fire could possibly
destroy or reduce the starch content
of
the
parenchyma
cells
by
pyrolysis.

Whitewashing method
Bamboo culms and bamboo
mats for housing construction
are often painted with slaked
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 water or moisture
absorption is delayed or in
some cases prevented which
will provide a higher resistance
to fungal attack. However,
there remains a question as to
whether the bamboo can be
weakened over time by such an
alkaline
treatment.
In

Elevated construction method
The elevated construction method is
designed to prevent the bamboo coming
into direct contact with the ground by
placing the bamboo posts on stones or preconstructed cement. In this way the
bamboo can be kept dry, thereby reducing
deterioration due to fungal attack. Good air
circulation throughout the structure is also
necessary. Furthermore, treatment of the
bamboo with water repellent formulations
reduces the hygroscopic properties with
the effect that moulds are discouraged. In
addition, careful attention to construction
detailing will help to enhance the service
life of the building. Comments Undoubtedly
traditionally treated bamboo culms show
increased resistance to insect and fungal
attack when compared to freshly cut
bamboo culms. However, because of the

Chemical treatment methods
Bamboo culms have a number of important chemical and
anatomical differences from hardwoods and softwoods. These
differences have a significant influence on the efficacy of
treatments applied to bamboo. Three major anatomical
differences that influence the penetration of preservative solution
between bamboo culms and hardwoods and softwoods can be
identified:
The ray cells in hardwoods and softwoods are linked to form a
radial transport system. These structures are absent from
bamboo where there are no cells to facilitate an easy movement
of liquids in the radial direction.
The vessels, which run axially between the internodes, are
isolated from each other by parenchyma cells. The vessels branch
extensively within the node region of the culms. There is a
gradation in vessel size - small at the periphery of the culm and
larger in the centre.
The outside wall of the culm is lined with epidermal cells. The

The following chemical treatment techniques are described
below:
Butt treatment
Open tank method for cold soaking
Boucherie method
Modified Boucherie method
Pressure treatment
Hot and cold bath process
Glue line treatment

Butt treatment
The butt ends of 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 culm. The method is used for the
treatment of shorter culms with a
high moisture content (green or
freshly cut). The treatment process
is very slow and often the vessels do
not take up enough of the liquid to
preserve,
by
diffusion,
the
surrounding fibres 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

Open tank method for
cold soaking
The open tank treatment
method is economical, simple
and provides good effective
protection for bamboo. Culms,
which have been prepared to
size, are submerged in a
solution of a water-soluble
preservative for a period of
several days. The solution
enters the culm through the
ends and sides by means of
diffusion. Immature bamboo
culms can be penetrated by
preservative solution more
easily than mature culms. This
is probably largely due to the
increased lignification present
in mature culms.
a. Trough containing submerg

bamboo.
b. Level of preservative.
c. Large stones to keep bamb
submerged.
d. Plastic cover to protect aga
rain.
e. Stones to keep plastic cove
place.

Boucherie method
The Boucherie method requires the culms
to be in a green condition. The watertransporting part of the culm can be
penetrated completely and the treatment
itself is applied by an inexpensive
installation. Preservative is fed by gravity
from a container placed at a higher level
than the culm through pipes into its base
end. The culms are fastened to the tubes
by rubber sheaths and clamps. It is also
possible to hang the culm vertically and to
scratch the inner wall of the top internode
in order to use it as a reservoir for
treatment. The treatment is terminated
when the solution at the dripping end
shows a sufficiently highconcentration of
chemicals.
a) Drum on tower
b) Tube, pressure
resistant
c) Valves
d) Pipe, steel or
iron
e) Connecting
tubes with
metallic
clamps
f) Bamboo culms
g) Drip trough

Modified
method
Boucherie
The
basic
Boucherie
method has been improved
by the introduction of
pneumatic pressure over
the preservative fluid in a
reservoir, for example by
using an air pump or
electric
pump.
The
preservative
is
forced
axially through the culm by
the air pressure in the
reservoir. In this way the
time of treatment can be
reduced from several days
to 3-8 hours. In other
respects the process is
similar to that for the basic
Boucherie method.

Pressure treatment method
Pressure treatment, using either
creosote
or
waterborne
preservatives,
offers
the
best
method of preservation for bamboo
culms. The applied pressure ranges
from around 0.5-l .5N/mm2 (5-15
bar) and as such requires special
plant and equipment. Accordingly,
costs are high, but a service life of
up to 15 years can be expected
from adequately treated bamboo
when used in the open and in
contact with the ground. In order to
achieve
sufficient
chemical
penetration and absorption, the
culms must be air dried prior to
treatment. Also, since the inner skin
of the culm is slightly more
permeable than the outer skin, split

Hot and cold bath process
When pressure treatment facilities are not available
the hot and cold bath process offers an acceptable
alternative. 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 about 90C held at
that temperature for about 30 minutes and then
allowed to cool.
When using preservatives which can precipitate when
heated, it is best to pre-heat the bamboo in a suitable
liquid, such as water, and then transfer the hot
bamboo into a separate tank containing cold
preservative. In order to assist the effectiveness of
the treatment, the impermeable diaphragm of the
nodes should be cleanly bored through, thus
providing uninterrupted access throughout the culm
for the preservative. When the treatment process has
been completed, the bamboo should be allowed to

Glue line treatment
Glue line treatment is
specific to the manufacture
of bamboo mat board and
involves
adding
preservatives to the glue
during manufacture. This
process
is
also
more
economical
than
using
adhesives of a higher solid
content. Additives which
have
been
shown
to
provide
effective
preservative
treatment
without impairing the bond
strength of the mat board
include 1% Chlordane or
1%
sodium
octaborate
tetrahydrate with a 1:2
diluted
PF
solution
Bleaching
Bleaching is hydrogen peroxide removes traces of

resin or wax. If it stays in it too long, the bamboo
will get perished.
Dyeing
Every country has developed its own traditional
method of dyeing. In principle:
1. Remove the wax, otherwise the colour cant
penetrate into the bamboo.
2. Bleach before dyeing, so the colour will become
more regular.
3. After dyeing, fix the colour in a solution of
vinegar.
Other methods:
In
Japan, the surface will be peeled off,

hydrochloride acid is put on the bamboo and the
canes are put in an oven. Treating the canes get
a brown colour. Treating the canes with copper

Fire retardant treatment
Fire presents a potential hazard
in any form of construction, but
the risk is especially high in
bamboo
buildings.
The
combination of bamboo and
matting, and the tendency of the
internodes to burst causes rapid
fire spread. The danger is
increased when the joint lashings
are destroyed, which can cause
catastrophic collapse of the
building. It is, however, possible
to
treat
bamboo
with
a
combination of preservative and
fire retardant chemicals. The
process is normally carried out by
pressure treatment. A commonly
used chemical composition is

Uses other than construction
Bamboo is adopted for various use and
many
products
developed
over
the
centuries
by
different
cultures
and
communities. Unidirectional
fibre fast
growing and simultaneously high strength
both in tensile and compression makes this
material versatile to be adapted in simple
to complex forms and designs. This quality
of bamboo, given varied role in human
cultural evolution than any other plant.
Bullock Cart in Manipur, India
A Cutaway View of monpa Bamboo

Suspancsion Bridge
A Cutaway View Showing the

Uses other than construction
Diagram showing construction of Broom
Sectional
Diagram of Chang naga
mug View of the Tuibur
Diagram of Heding Basket
Mould made of bamboo slates Diagram Showing Construction of Muda
Historical Aspect of the phenomenon

Origin of Bamboo
The plant known as bamboo to the entire world has been

around and used for centuries. Records dating back more
than seven thousand years talk about products made of
bamboo such as arrows, paper, building materials, and
books. Because of its origins, the current way it is used, and
the economic sustainability of the plant, bamboo is an
excellent resource.

