“BAMBOO STICK AS AN ALTERNATIVE REPLACEMENT FOR

STEEL IN REINFORCED CONCRETE WALL”

A project study

Presented to the

Faculty of the college of the engineering and Architecture

Of

Negros Oriental State University

Dumaguete City

In partial fulfillment of the

Requirement of the degree of

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

By:

Patajo, Arjely S.

Villalon, Monna Liza P.

November 2019
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

In recent years, many reseachers around the world are begun to explore the use of

low-cost and low-energy alernative replacement for construction materials. Among

the many possibilities for such replacement, bambusa blumeana, which is one of the

best bamboo in the world due to its versatility and its strong natural fibers. Bambusa

blumeana is locally known as Kawayang Tinik in the Philippines. It is a species of

bamboo occuring in tropical asia. Therefore, Bambusa blumeana has a characteristics

to be cheap, easily available and most importantly high in tensile strength.

Based on studies, many researchers used bambusa blumeana as reinforcement in

a heavy structures like footings (Anurag Nayak et.al), columns (Pratish Kumar Singh

et.al), beams ( Md Akhtar Hossian) and slabs ( Masakazu Terai et.al). The said

authors recommended to the future researchers to try to use bamboo stick as

reinforcement for a light weight structure which is walls. It gives us the idea to

continue the previous study of Agan et. Al,which they focuses on the tensile strength

of seasoned and unseasoned bamboo.

The general objectives of this study is to construct a 1m x 1m wall and to

determine its strength capacity if we use bamboo stick as reinforcement. Also, to

know the difference between using bamboo stick and steel if it is capable to use in

constructing a low rise bulding.

1.2 Problem Statement

This study aims to answer the following questions:

1. How much is the strength of the wall if we use bamboo stick as

reinforcement?

2. How does bamboo stick as reinforcement differs from steel reinforcement?

1.3 General Objectives

1. Determine the strength of the wall if we use bamboo stick as reinforcement.

2. Determine the difference between using bamboo stick and steel as

reinforcement for walls.

1.4 Significant of the Study

Nowadays, high costs and general shortage of reinforcing steel in other places gives

us the idea of using bamboo as an alternative reinforcement which to be utilized in a

construction and in a housing industry.

This study will help the engineers, developers and to those people who cannot

afford to buy a steel to have an alternative options for selecting a materials that is a

low-cost which makes it more economical for constructing a low rise buildings.

This study inspire the future researchers to explore more about using bamboo as

construction material.

1.5 Scope and limitations

Scope

This study will determined the strength capacity of walls using bamboo stick as

reinforcement. Also, to compare the differences between using steel and bamboo stick

if it is capable as reinforcement for walls.

Limitation

The modulus of elasticity of using bamboo stick as replacement of steel

reinforcement is not included in this study.

 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

2.1 Related Readings and Literature

Bamboo is one of the locally available natural materials that has gained attention

in recent years for fabrication of new category of sustainable bamboo-fiber-reinforced

composite materials. Bamboo is a fast growing, inexpensive and available natural

resource in most developing countries and it has outstanding material qualities. The

cultivation and industrial processing of bamboo offers a huge potential for a new

generation of building materials fabricated through embedding natural bamboo fibers

into a resin matrix for applications in architecture and construction (Faruk et al., 2014;

Hebel et al., 2014; Yu et al., 2014; Javadian et al., 2016; Javadian, 2017; Rahman et

al., 2017; Archila et al., 2018). Bamboo is a versatile material because of its high

strength-to-weight ratio, easy workability and availability. Bamboo needs to be

chemically treated due to their low natural durability.

Bambusa blumeana is known as Spiny Bamboo or Thorny Bamboo. It is a

species of bamboo which is propagated in Tropical Asia. It is known locally as

Kawayang Tinik. This species has slightly arching green culms of 15-25 m tall. The

internodes are 25-35 cm long, with 8-15 cm in diameter and an average wall thickness

of 2-3 cm. Lower culm nodes show a ring aerial roots, with a gray or brown ring

below and above the sheath scar (Agan et.al, 2017).

