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.

2.2 Related Studies

From the experimental work of (Abhijeet Dey et al), concluded that bamboo provides a

high tensile strength of 250 N/mm2 or higher which actually depends on the area of cultivation,

type of species and cross-sectional area. 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.

(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.

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.

2.1.1 Selection and Preparation of Bamboo

Selections

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.

Preparation

1. Sizing- Splints are generally more desirable than whole culms as reinforcement. Larger

culms should be split into splints approximately 3/4 inch wide. Whole culms less than

3/4 inch in diameter can be used without splitting. Splitting the bamboo can be done by

separating the base with a sharp knife and then pulling a dulled blade through the stem.

The dull blade will force the stem to split open; this is more desirable than cutting the

bamboo since splitting will result in continuous fibers and a nearly straight section.
2. Seasoning- When possible, the bamboo should be cut and allowed to dry and season for

three to four weeks before using. The culms must be supported at regular spacing’s to

reduce warping.

3. Waterproof Coatings- When seasoned bamboo, either split or whole is used as

reinforcement; it should receive a waterproof coating to reduce swelling when in

contact with concrete. Without some type of coating, bamboo will swell before the

concrete has developed sufficient strength to prevent cracking and the member may be

damaged, especially if more than 4 percent bamboo is used.