Origin of Bamboo
While bamboo grows everywhere in the

world except those places with extremely
cold climates, it is thought to have
originated in China, where the first use of
bamboo to make every day items was
recorded. This tall, hearty grass (yep) was
used for as many products as they could
manage, as it was a quickly renewable
resource. The species of bamboo that we
know today evolved from prehistoric
grasses between thirty and forty million
years ago, long after the extinction of the
dinosaurs. It then became the major food
source for herbivorous animals, eventually
becoming a food source for the modern
human being as well.
Bamboo has been used through history
not only because of the strength of the
material, but also through the renewable

Occurrence in the world
It is noted that there
are about 10 genera
divided
into
about
1450 species, that
grow in diverse climate.
The occur from East
Asia through northern
Australia to west India
and Himalayas. We can
also find some species
in sub-Saharan Africa
and mid-Atlantic United
States, Argentina and
Chile.
Unfortunately,
there are no native
species
found
in
Europe. Obviously, we
all know that bamboo
origin is dated about
Distribution of Bamboo (World)

Occurrence in India
India is well endowed with resources of

bamboo, the second largest in the
world. Bamboo grows on millions of
hectares of forest land, in homesteads
and on private plantations. There are
almost 130 species in India, spread
across 18 genera.
Distribution of
Bamboo (India)
MAJOR BAMBOO GROWING

REGIONS / STATES
AREA
(%)
Gross
Share
North East
28.0
66
Madhya Pradesh
20.3
12
Maharashtra
9.9 5
Orissa
8.7 7
Andhra Pradesh7.4 2
Karnataka
5.5
3
Other States
20.2
5
25% of total in tropics
(Kerala, UP,
20% of total in subtropics
Jharkhand,
West Bengal)
Melocanna bambusoides
Species Wise
distribution of
Bamboo in India
Dendrocalamus strictus
Dendrocalamus brandisii
Bambusa balcooa
Area Wise distribution of

Bamboo in India
Bambusa Arundinacea
State Wise
distribution of
Bamboo in India

Current Use
Major bamboo research didnt
begin until 1920, when the history of
the plant was studied. It has shown
that there are native species of
bamboo
almost
everywhere,
including the United States. It is now
used widely in landscaping, but
bamboo grows in two styles,
clumping and running, which make it
a widespread plant that can easily
take over a garden if not cared for
properly.
While
bamboo
was
used
frequently in the eastern hemisphere
for housing for centuries, it is now
only becoming popular in the
western part of the world. More and
Architecture dealing with that

cal documentation of architecture dealing in that phenomenon
issue
uction
struction in Asia (8000 a.c.)

struction in Japan (8000 a.c.)
be house with beam and poles (3500 a.c.)
(600 a.c.) the loto copula
forced works (850 d.c.)
Joints
Constructions
ary architecture dealing with phenomenon

nstructive process
eservation
ent of joints techniques
ding elements
construction industry
Chronological documentation of
architecture
First Constructions
The original forms are considerate
today classic but nowadays those are
still used frequently for simple
refugee or just for a place to selling.
Examples are the one whit a big
round top carried by one central mast
or the ones with the rectangular top
carried by two mast.
Construction in Asia
architecture
(8000 a.c.)
The first construction,

made of a round top
carried by one central
mast, developed in a
new structure made by
four pillars and four
beams of wood that
work as support for the
bamboo witch give the
conic shape of the roof.
architecture
Construction in Japan (8000 a.c.)
architecture
Adobe house with beam and poles.

3500 a.c.
In general is very difficult to understand if a

prehistoric structure 3000 years ago was build
by bamboo or by wood for the reason that both
have organic nature that make the process of
decomposition very rapid. There are reasons to
believe that this primitive houses were made
with bamboo. Olaf Holm(1985) told that the
most ancient house was found in Real
Alto,Ecuador, build 5.000 years ago. It had oval
shape and an height of 4.50m. Walls were
made of mud and straw. The ones who
developed this technique were the indigenous
ancestor that lived in central America more
than 6.000 years ago.
architecture
natives were excellent bamboo
The
builders. To save their houses both from
inundations in the wet season and from the
dangerous animals of the jungle, they
elevated their houses from the ground.
3.500 years ago professor Merino found in
Canton Milagro,Ecuador, pieces of mud with
the mould of bamboo panels . This was the
rest of an ancient wall made by panels of
bamboo filled with mud and straw.
architecture
The adobe houses was the solution traditionally used in the seismic zone
of south America. From Colombia to Bolivia. The same solution were used
in Indonesia, land of volcanoes and earthquakes. To build an adobe
house are used poles ,each at a distance of one step from another, linked
horizontally by squash bamboo and finally filled by mud or clay.
architecture
Adobe building system imply a big
The
weight, for this reason, in construction
higher than one floor the mud is
eliminated from between the panels of
bamboo. Adobe is very vulnerable by
water, rain and ascendant humidity. Its
required that walls don't touch the
ground and a good eaves that will repair
it.
architecture
Arch. 600 a.c
The only nation who used the advantage of
bamboo's flexibility for the construction of temples and
houses was India. It happen in the Vedica Era. The
Indians discover that the superior part of the cane was
stronger in compression than the inferior part of the
base, for the reason that the superior part has a bigger
number
of fibres.
In order
to roots
create
more
attractive
The Hindu
tradition
has its
in the
Vedica
era. Around 600 a.c..
designs,
Indianmany
builders
started
use the canes
in a
In those years
cultures
andto
populations
fuse together
in the plains
way
thatOnce
could
generate
of the
of have
lotusshelters made of
of India.
they
become arcs
farmers,
theyshape
used to
flower.
bamboo and simple roofs of leafs. This simple and modest houses were
the starting point of Indian architecture There are three styles of the
construction in this Era. Those are characterized by the different shape of
the roof.
In the first period houses were build like beearchitecture
hive, a circular bamboo
wall hold together by bands of wicker and covered by a thatch or a

cupola. In the second period, for reason of space, the diameter of the
plan couldn't be bigger, for this the house become bigger just in one
direction, taking the shape of a rectangle with a barrel roof and bended
straw. In the third period the wood construction adapted for bricks and
stone, while the roof substitute straw with panels of wood or ceramic.
These three kind of architecture reflect also the class of the owner. The
first typology was the one reserved for the low class, the second for the
middle class and the third for nobility, temples and mosque.
In order to give the shape of barrel to the houses of rectangular
plant was used a kind of belt that press the arch until it take the shape
of a flower petal or horseshoe.
The elasticity of the roof was one reason for the artesian of India to
adopt the form of loto or horseshoe. But there were more reason. The
petal of loto ,in fact, symbolize the sunrise from sea or from the waters
of the divine Ganga river. The adoration for the born of the sun is part of
the rituals of India since prehistoric time.
The loto cupola
architecture
There four essential elements in the ribbed
vault that guarantee the stability of all the
structure:
1- the central pole has to be strongly joint in
the ground or on a stable surface.
2- bamboo ribs
3-the relation between the ribs and the point
of strength of the cupola
The elasticity of the
4-the lid that provides the ribs to the crown of
roof was one reason for
the cupola.
the artesian of India to
adopt the form of loto
or horseshoe. But there
were more reason. The
petal of loto ,in fact,
symbolize the sunrise
from sea or from the
waters of the divine
Ganga
river.
The
adoration for the born
This image of Vedica village shows
architecture
how the different construction use
bamboo The first house was the
one of circular plant, with bamboo
cupola, that developed in the
rectangular plant house with a
barrel shape roof.
The stone cupola of Taj Mahal