It was proved that bamboo has high tensile strength and it can be used as a

replacing material for steel reinforcement because of its low cost. Bamboo reinforced

concrete can be made for benches, tables and stools in schools, parks, hotels, railway

stations etc. to make eco-friendly environment and for low cost construction.

Constructions made with bamboo can be very durable if it is well immunized and well
selected trying to have the best quality of the material (B.Benitta PaulinMary et al.).

LEENA KHARE (2005) entitled “PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF BAMBOO

REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS” suggested to use stronger epoxy in testing

tensile samples to eliminate the variable of grip failure.

ASTM E447

Compression Testig Machines (CTM) are universal testing machines specially

configured to evaluate static compressive strength characteristics of materials,

products, and components. Choose from a wide variety of compression test machines

that measure characteristics such as ultimate compression strength, yield strength,

deflection and modulus. Each compression tester is configured to your

test requirements by our application engineers with the correct controller, grips, and

accessories. Due to our modular machine design, your compression test machine can

also be equipped to perform other applications such as tensile, cyclic, shear, flexure,

bend, peel, tear by adding appropriate fixtures.

Fig. 2.1.1 ASTM E447 ( Compression Testing Machine)

2.2 Related Studies

Replacement of Steel by Bamboo Reinforcement by Anurag N. (2013), they have

opted advanced bamboo reinforcement technique instead of traditional steel

reinforcement. This is a good idea for low cost economical structure. Bamboo

reinforcement technique is used for both main and distribution reinforcement as it was

same earlier done for steel reinforcement. It is three times cheaper than steel

reinforcement technique. It is clear from results that this bamboo reinforcement

technique is absolutely cheaper than steel reinforcement technique especially for

single story structure.

Bamboo as Construction Material and Bamboo Reinforcement by Pratish kumar

S. et al (2016), the use of bamboo strips as reinforcement in column should not be for

the purpose of imparting compressive strength but rather to induce elasticity in the

concrete section,which in turn guide against sudden failure.Secondly,bamboo strips

lack grips in concrete and deterioration with age.The application of impervious

surface coating like bitumen makes it more resistance to deterioration and sand

coating further increase the bonding,which in turn translates to good

strength.Therefore,the bamboo reinforced concrete column is recommended that for

lightly loaded structures and low rise constructions. However, it may not be suitable

in water retaining structures because of the large deflection accompanying its

failure.It is recommended that further investigation be carried out on a bamboo strip

reinforced concrete design,focusing on the determination of the optimum percentage

of reinforcement.

A Review of Bamboo As a Reinforcement Material in Modern Construction by

Resmi R. (2016) , Proper harvesting and preservation techniques water

absorption,moisture content of bamboo can be controlled.By utilising Bambusa

vulgarius species of bamboo we can attain adequate compressive strength. It provides

ductility,when bamboo is used as reinforcement in concrete to resist earthquake.

Bamboo concrete wall panels can also be used as an infill material in framed structure

which gives better ductility and flexibility to the structure.It is recommended to use in

single story building.Considering its credibility ,there is a wide scope for designing

multi story building using bamboo reinforcement in future.

Performance Evaluation of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Beam by Md Akhatar

H.(2011), Provides bamboo as a potential reinforcement in concrete. From

stress-strain curves of bamboo, it can be seen that bamboo possesses low modulus of

elasticity compared to steel. So, it cannot prevent cracking of concrete under ultimate

load. But from flexural test of bamboo reinforced beam,it has been seen that using

bamboo as reinforcement in concrete can increases the load carrying capacity of beam

having the same dimensions. For singly bamboo reinforced concrete beam,the load

carrying capacity increased about 2 times and that for doubly bamboo reinforced

concrete beam about 2.5 times than that of plain concrete beam having same

dimensions. The maximum deflection of singly reinforced beam and doubly

reinforced beam are about 4.5 and 8 times respectively than that of plain concrete.

From the experimental work of (Abhijeet Dey et al) entitled “Experimental study

of bamboo reinforced concerned beams having various frictional properties”, An

improved flexural performance of BRC beam has been observed with the increase in

number of days of curing period and increase in the size of bamboo rebar. It is also

recommended to use steel stirrups as it improves the flexural as well as shear capacity

of beam. Although the aim of the study is to increase the flexural strength but in

practical case with the increase in span of the beam the mdspan deflection increases
which is also an important criterion when serviceability limit state is considered, thus

reduction of midspan deflection is another major area of research.