derives from the ancient cupola
made of bamboo.
Reinforced works 850 d.c.
architecture
The Chimu civilization, from Peru,
central America, could build houses
until 9m of height. They were the first
in using vertical joints, expansion
joint and big bamboo in walls as
reinforce them in order to prevent
damages from earthquakes.
In the upper image we can see

the use of bamboo inside the
adobe wall as wall the
architecture
The verticals joints were made every
5 m. In this time, people already
know that those kind of articulation
permit the movement of big vertical
walls in horizontal direction. More
over the wall could expand or
decrease during the change of
temperature
day-night.
Bamboo
reinforces,
worked
as
metallic
reinforces works today. This device
gives stability to walls and elasticity
during earthquakes.
This technique was known from more
architecture
ancient time. Since already Chinese

used to reinforce their adobe walls
with bamboo of small diameter,3-4
cm, putted horizontally and vertically
creating a grid perpendicular to the
ground.
The maximum experts of this
technique were the Chimu', that used
a spice of gigantic bamboo in the big
city of Chan Chan. In this way they
could build big building instead of
the simple home of the Chinese.
Chan Chan city. Peru'. (founded
approx 850 d.c.).
In
1535
Pizzaro
and
his
'conquistadores' arrived to Peru. Also
Chanchan city was attacked but the
big bamboo walls and the perfect
skills of the Chimu in build arms and
architecture
Traditional joints
All the construction seen until
now, were developed in those
ancient time in order to
guarantee some specific needs
given by time and place. From
the point of view of joints, is the
same, all the kinds of union are
quite simple and are still used in
many parts of the world
considering that their static
behaviour is satisfactory. The
unions that we will see are
realizable with a limited number
of tools, like machete, parang
and vegetable ropes.
Cut
architecture
Union through cut perpendicular to

the longitude.
Union through layered cut. The
support between the pieces increase,
in that way longitudinal work result
better distributed.
Union trough oblique cut, The
friction and cohesion between the
two parts increase.
Union through oblique layered cut.
The joint between the pieces is more
developed and the union will be more
Fish mouth.
architecture
The fish mouth is used to unite one extreme of
the bamboo cane with another perpendicular.
To get this kind of union is necessary to mould
the extreme of the cane in a round shape. The
important advice is to obtain more support
surface as possible, in order to increase the
solidarity work
Cut with flap.

In order to get a more solid union it's possible
to mold a flap, a short segment of the same
cane positioned in the two extremes. It
function is to join another cane, previously
perforated at 2-3cm upper the inferior node.
Tied
architecture
There are two kind of union through

rope. The basics that don't require
any tool and the advanced. These
need a tool that can perforate the
bamboo cane.
The tie trough simple node can be

made simply with the force of tension
given by hand. This union no needs of
tools.
It can be done a double tying for the

principal node. Is sufficient to make it
just in one node if the union is
Tied
architecture
The tie trough node with perforation,

requires the execution of one fissure
passing
trough
the
cane.
It's
recommended for angle unions.
Perpendicular tied
architecture
Oblique Tied
Wedge
With union through wedge we refer
to all those who requires an
external element that pass through
the bamboo cane. In traditional
union the wedge is made of the
same bamboo cane. In this way the
dilatation and contractions given
by changes of temperature and
humidity, will not affect the cane. If
the deformations are the same we
will not have any damage.
architecture
Traditional Constructions
While the Neolithic era was
arriving at his end also in the
more remote parts of New
Guinea, the bamboo era was
still live and his use was
essential in the economy of
many rural parts of Asia, Africa,
America. Moreover, in many
tropical country ,many parts of
the homes were build up with
bamboo both in rural zone and
urban zone.
Tongkonan. XIII sec
architecture
The Toraja are an ethnic group that
live in the mountainous region of
South
Sulawesi,
Indonesia.
Tongkonan are the traditional
Torajan ancestral houses. They
stand high on wooden piles,
topped with a layered splitbamboo roof shaped in a sweeping
curved arc, and they are incised
with red, black, and yellow
detailed wood carvings on the
exterior
walls.
The
word
"tongkonan"
means
'to
sit'.
Construction of a tongkonan is
laborious work and is usually done
with the help of the extended
family. Tongkonan are the centre of
Torajan social life. The rituals
associated with the tongkonan are
architecture
inds of traditional roofs
Two myths to explain the toraja house's architecture
shape:
According to myth, the first Toraja house was
constructed in heaven by Puang Matua, the
Creator . It was built on four poles, and the roof
was made of Indian cloth. Next, Puang Matua
ordered the construction of another house, on
iron poles and a bamboo roof. When the ancestor
of mankind descended to earth in the southern
half of Toraja he imitated the heavenly house,
and a big house ceremony was held for the
occasion.
Making an house which roof w has two ends
bending upwards. This particular form is
explained in various ways. The first story
stresses resemblance to a boat - since, according
to myth, the ancestors of the Toraja people came
by boat from the Mekong Delta in South China the second story claims that the arch-shaped
roof looks like the sky. This is, indeed, reflected
Bamboo roof in Sumatera
architecture
and Sulawesi
The bamboo roof is totally

supported by the wood
columns.
Tana toraja
Indonesia
House,south
Sulawesi.
A.
Pasermah
House,Sumatera.Indonesia.
B. Tamimbar House, Maluku islands.
Indonesia
Twisted beehive. Ethiopia XIIIsec.
architecture
In Ethiopia,Africa were developed two kinds
of home twisted with bamboo Chencha
house and Sidamo House .
The
high
of
Chencha
house
can
reach,sometimes, eight meters from the
ground and uses to have 6 meters of
diameter Builders dig a circle in which the
bamboo are insert at 10 cm distance each
other. They start to twist horizontal rings
every time smaller until the beehive is
completed. To finishing it builders use a
layer of cane leafs.
In this house there isn't central supports or
poles.
Do-chala. Bengal XIV
architecture
sec.
The majority of the building

were made with the
materials of the area,
bamboo and straw,
consisting in a rectangular
plan covered by a curved
thatch.
architecture
Influence of bamboo
construction in Islamic
architecture
Like for the loto cupola, the form
of the dochala was created by the
artesian from India, much more
before they converted to Islam
and bring those shape to the
Islamic temple, the mosque. In
India people were used to use
straw and bamboo for their
constructions
but
when
the
Muslims arrived, they bring their
already formed tradition and
imposed their building method to
local population From this collision
we
can
extrapolate
three
distinctive
character
of
the
building in order to understand the
Bengala's houses we can see the
architecture
1. In
shape of the roof that is kind of curved,
creating also big eaves. The curve of the
roof can be reach tanks to the elasticity of
bamboo There are two kinds of roof :the
Chauchala, that has four sides and the
Dochala that has two sides and ends in a
gable roof. This kind of roof-shape
contributed to influence the styles of
Hindu architecture at the time they start to
use stone and bricks
2. The peculiar design of Bengali' house
also take inspiration from the first bamboo
huts present in the area. There are two
main characteristic in those huts that have
to be considered: First, the four corner
poles are joined together by diagonal long
bamboo canes. Second,the presence of
niches on the wall surfaces and a
1. Original roof with straight edge.
2. The
architecture
straight top is curved and gives the docha-la
shape at the roof.
4. When the Chauchal roof was