(Teodoro A. Amatosa, Jr et al.) entitled “Axial Tensile Strength Analysis of

Naturally Treated Bamboo as Possible Replacement of Steel Reinforcement in the

Concrete Beam”, the study concludes that due to the minimal breaking force (FB) of

giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus Asper), although it is comparable to mild steel, it

cannot be commissioned as a main structural member in buildings and other heavy

engineering works but can be used for partition walls, ceilings, roofs and other areas

of lightweight engineering construction that is not heavy load bearing.

Research and Development on Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Structure by

Masakazu T. (2012), it is found out that the compressive strength test of cylinder

cured underground changes significantly highly from the one cured in laboratory. It

can be considered that while the inside of the laboratory is dried, the underground is

humid at any times therefore supply of water to the concrete can be accomplished. It

turns out that the tensile strength of test cylinder cured underground increased the rate

of strength development of concrete.

Bamboo as Green Alternative to Steel for Reinforced Concrete Elements of a

Low Cost Residential Building (Dr. Ashok Kumar Gupta et.al). The density of

bamboo is very low lying in the range of 0.571-0.874 which makes it a very light

material hence it can be transported and worked easily, rendering the use of cranes

and other big machines unnecessary.1 The initial moisture content decreases as we go

along the height of bamboo culm from bottom to top. Hence the specimen obtained

from the bottom portion of bamboo should either be avoided for use as reinforcing

material in concrete or if used, should be properly seasoned.2 The water absorption

capacity of non-treated bamboo is as high as 60% by weight as seen after 30 days of

soaking in water, which necessitates the use of a water proofing compound if bamboo

has to be used as a reinforcing material in steel.3 %increase in thickness after 30 days

of soaking comes out to be as high as 40 in some of the non-treated bamboo samples

which shows that there is a high possibility of swelling of the bamboo splints once

they absorb water from the surroundings.4 The water absorption capacity of bamboo

increase with the increase in number of nodes hence the specimens containing large

number of nodes should either be avoided for use as reinforcing material in concrete

or if used, should be properly coated with an appropriate water proofing compound.5

Bamboo in compression fails in two modes: Cracking of fiber and crushing. Most of

specimens failed as a combination of both the modes.6 Bamboo shows a high value of

compressive strength (90.72MPa) which is comparable or even higher than steel and

concrete. The compressive strength of bamboo specimen with internode has been

found to be greater than that of specimens without and internode this could be because

of additional cross-sectional area at nodes (as walls are thicker on both sides of the

node) and due to the dense mass present at nodes.7 The stress-vs.-strain curve of

bamboo splint in tension shows that bamboo is a visco elastic material having both

viscous and elastic properties and exhibits time dependent strain elasticity.8 The

ultimate tensile strength of bamboo splints is as high as 282MPa which is comparable

to the yield strength of structural steel i.e 250MPa. Hence bamboo splints can resist

sufficient tensile loads in a concrete flexure element.9 All the bamboo specimens

shown brittle failure at node, making node as the most critical section for failure

under tensile stresses. The reason behind the brittle nature of nose is that at node

Firstly, there is a change of boundary, hence higher stress concentrations, Secondly as

compared to the internode part of bamboo where a very dense fibrous matrix is

present along the length, there is no fibers present at nodes, there are only fine
granules of wood present at the nodes ,on visual inspection it appears that nodes

serves as the beginning and terminating point of fibers.10

Mahavir V.(2018), It has been found that tensile strength of some species of

bamboo is comparable to mild steel and is nearly equal to 270 N/mm₂.The ratio of

tensile strength to specific weight of bamboo is 6 times that of the same ratio of steel.

Chandra(2013), Proper used in using the bamboo reinforced concrete during the

design and construction of structural elements.The researchers suggestion to

furthermore the analysis on how to simplify its treatement and eliminate operational

problems in making bamboo as one of the key structural elements.If whether the

bamboo reinforcement works out to be cheaper than steel reinforcement given the

labour costs,the wastages,the skills needed and the requirement for its uses in the long

term.