in a square
3. The straight faces of the dochala roofadopted
are curved
shape
plant the vault was born.
as well, giving to the top the shape of 'roof
chauchala'.
Pole and beam. XVI sec
architecture
The system of couple and knuckle creates strains that can transfer the
weight of the roofs to buildings .This constructive method was originally
made with wood but can be easily transferred to bamboo.
One of the advantages given by use of bamboo instead of wood is in
the joint of crossed poles. When using wood,a big bending load will
weight on the structure's bolts. Bamboo has a very hard external skin
that makes it more similar to a metallic tube that a wood. In this way is
very difficult that the bolts of the crossed joints are deformed. With
additional mortar in the cell in which the bolts are we obtain a
satisfactory fastening.
With
constructive
method
it
possible
this
is
to
architecture
Bamboo houses in
Colombia
Colombia, probably is
the only country were
the bamboo is used in all
the components that are
making an house. From
the principal structure,
poles, beams, panels for
the floor, structure and
bars of the roof to walls.
architecture
Differently from Colombia, in Asia,
the principal structure of houses
and buildings are made of wood or
stone and the bamboo is reserved
for the making of roofs and
finishing of walls.
Bamboo structure for a traditional

rural house in Caldas, Colombia.
All the structure is made of
Manizales, Colombia
architecture
Manizales and the majority of the
cities of the province of Caldas grow
on the beautiful landscape of the
Andes. The pendent is very high, for
this reason is necessary to project a
kind of weaves. A series of
substructure were built, until the
height of 15 meters and they worked
as supports for the houses. This
houses were built by the campesinos
that used the enormous reserve of
bamboo in the area.
architecture
w of houses in the province of Caldas
architecture
architecture
China. XVIII sec.
Nowadays in the majority of
southeast Asia bamboo isn't
anymore used to build the
principal structure of the house.
But is evident that pagoda's
roofs are now built with wood or
concrete ,although originally
those were made with bamboo.
Bamboo
is
used for the
construction
of the roof
and
for
interior
and
exterior
walls.
More precisely in China, all the
architecture
structure, included roofs and walls
are made with wood. But in many
case the walls are made of adobe
reinforced with bamboo cane of
small diameter. In the past, the
more common material used in all
kinds
of
constructions,
was
bamboo, included in China.
In 1975 some students from the
University of Jakarta ,showed the
reconstructions of the 'stick roof'
of the XVIII were made with
bamboo.
Reiner Graefe said that G.th Hoech

showed is
theory in 1913,
One of the most interesting description about architecture
ancient house in China
can be found in the book written by Viollet le Duc in 1875,Histoire de
l'habitation humaine. The house, probably owned by a rich family, was
built with extensive use of bamboo. In le Duc's descriptions we find
plants and quality perspective of the details of constructions and of the
bamboo grid that closed all the openings allowing the free circulation of
air.
The housearchitecture
had a porch(P) elevated
some cm respect the ground line.

From the porch the people could
enter in the living room(A),where
the roof was enhanced in order to
get more light from the exterior
wall.(A) is opened to two lateral
rooms(B)lower in high and with
small corridor for access to two
covered balcony(C),one of them
next to the river. Behind the gallery,
one bigger corridor(D) brings to a
terrace(F),two rooms(E) and to one
larger and lower room(G) destinate
to cook and larder
Ones of the most interesting details of
architecture
the house are the skeleton of bamboo
of the Vierendell structure that is
located in the porch of the home and
the nice frames of rigid bamboo of the
living room that are supporting the roof.
Correct constructive process
Harvesting, storage and drying
At intervals of two to four years up to 30%
of the mature poles are removed from the
cluster. The remaining canes not only
support the young shoots but also
maintain the full power of the rhizomes.
Two to five year old bamboo poles are
considered most suitable for building and
other purposes.
The correct seasons for felling are autumn
and winter in the subtropics and dry
seasons in the tropics. This reduce attacks
by beetles because the insects are les
active. Feeling is best carried out using a
machete or similar tool. After felling the
branches have to be carefully removed so
that the outer skin of the cane is not
damaged.
There are two possibilities for drying
the bamboo canes. The air-drying
process in frames with good air
circulation takes 6-12 weeks. The kilndrying process takes only 2-3 weeks.
But some species of bamboo do not
tolerate quick drying. The bark
develops cracks or the poles split
axially.
Bamboo preservation
With increasing moisture of the
bamboo increases the danger, that
the bamboo will be attacked by
animals or vegetable pests like fungi,
beetles and termites. So the best
time for harvesting is the drier and
cooler season e=when the insects are
less active.
The pests can attack living bamboo
canes and felled ones and can
Development of
joints techniques
New techniques, new
materials and new tools
produce new kind of joints
Joinery
Round and hollow section of bamboo pole is uncomfortable fact for the
joinery and create many problems with modulation and prefabrication
of elements. Though it is possible to change its shape. Due to bamboo
flexibility, various shapes may be made by training the plant while it
grows. Squared bamboo is created by compressing the growing stalk
to the square form which provides more flat surface for the connection.
Unfortunately those methods are not common and requires more effort
to achieve desired shape.
Joining bamboo members to transfer load are the basic and the
most important part in the building process as their function it to
transfer
equallybetween
down tothose
the foundations.
The basicload
difference
types is thatWe can divide bamboo
connections
into two
types: cheap and simple
Low-technology
requires
connection
Low-technology
system connection
and also doesn't expect
specialised
High-technology
labour.connection
High-technology
joints
include using components such as steel plates
and bolds. The most common ways of joining
members are: parallel, orthogonal and angle
joints.
1. Traditional methods of Joining
Traditional jointing methods rely principally on lashing or tying, with or
without pegs or dowels. The basic joint types are:
1. Spliced joints
Catnapping
Butt Joint with side plates
Sleeves and inserts
2. Orthogonal joints
Butt joint
Crossover joint
3. Angled joints
4. Through joints
5. Friction-Tight Rope joints
6. Plugin joints and Bolt Structures
2. Contemporary methods of Joining

3. Structural & Non-structural Joints
1. Spliced joins
Two (or more) culms are joined in line to
form longer members. Splicing is usually
carried out in one of four ways: Fulllapping:
Full
section
culms
are
overlapped by at least one internodes
and tied together in two or three places.
For greater strength, bamboo or
hardwood dowels can also be used. One
Catnapping:
disadvantage of this joint is that it quite
Culms
bulky. to be joined should be of similar
diameter and cut longitudinally to half
depth over at least one internodes
length. The components are fixed as for
the full lap joint.
Butt joint with side plates: Culms
of similar diameter are laid end to
end. Side plates, made from quarterround culms of slightly larger
diameter and two or more internodes
long, are fixed over the joint by tying
and,
usually,
Sleeves
anddowelling.
inserts: short lengths
of bamboo of appropriate diameter
are
used
either
externally
or
internally to join two culms together
Variations on the basic splice
described above are shown.
joints
Orthogonal joints: These are the commonest
types of joint, where two or more members meet
or cross at right angles. The basic configurations
are:
Butt joint
Crossover joint
Butt joint:
The simplest form of butt joint comprises a
horizontal member supported directly on top of a
vertical member. Typical examples would be roof
eaves beams on posts or floor beams on
intermediate posts. The top of the post can be
cut to form a saddle to ensure secure seating of
the beam and good load Transfer.
The saddle should be close to a node to reduce
the risk of splitting. A variation on the saddle
involves the cutting of a long, integral tongue
Other details include The saddle detail canVariations The double bent join
square notched
also be
include
ends, side plates and applied to horizontal the double
tenons
framing
joint
For the single butt

joint,
improved
stiffness
can
be
achieved by the use
of a hardwood tenon
1and key.
The ends of the

horizontal
members can be
cut to form horns
or integral tenons
to be located in
corresponding
mortises in the
post.
However, for both these

methods, splitting is a risk.
Bamboo inserts also offer
a
solution,
but
this
requires the cutting of an
even larger hole in the
vertical member.
Crossover joint:
These are formed when two or more
members cross at right angles. In the
horizontal plane, the function of the
joint is mainly to locate the members
and to provide a degree of lateral
stability. Examples would include joist
to beam connections which can be
effected simply by tying. Where the
crossover is in the vertical plane, the
joint could be load bearing, as in the
connection of floor beams to posts.
Simple tying is an option, although
improved stability can be achieved by
supporting the beam either on the
stump of a branch at a node or on a
short
length
of
culm
tied
independently to the post. The
tendency to slip can be reduced by
insetting the supporting piece into the
Fixing methods:
Most types of joint rely mainly on tying or
lashing, with or without the use of pegs or
dowels. Ties can be made from split
bamboo, coir rope, palm fibre rope, iron wire
(preferably galvanised) or tape. In the case
of butt joints, the ties can be passed through
a predrilled hole or around hardwood or
bamboo pegs or dowels inserted into
preformed holes. Pegs are driven from one
side, usually at an angle to increase
strength; dowels pass right through the
member, usually at right angles. Crossover
joints can similarly be dowelled and tied.
Angled joints
Angled joints are formed where two or
more members meet or cross other than
at right angles. For butt joints, the ends
of the member can be shaped to fit in
much the same way as an orthogonal
saddle joint. Horns (integral tenons)
might also be used but fabrication is
time
consuming.
Examples
would
include web members in trusses. Angled
crossovers can be dealt with in much the
same way as orthogonal crossovers, for
example
the diagonal bracing in the
Through joints
plane
of a of
roof.
Members
differing diameters can
be joined by passing the smaller
through a hole drilled in the larger.
The joint is secured by a dowel
passing through both members.
Applications for this type of joint
might include partitions, doors and
window framing.
Friction-Tight Rope Connections
Lashing ties: The common type of
connection at a joint is lashing. The ties
are also of organic material and therefore
provide optimal compatibility between the
elements of the construction system.
Cords and ropes are made of bamboo
bark, bast, coconut or sago palm fibres.
Nowadays also plastic cords are used.
Bamboo ropes of twisted bamboo fibres
are produced in lengths up to 350m. They
are more wear-resistant than standard
ropes. With a tensile strength of 720
kp/cm a rope of an arms thickness can
bear up to 14 tons.
Binding wire is (as plastic cords are) an
industrial product. Zinc coated wire has
Plait strips: Usual plait materials are rind strips

of bamboo, rattan or lianas. Soaked before use
they are more pliable. When drying, the fibres
shrink and the connection tightens.
Lashing ties: connection of a purlin and two

braces with three drill-holes.
Rattan tie to fix a plug connection
The end of the beam and the tie do the
power transmission. If the connection is not
tight enough, the beam may crack at the
drill-hole. The additional bandage prevents
the sling from slipping. If connected at a
post nodium, the broader nodium in
addition complicates slipping of the beam.
Top of the post with drill-hole
If post and cross-beam are of the same
diameter, the lashing tie replaces a stop at
the side. A croossing bandage shortens the
sling and prevents the post from sliding.
5. Plugin Connections and Bolt
Structures
Plugin
connections:
Carpenterlike
connections with mortise and tenon are
seldom used in bamboo structures. On the
other hand plugin elements like bolts or
consoles you find very often. Additional
lashing or wedging keeps things in place.
A disadvantage of these connections is
that you dont use the whole diameter for
power transmission. Also you must pay
attention that the holes are not too close
to the end of the canes. Otherwise the
plug may break out.
The use of nails may split the bamboo
particular old and dry canes. Pre-drilling is
a method to prevent splitting. There are
two bamboo species which can be nailed:
Connection with inner plug and a
horizontal drill-hole to fix the connection
with a lashing tie. If the lashing is tight
and the plug fits quite good into the
opening, both plug and lashing can do
the power transition. But even if not, this
connecting method can be very durable
at less force. The inner plug prevents the
beam from slipping down the post and
the lashing is against unplugging.
Rope connection fixed with bolt
The bolt keeps the connection in place
even if the rope or cord lengthens.
Joint with two connections

Again a combination of bolts and lashing
to connect the canes.
Contemporary joining
techniques
1. Plug-in Connections
and
Bolt
Structures
Interlocking connection with a wedge
With the wedge driven into the opening,
the strips of the horizontal beam are
pressed into the hole and fix the beam. If
the wedge shrinks, the beam can be easily
pulled out of the opening. So additional
arrangements like lashing or bolts are
necessary for a save connection.
Connection with a steel tension
clamp
Leaving the low-tech sector, with the use of
steel elements a lot more connections
become possible. Avoid connections which
produce great forces vertical to the cane
axis. They can destroy the bamboo cane.
2. Gusset plates:
Plywood or solid timber side plates,
applied to joint assemblies in trusses
for example, and fixed with either
bolts or bamboo pegs, show improved
stiffness
and
strength
when
compared with traditional jointing
methods
3. Das clamp:
Steel bands with integral bolt eyes
are fitted around bamboo sections.
The action of bolting two or more
elements
together
tightens
the
clamps around the culms. Additional
steel straps can be used if required.
This method, designed by the
Bhagalpur College of Engineering in
India, would be best suited to
connections in one plane, e.g.
4. Herbert shear pin connector:

In this method, developed at the UK
Building
Research
Establishment,
bamboo elements are bolted together
at sections reinforced with thin gauge
steel sleeves. The sleeves are fixed
using a series of small diameter pins
(pop rivets were found to be more
effective than screws and nails) which
act to transfer the load to the
bamboo. Although strong, the joint is
bulky and laterally unstable as inplane connections are not possible.
5.
steel
tensionof
clamp:
Other
methods
fixing suggested
Leaving
the low-tech
sector,
the
include binding,
rather
than with
pinning,
use
of steel
a lotintegral
more
and the
use ofelements
sleeves with
connections
become possible. Avoid
teeth.
connections which produce great
forces vertical to the cane axis. They
can destroy the bamboo cane.
6. Transportation armature
The system strength depends on the
concrete/bamboo
connection,
on
the
concretes (or filling mass) compressive
strength, on the thread diameter, the
production series (long or short shaft,
straight model) as well as on the tractive
direction (axial, slantwise, athwart and the
joint design.
7. Induo-anchor
For big bamboo diameters the Induo-anchor
can transfer nearly 100% of the maximum
load of the cane cross section. The Induoanchor consists of a cast iron core with
connection teeth on its sides. It can easily
be shaded with a bamboo cane. Concrete or
artificial resin can be used for that.
8. Steel-neb-connection
This connection method uses the Induoanchor in its usual state with bores and
threads. The base element of this
connection is a conical Steel connecter
which is centric screwed from the inside to
the Induo-anchor bore on the one side and
to the thread bore of the joint element on
9. Pan-space truss
the other.
Small bamboo canes (diameter up to
80mm) can transfer ca.50% of the maximal
tensile force if threaded bars are glued or
sheded into the caneends. For compressive
forces the maximum force is where the
cane breaks if connected with a head plate.
If overhead working is necessary tests by
an officially recognized material testinginstitution and special permission of the
building
department
are
required.
(Germany) Pan-space truss consist only of
two elements - the Pan-ball knot and the
10. Screw connections