Bamboo as a substitute for steel in reinforced concrete wall panels (P R Himasree

et. al) The ultimate load estimated by using the equations of Fragomeni, IS 456 and

Pillai and Parthasarathy were comparable with the experimental values. The equation

proposed by Oberlender and Everard, Kripanarayanan, BS8110, Doh and Fragomeni

and ACI 318 underestimates the ultimate load. From the investigation it may be noted

that BRC wall panels can carry loads as high as 850kN, which indicate that BRC wall

panels can effectively replace steel reinforced wall panels leading to sustainability.

Effects of Bambusa blumeana Fibers in the Load Bearing Capacity of Concrete

Hollow Blocks (Princess J. Dela Cruz et. al) This study was focused to increase the

compressive strength of concrete hollow blocks by having a Bambusa blumeana fiber

as an admixture. The study was carried out by testing a series of concrete hollow

blocks with and without bamboo fibers. Analysis showed a difference in each

specimen tested. Curing of the specimens were not necessary since it is not suitable
and applicable for concrete hollow blocks. The initial conclusions described the

strength of the 14th ,28th ,2nd day specimen and the day specimen. Based on the results

of the batch, the compressive strength of the Concrete Hollow Blocks after 14 days

had increased by 22% from 0% to 5% Bambusa blumeana fiber content and had

increased by 3% from 0% to 5% Bambusa 3rd blumeana fiber content after 28 days.

For the batch, the compressive strength of the Concrete Hollow Blocks after 14 days

had increased by 12% from 0% to 5% Bambusa blumeana fiber content and had

increased by 11% after 28 days. It has been observed that the compressive strength of

the Concrete Hollow blocks reached its maximum at the time where there is a 5%

Bambusa blumeana fiber added in it. The compressive strength dripped down at

Bambusa blumeana fiber content >5%. Also, there was a 17% average increase in the

compressive strength of the Concrete Hollow Blocks after 14 days and an average of

7% 28th increase after 28 days. A gradual increase (7%) occurred after the day since

the CHB commonly attains its maximum strength at this period. Generally, additions

to Bambusa blumeana fiber increases the compressive strength of Concrete Hollow

Blocks by 12%. There were also issues with regard to the accuracy of the result. In

order to have a correct values of forces and stresses, the concrete hollow blocks

should have a leveled top surface before testing it. The reason is for the force to

distribute uniformly throughout the surface of the Concrete Hollow Blocks. Also,

proper mixing of the concrete mix could be one of the issue especially if the mix

contains admixtures. To resolve that issue, one should provide a concrete mixer to

properly distribute the elements in the concrete. If mixer cannot be possible, proper

manual mixing should be done. Another reason for error could be the inefficiency of

the testing machine used. Lastly, since our country is experiencing unexpected
weather conditions and uncontrollable environment especially when rainy season,

proper curing of Concrete Hollow Blocks would be difficult to attain.

Performance of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Beam a Review (Lokendra Kaushal

et. al) Another very common use for bamboo today is as a decorative home tool.

Small bamboo plants become very popular in western region for interior design, and

Asian cultures have been using it to decorate rooms and altars for centuries. Based on

the research available, it was found that the research work in using bamboo as

reinforcement in concrete is vast. Yet for small application works such as house hold

articles, bamboo reinforcement using low weight concrete the numbers of

publications available are not enough. From the test results it was proved and finds

that bamboo has high ultimate tensile strength and it can be used as an alternative

replacing material for steel reinforcement because of its low cost. Bamboo reinforced

concrete can be used in manufacturing of table, benches and stools in public places

such as hotels, schools, parks, railway stations etc to make the environment

eco-friendly and for low cost construction. Constructions made with bamboo can be

very durable and strong if it is well immunized and well selected methods are trying

to have the best quality of the material.