The optimal solution for all static
component
connections.
Static,
constructive and economically. The sleeve
stick (with sleeve and connection flange) and the Connection stick (with furled
metric thread) are shaded with the bamboo
and therefore reach an interlocking
connection. The connection is carried out
via an adapter with right/left outer thread
11.
Steel
or plastic
insertconnection.
connectors:
for the
double
sided sleeve
Angled joints can be formed by tightening
bamboo elements with slotted ends around
prefabricated tubular steel connectors
using Jubilee clips. Expanding plastic
inserts have been used for straight
connections
Modern connection by Shoei Yoh in 1989

For his bamboo roofs in Fukuoka, Shoei Yoh
used a steel tube put into the bamboo and
which is connected to the cane with bolts. The
steel tube is strong enough to withstand the
pressure of the tightened bolts. In addition
there are two bolts in vertikal direction. For
the connection to the knot a steel bar is
welded into the tube and again it is screwed to
the knot. Because of the numerous bolts the
connection
is also suitable
for greater
Connection with steel tube and bolts
Modern connection
by Renzo
Piano loads.
The
resultWorkshop
is a veryintechnical
but canes
strangely
Building
1997, the
are
over
styled
looking
connection.
connected to a special designed steel element
via binding wire. Instead of a bolt driven
through bar and cane, a wire is tied through
the holes and tied around the bamboo. A fine
artwork but because of the fine wire seemingly
only for small forces.
Connection with steel wire
Structural & Non-structural

Joints
Traditional structural Joinery

Methods:
Non-structural Joints
Joinery with ropes
Non-structural Joints
ontal Splicing (Not for structural joints)
pical building elements

Requirements
Before bamboo clum can be used in a building industry as a

structure is has to go through certain demands, starting from
harvesting and grading selected steams to treatment and
application.
Bamboo clums cannot be harvested when they are younger
than 3 years.
Cannot be cut lover than second node or higher then 30mm
above the ground.
All bamboo clums should be as straight as possible.
Change in diameter over length should be kept minimum.
Maximum taper of 10mm per meter is acceptable for length up
to 3m.
Columns and roof members should be a minimum of 70100mm in diameter at thin ends.
Wall thickness not less than 10-12mm.
A typical building comprises the
following elements:
Foundations
Floors
Walls
Roof
Doors and windows
Water pipes
Foundation
Bamboo is basically an above-ground material. Unless
undergoing proper treatment it can last about 2-3 years
underground. It is impossible to put bamboo post directly to the
ground, however the bamboo clum can be embedded into the
foundation or plinth. Of course there are several regulations for
bamboo for foundations:
bamboo cane should not touch soil, since they should not be
exposed to moisture
height of the plinth in which bamboo is set in should be above
the flood water line or min 350mm above ground level.
minimum diameter of bamboo posts at thinner shall not be
less than 70mm
the highest post can be up to 3m, if height is greater, the post
should be supported by horizontal tie/beam
use only mature Bambusa Balcoaa for structural and main
beams
The types of bamboo foundation identified are:
Bamboo in direct ground contact

Bamboo on rock or preformed concrete footings
Bamboo incorporated into concrete footings
Bamboo foundation with brick pedestal
Composite bamboo/concrete columns
Bamboo reinforced concrete
Bamboo piles
cution of a pyramid base foundation
Bamboo in direct ground contact
Bamboo, either on the surface or buried, can decay within six
months to two years. Preservative treatment is therefore
recommended. For strength and stability, large diameter thick
walled sections of bamboo with closely spaced nodes should be
used. Where these are not available, smaller sections can be
Bamboo on rock or preformed
tied together. Less preferred.
concrete footings
Ideally, where bamboo is being used for
bearings it should be
placed out of
ground contact on footings of either rock
or preformed concrete. As above, the
largest and stiffest sections of bamboo
should be used.
Bamboo incorporated info concrete footings
The third approach is to incorporate the bamboo directly into
the concrete footing. This can take the form of single posts or
strip footings.
Foundation with brick pedestal
This kind of foundation are earthquake resistant and can be use
even for brick wall houses. After soling bricks on the ground
level, we pour and spread the concrete and mark centre for
vertical bamboo post. Then going up to the ground level, brick
should be put in such a way to make 120x120mm gap inside to
fill with the concrete. After creating foundation plinth, the
reinforcement and pipes can be put on the top as the final
foundation layer.
Plinth with brick pedestal Foundation with brick pedestal
Composite columns bamboo/concrete
An innovative development involves the casting of
a concrete extension to a bamboo post using a
plastic tube of the same diameter (Janssen,
1995). The result is a bamboo post with an
integral, durable foundation.
Bamboo reinforced concrete