Investigation on the Physical Properties and Use of Lumampao Bamboo Species

as Wood Construction Material (Tomas U. Ganiron Jr) The physical properties of

lumampao bamboo are still considerably stronger than those of philippines cedar. The

dimensional stability of lumampao bamboo is also comparable to the philippines

cedars. Therefore, if the requirement taken into consideration is only the mentioned

physical properties; it can be simply said that lumampao bamboo has the potential to

substitute Philippines cedar. In terms of constrains in the development of lumampao

bamboo potential; the location of bamboo plantation, the availability of labor force to
restore the bamboo plantation and engage in the production activities, way to motivate

people to engage in bamboo related industry and the cost-benefit analysis of

lumampao bamboo development are some factors should be clarified to address the

constraints.

Bamboo reinforced concrete (Hector F Archila et. al) The authors propose that

bamboo reinforced concrete is an ill-considered concept. More importantly, the

authors propose that bamboo reinforcement if used safely is not an environmentally

friendly or sustain-able alternative to steel. As has been shown, bamboo-reinforced

concrete must be designed to remain uncracked; the presence of bamboo reinforcing

is intended to impart a degree of ductility to the section and may impart some

post-cracking reserve capacity in the event of an overload that results in cracking.

This post-cracking behaviour is only possible if there is sufficient bond between the

bamboo andconcrete. It has been shown that some bond enhancing surface treatments

are sufficient to impart the bond capacity required. Nonetheless, the required

‘uncracked’ design increases concrete member dimensions and has a ‘trickle down’

effect resulting in increased formwork and foundation requirements. Additionally, the

poor durability and bond characteristics of bamboo require through-thickness

treatment and additional surface treatment of bamboo reinforcement, respectively.

Such treatments, as described in the literature, are labour intensive, costly, and often

utilise materials of known toxicity or which have handling restrictions associated with

workplace health and safety. Vo and Navard draw a very prescient conclusion in this

regard: ‘‘A large proportion of the methods used to overcome issues of biomass

durability when embedded in concrete] are effectively helpful in easing the concrete

preparation and leading to better final materials. However, most of them, if not all,

have little practical value since they are either impossible to be implemented because
of the use of chemicals which are not environmentally-friendly or much too

expensive.

A research study presented by Agan et al. (2017) entitled “Bond Strength of

Seasoned Bambusa blumeana as green alternative to steel reinforcement on walls.”

That there is no significant difference between the tensile strength of seawater

seasoned and unseasoned bamboo. Bamboo must be embedded at least 225 mm into

the CHB grout in order for it to reach the desired bonding strength. The bonding

strength increases exponentially as the embedment length increases.

 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Gathering of Data

3.1.1 Collection of Secondary Data

The authors collected all forms of information about the bamboo needed from the

internet websites, books and journals.

3.1.2 Collection of Primary Data

The authors searched at Balugo, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental to know where

to find Bambusa blumeana Kawayang Tinik.

3.2 Selecting samples of Bambusa blumeana

The culms selected per clump where straight, have atleast 3/4 in diameter, long

internodes and in the right age.

The following factors should be considered in the selection of bamboo culms

(whole plants) for use as reinforcement in concrete structures:

1. Use only bamboo showing a pronounced brown colour. This will insure that

the plant is at least three years old.

2. Select the longest large diameter culms available.

3. Do not use whole culms of green, unseasoned bamboo.

4. Avoid bamboo cut in spring or early summer. These culms are generally

weaker due to increased fiber moisture content.

All samples that were selected where in good condition. All samples that have

any kind of damage or defects where discarded. The selection of the maturity of the

bamboo was decided by the bamboo expert. All samples where clean before drying.

3.3 Treating of the bamboo samples

All samples were submerged in seawater for 72 hours.The samples were secured

and free from foreign matters.After the treatment of the samples with salt waters the

sample were air dried.The treatment of drying the samples was conducted at Patajo’s
residence.Samples were observed everyday to check if it is attacked by termites or

pest.

3.4 Contructing of concrete wall with bamboo stick as reinforcement for

compressive stregth test

Samples have 1m x 1m cross sectional area. Samples were constructed at Patajo’s

residence located at Barangay Balugo, Dumaguete City. They were solidify for 28

days.

3.5 Testing of the Samples

Samples were tested using ASTM E447. This tested the strength of the wall with

bamboo stick and steel reinforcement. The results were recorded, tabulated and

analyzed.