Bamboo reinforced concrete slabs offer another
solution, although this type of construction has its
own specific problems.
Bamboo piles
Bamboo piles have been used
successfully to stabilise soft soils and
reduce building settlement. In the
example cited (Stulz, 1983), treated
split bamboo piles 8m long and 80 to
90mm in diameter were filled with
coconut coir strands wrapped with
jute. The sections were then tied with
wire. After installation of the piles at
2m centres by drop hammer, the
area was covered with a 2.5m
surcharge of sandy material
Floors
The floor of a bamboo building may be at ground level, and
therefore consist only of compacted earth, with or without a
covering of bamboo matting. However, the preferred solution is
to raise the floor above the ground creating a stilt type of
construction. This improves comfort and hygiene and can
provide a covered storage area below the floor. A minimum
ground to floor distance of 500mm is recommended to allow for
inspection (Janssen, 1995). When the floor is elevated it
becomes an integral part of the structural framework of the
building. The floor will comprise:
structural bamboo elements
bamboo decking
Floor structure
Floors normally consist of bamboo
beams fixed to strip footings or to
foundation posts. The beams therefore
run around the perimeter of the building.
Where the beams are fixed to posts,
careful attention to jointing is required.
Beams and columns are generally
around 100mm in diameter.
Bamboo joists then span in the shortest
direction across the perimeter beams.
The joists are often laid on the beams
without fixing, but some form of
mechanical connection is recommended.
Depending on the form of floor decking,
secondary joists, often taking the form
of split culms, may be required. Joist
Floor decking
Bamboo floor decking can take one of the following
forms:
Small bamboo culms
Split bamboo
Flattened bamboo (bamboo boards)
Bamboo mats
Bamboo panels
Bamboo parquettes
Small bamboo culms:
small diameter culms are tied or
nailed directly to the joists
Split bamboo:
bamboo culms are split along their
length into strips several centimetres
wide. They can be fixed directly to
the joists in the case of tying or
nailing, or a timber batten can be
fixed to the joist beforehand to
facilitate nailing.
Flattened
bamboo
(bamboo
boards):
These are formed by splitting green
bamboo
culms,
removing
the
diaphragms
then
unrolling
and
flattening them. The resulting board
is laid across the joists and fixed by
nailing or tying The surface finish of
these three types of floor deck is,
understandably, uneven and difficult
to clean. They can be screeded with
cement mortar for reasons of hygiene
and comfort.
Bamboo mats:
These are formed by weaving thin
strips of bamboo. Strips vary in size
from 20 x 2mm to 2 x 1mm,
Bamboo panels:
layers of woven mats or strips, laid at
right angles, are bonded together into
boards which are then nailed to the
joists.
Bamboo parquette:
Thin slivers or mats of bamboo are
formed into multi layered tiles and laid
on treated bamboo or wooden strips
fixed to compacted earth or a concrete
sub-floor.
Walls
There are many possibilities for bamboo usage in the wall
constructions. The major elements such as posts and beams are
part of structural framework and has to carry self-weight, load
from the building and external impacts (such as whether). To
complete the wall the infill between framing members is
required to protect against rain and wind and ensure over all
Whole
halved
bambooor horizontal bamboo clum, flattened
stability.orThis
can vertical
Preferred
orientation is
vertical
it increases
bamboo, bajareque,
wattle
or as
woven
bamboo with or without
shear
resistance
and
is
better
for
the
rain
plaster.
falls. Vertical beams can be driven directly
into the ground with or without battens.
Split or flattened bamboo
Bamboo can be stretched or covered by wire
mess provide good surface for plastering.
Bajareque
Type of construction commonly used in Latin
America that is based on horizontal bamboo
strips tied or nailed to both sides of the posts.
The space between is filled with mud or
stones. This construction is strong and
Wattle
massivebamboo
and earthquake.
commonly used in India, Peru and Chile. Thick
woven panels of bamboo strips are attached
to bamboo supporting beam and covered
with plaster.
Woven bamboo
The same type a wattle bamboo wall but the
bamboo strips are arranged closer and
thicker
which
dont
require
external
plastering.
Roofs
The roof of a building is arguably its most important component
- this is what defines a construction as a shelter. As such, it is
required to offer protection against extremes of weather
including rain, sun and wind, and to provide clear, usable space
beneath its canopy. Above all, it must be strong enough to resist
the considerable forces generated by wind and roof coverings.
In this respect bamboo is ideal as a roofing material - it is
strong, resilient and light-weight. The bamboo structure of a
roof can comprise cut components - purlins, rafters and laths
or battens, or triangulated (trussed) assemblies. Bamboo, in a
variety of forms, is also used as a roof covering and for ceilings.
Roof structure
Traditional roof construction:
The simplest form of roof comprises a
bamboo ridge purlin and eaves beams,
supported on the perimeter posts. Halved
culms are then laid convex side down,
edge to edge, spanning from the ridge to
the eaves. A second layer, convex side up,
is then laid to cover the joints (figure 22).
The maximum overall span using this
method is about 3 metres.
A variation on this is the use of whole
culms, suitably spaced to accept battens
for tiles or thatch. To extend the span, a
central post can be used. Beyond this, the
options are almost infinite. Efficient
jointing of components is a key
consideration
Truss: The idea of building trusses is
basically the same as with the wood
ones. All matter is based in the joining.
The advantages of bamboo roof
structure
includes
bigger
span
distances,
usage
of
shorter
components
that
provide
light
construction effects of bowing, crooking
and tapering and the possibility of
prefabrication usage that provide light
constructions. However the bamboo
beams are weak for compression
perpendicular to its length, which make
the roof structure prone to deformation
at the joints.
Truss configuration allow to make
traditional King-post and Fink trusses
with the span of 4m. In addition Jansses
King-post truss
Fink truss
Janssen truss
Roof covering
Bamboo roof coverings can form an integral part of the
structure, as in the case of overlapping halved culms. More
often, they are non-structural in function. Examples include:
Bamboo tiles
Bamboo shingles
Bamboo mats
Corrugated bamboo roofing sheets
Plastered bamboo
Bamboo files:
These can take the form of
halved,
internodal
culm
sections, fixed to battens
and overlapped in a similar
manner to the full length
halved culms. Roofs covered
in
this
manner
are
Bamboo shingles:
susceptible to leakage
shingles,
measuring
3040mm wide x internodal
length (400-600mm) are cut
from green culms, 70mm or
more in diameter and then
air dried. The shingles are
hooked
onto
bamboo
battens by means of a
tongue
cut
into
the
underside. Three laps are
required to make a roof
Bamboo mats:
A layer of bitumen is sandwiched between
two mats forming a semi-rigid panel. The
mats can be fixed to rafters at 200-250mm
centres. A bituminous or rubberised
weatherproof coating is then applied to the
finished roof (Damodaranet al. 1991).
Corrugated bamboo roofing sheets:

PF resin is applied to a bamboo mats to
form a five layer set which is then hot
pressed between corrugated platens. UF
resin bonded sheets overlaid with PF resin
impregnated paper have also been
Plastered bamboo:
A cement plaster, with or without the addition of
organic fibres, is traditionally applied to bamboo
roofs in South America. Other typical roof
coverings include:
Reed thatch
Corrugated iron sheeting
Plain clay tiles
Clay or concrete pan tiles
The weights of roof coverings vary and this must
be reflected in the strength of the roof structure.
Ceilings
Ceilings can be made from
small, closely spaced culms,
split or flattened bamboo,
bamboo boards or bamboo mats
in a manner similar to that for
floors (see Floors). Woven mat
ceilings are sometimes applied
as sarking to the topside of the
rafters or purlins, separated
from the roof covering by
battens.
Doors and windows
In traditional types of bamboo building, doors and windows are
usually very simple in form and operation. Bamboo doors can
be side hinged or sliding, comprising a bamboo frame with an
infill of woven bamboo or small diameter culms.
In higher grade buildings, wooden doors are common. Doors
and shutters comprising bamboo mat board as panelling, or as
flush skins for hollow core doors offer another solution.
Bamboo windows are generally left
unglazed and can have bamboo bars,
or a sash with woven bamboo infill.
The sash can be side hinged or sliding
or, more commonly, top hinged to
keep out direct sunlight and rain. At
night, windows are closed to protect
against insects and animals. Hinges
are formed from simple bindings, or
connecting bamboo elements. As with
doors, in higher grade buildings
windows are more commonly made of
wood and are often glazed.
Water pipes and gutters:
Whole bamboo culms, with the diaphragms
removed, can be used as water pipes either
below or above ground.
Below ground: the system is usually
gravity
fed.
To
ensure
watertight
connections, the ends of the culms can be
reamed and fitted into short sections of
metal,
or bamboo
andinternally
suitably and externally with
The pvc
bamboo
pipes arepipe
coated
caulked.
To control
insect attack,
the trench
an approved
bituminous
paint. The
exterior of the pipes can
can
treated with
witha insecticide
before
the which gives sound
also be treated
hot bituminous
coating
pipes
are laid.
protection
against exterior attack. The pipes are then buried in
trenches treated with insecticides which fix in the ground. It has
been shown that the life of bamboo pipes can be simply
extended by ensuring that the bore is full and that the water
carried is clean. It is reported that the bamboo pipes treated in
the above manner have given good service for ten years.
Above ground: again, the system is usually gravity fed with
pipes supported on bamboo trestles. Joints can simply be
formed by tapering or scarfing the ends of the culms to enable
the sections to be fitted together end to end. Watertight
connections can be achieved as for pipes below ground.
Housing
Great wall house, Beijing, China
This project was completed in 2002 as a part of multi-dwelling
housing. The aim of the project was to develop the great wall
idea into a building. Requirements lead the designer to create
building made of traditional, inexpensive bamboo to comfort
the topography. Bamboo clums were place side by side in
different intervals and hover above floor to create floating
curtain wall in the interior.
Housing
Bamboo Passive House, France
This is the first certified passive House in France build in 2009.
it has solid timber structure and outer shell is entirely covered
b cut-to-measure bamboo poles threaded onto steel wires.
Close-up of bamboo shutters covers the window on the North
and continues on the roof.
Light Structures (pavilions)
Bamboo Pavilion, Mexico
This pavilion was created for the 100th anniversary of The
National Autonomous University of Mexico, designed by group
of academicians. They used bamboo as representation of a
technological and environmental challenge. The structure was
covered by PVC membrane to create the shape and structure
is made of bamboo arches with anti-catenary guideline which
allows the gravity forces to be uniformly disturbed. For the
whole project they used a total 2060 linear meters of bamboo.
Bamboo Cathedral by Simon Velez, Colombia
The supports of the cathedral clums are made of Guadua type
of bamboo that run up from the ground to the roof. This
slenderness is possible with stiffening braces that prevent
building from buckling. This building was temporary.
Scaffolding
Bamboo scaffolding is
widely used in china
with nylon straps tied
into knots as couplers.
Although this structure
seems not stable and
fragile, in Hong Kong
there are about 1835
registered
bamboo
scaffolders.
These
scaffolders can build
scaffolding
around
buildings up to 300m
above the ground. The
main
advantage
of
bamboo
scaffolding
when compared with
Public Buildings
Green School, Bali, Indonesia
This building is a part of Green Village concept based on
building a community a made of spiralling canopy of bamboo.
Everything is made of bamboo, from window frames to
staircase, furniture and walls. This school was awarded for Aga
Khan Awards for Architecture for its sustainable merits.
Public Buildings
Bamboo Car Park, Leipzig Zoo, Germany
Even though the parking space is not most interesting, but very
crucial part of public building design and can also be very
impressive by its elevation. This happened with bamboo facade
in Leipzig Zoo car park in Germany. Bamboo sticks are placed in
intervals of 7.5cm making modern and futuristic outlook.
Others
Bamboo Bridges
By joining beams end to end, designers have ability to make
structures with a long-spans, towering ceilings and overhangs
that together can create construction such as bridges.
Underneath- Bamboo Bridge in China by Simon Velez.
Experts advice
EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE
As said earlier, bamboo is a perfect material for
earthquakes it is lightweight, and the hollow form
gives much stiffness.
But some can ask how to assess whether a bamboo
house would survive an earthquake of a given
intensity? But for that A dynamic test on a full-scale
house is extremely expensive.
Therefor At the National Bamboo Project of Costa
Rica, only typical walls were tested, using a static
test. The wall was fixed on a steel frame and using a
hydraulic jack, a horizontal force was applied at an
upper corner and in the plane of the wall.
A panel made of split bamboo. The hydraulic jack, which

applies horizontal force, can be seen at the top right corner
of the frame.
This jack simulates the effect of earthquake. Different walls
have been tested: with and without diagonal, with and
without mortar, etc. The results were more than
satisfactory.
The deformation being measured at the lower end of a
panel with plaster.
The deformation was 120 mm, without any visual damage to
the plaster and the panel.
From this reading the bamboo housing system was
assessed as earthquake-resistant.
The real proof came in April 1991, when about 20 bamboo
houses survived quite near to the epicenter of a 7.5
Magnitude earthquake.
SEISMIC REINFORCEMENT
The most important factor for the improved seismic
performance of adobe construction is to provide
reinforcement for the walls.
Earthquake shaking will cause adobe walls to crack at
the corners and to break up in large blocks.
The role of the reinforcement therefore is to keep these
large pieces of adobe wall together.
A ring beam that ties the walls in a box-like structure is
one of the most essential components of earthquake
resistance for load bearing masonry construction.
The ring beam must be strong, continuous, and well
tied to the walls, and it must receive and support the
roof. The ring beam can be made of concrete or timber.
Vertical reinforcement helps to tie the wall to the

foundation and to the ring beam and restrains out-ofplane bending and in-plane shear.
Horizontal reinforcement helps to transmit the out-ofplane forces in transverse walls to the supporting shear
walls, as well as to restrain the shear stresses between
adjoining walls and to minimize vertical crack.
Some building codes have incorporated these
recommendations for the construction of new adobe
houses, such as the Adobe Construction Regulations of
the province of San Juan, Argentina, that have
incorporated the use of the ring beam, and the
Peruvian Adobe Code that incorporated a ring beam
together with vertical and horizontal reinforcement.
Indian Specifications for

Bamboo & Bamboo Products
IS 14588 : 1999
IS 13958 : 1994
IS 1902 : 1993
IS 10145 : 1982
IS 9096 : 1979
IS
IS
IS
IS
8242 :1976
8295 :1976
7344 : 1974
6874 : 1973
IS 15476 : 2004
IS 9096:2006
Specification for Bamboo Mat Veneer Composite for General

Purposes
Specification for Bamboo Mat Board for General Purposes
Code of Practice for Preservation of Bamboo and Cane for nonstructural purposes
Specification for Bamboo Supports for Camouflaging Equipment
Code of Practice for Preservation of Bamboo and Cane for
Structural purposes
Method of Tests for Split Bamboo
Specification for Bamboo Chicks ; Part 1 Fine, Part 2 Coarse
Specification for Bamboo Tent Pole
Method of Tests for Round Bamboo
Specification for Bamboo Mat Corrugated Sheets
Code of Practice for preservation of bamboo for structural
purpose

Bamboo: An Innovative Buiding Material

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Bamboo: An Innovative

The intention of thesis is to explore how

The Great Hall, The Cooper Union

Cross waters -Bamboo bridge

Kontum Indochine Cafe

aracteristics, aspects of the issue

torical aspect of the phenomenon

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Shrinking: Bamboo shrinks more than wood

Fire resistance: The fire resistance is very

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

a. Trough containing submerg

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Bleaching is hydrogen peroxide removes traces of

Japan, the surface will be peeled off,

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Bullock Cart in Manipur, India

A Cutaway View of monpa Bamboo

A Cutaway View Showing the

Characteristics, Aspects of the issue

Diagram showing construction of Broom

Diagram of Heding Basket

Mould made of bamboo slates Diagram Showing Construction of Muda

Historical Aspect of the phenomenon

The plant known as bamboo to the entire world has been

Historical Aspect of the phenomenon

While bamboo grows everywhere in the

Historical Aspect of the phenomenon

Distribution of Bamboo (World)

Historical Aspect of the phenomenon

India is well endowed with resources of

MAJOR BAMBOO GROWING

Historical Aspect of the phenomenon

Area Wise distribution of

Historical Aspect of the phenomenon

Architecture dealing with that

struction in Asia (8000 a.c.)

ary architecture dealing with phenomenon

The first construction,

Adobe house with beam and poles.

In general is very difficult to understand if a

wall hold together by bands of wicker and covered by a thatch or a

The stone cupola of Taj Mahal

In the upper image we can see

ancient time. Since already Chinese

Union through cut perpendicular to

Cut with flap.

There are two kind of union through