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Assessment of Fire Resistance Performance of Composite Bamboo Shear Walls

Authors

Lily Tambunan, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia
Luis Felipe Lopez, Base Bahay Foundation, Inc.
Andry Widyowijatnoko, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia
Yulianto Sulistyo Nugroho, Universitas Indonesia

Abstract

This study is aimed to examine which configurations of mortar covering give the best fire protection for the composite bamboo shear wall system. The research is done in two stages, first is the non-standardized pre-test stage, which results will become the basis for determining the specimen specification. In the second stage, the specimen with the best fire resistance level is tested with standardized tests referred to as SNI 1741-2008 and ISO 834-1-1999. Fire resistance performance was measured according to integration and insulation level expressed in minutes. In the pre-testing stage, bamboo-wall configurations with flattened bamboo and mortar plaster on one-sided and two-sided are evaluated according to the burning time, and the highest temperature reached on the unexposed side. The pre-testing result shows that the chipped and cracked mortar conditions affect the high temperature of the specimen and the burning of the flattened bamboo, and vice versa. In the standardized test in the second stage, it was found that the specimen with one-sided mortar had an insulation and integration level of 30 minutes, while the specimen with two-sided mortar was 120 minutes. These results indicate that mortar condition and location affect the bamboo-plaster wall’s fire resistance performance.

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Mechanical Performance of Treated Bambusa Blumeana (Bamboo) Fibers

Authors

Roneh Glenn De Guzman Libre Jr., De La Salle University
Michael Angelo Promentilla
Lessandro Estelito O. Garciano, De La Salle University
Bernardo Lejano
Andres Oreta, De La Salle University
Jason Ongpeng, De La Salle University
Ernesto Guades, Technical University of Denmark
Julius Leaño Jr
Audric Zuriel Cruz
Luis Felipe López, Base Bahay Foundation Inc.

Abstract

Natural fibers are being explored nowadays to provide the tensile strength needed in cementitious matrices. To give better bondage between the fibers and the matrices, surface enhancements for natural fibers can be induced through chemical treatments. In the current study, fibers are extracted from Bambusa Blumeana, an abundant local species of bamboo plant from the Philippines. Bamboo slats are pre-treated with varying concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and extracted fibers are treated with 10% aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) solution. Extracted bamboo fibers are subjected to a Single Strand Tensile test. It is observed that bamboo slats submerged in 5% NaOH provides a better mean tensile peak load. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images show however that the fibers submerged in higher concentrations have developed rougher surface enhancements. The results can be used for developing bamboo fiber reinforced fly-ash-based geopolymer composites and with further studies, can be applied as textile reinforcement for structural strengthening or retrofitting.

Development of Load Tables for Design of Full-Culm Bamboo

Authors

Kent Harries, University of Pittsburgh
David J A Trujillo, Coventry University
Sebastian Kaminski, Arup
Luis Felipe López, Base Bahay Foundation Inc.

Abstract

Design aids in the form of load tables or span tables are well known to engineers and are commonly used in timber and steel design. Such tables reduce the need for repetitive calculation and allow for easy ‘what-if’ queries during design. They also permit rapid communication of minimum design requirements. This paper demonstrates an approach for developing design load tables for full culm bamboo elements for compression and flexure. The design tables are based on the provisions of ISO 22156:2021 and are most easily developed based upon an established grading procedure as described by ISO 19624:2018. Prior to the synthesis of these two standards, the generation of such load tables for bamboo was not practical. The development of archetypal column axial load tables and beam flexural span load tables is demonstrated. Examples of their use are illustrated demonstrating how alternate designs are easily established and compared. Such load tables are most appropriate for bespoke in-house design aides or as “national annexes” appended to ISO 22156:2021 upon its adoption by a jurisdiction.

Parametric Approach to Simplified Life Cycle Assessment of Bamboo Frame Buildings

Authors

Eleni Eleftheriou, ETH Zurich
Edwin Zea Escamilla, ETH Zurich
Guillaume Habert, ETH Zurich
Luis Felipe López, Base Bahay Foundation Inc.

Abstract

The provision of sustainable housing solutions is one of the main challenges in emerging economy countries. Furthermore, it is clear that a sustainable solution should be based on renewable bio-based materials. The scientific and practical evidence clearly suggests that the use of bamboo in the provision of housing solutions not only brings environmental but also socio-economic benefits to the communities using these strategies. One barrier to the promotion of this type of solution is the lack of knowledge of its structural design and environmental performance. Moreover, the access to assessment tools and methodologies to carry out such assessments is limited. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is widely recognized as the most appropriate method to calculate environmental impacts through a product’s life cycle. LCA is methodologically described on the ISO series 14040 and proposes an input-output relationship between the environment and human activity. LCA has been used in research with many case studies focusing on the built environment and especially on buildings. Nevertheless, the practical application of LCA is very limited, especially in the affordable housing sector. Two main reasons had been identified, first, the development of LCAs is data and time intensive and second, the cost of software or third-party assessment makes the implementation of LCA on affordable housing projects unviable. The use of simplified LCA has shown great potential to solve these challenges but the generation of life cycle inventory data remains the main issue hindering its implementation of user-friendly tools. In this paper, we describe the development of a methodological approach to using parametric design to generate the data required to carry out a simplified life cycle assessment of bamboo-based buildings. Moreover, we present a case study assessing a housing unit using cement-bamboo frame technology developed by the NGO Base-Bahay in the Philippines. From these experiences, it can be concluded that parametric design is a valid approach to overcoming the main identified challenges. In addition, this approach requires further development to cover additional design features like wind, earthquake, and soil quality demands. With this work, we show that the complexity of LCA can be reduced. Finally, the use of parametric approaches enables the development of cost-effective solutions that can increase access to this kind of assessment in the affordable housing sector.

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Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs in Bamboo Construction

Authors

Kent Harries, University of Pittsburgh
Amir Mofidi
John Naylor, Newcastle University
David J A Trujillo, Coventry University
Luis Felipe López, Base Bahay Foundation Inc.
Mateo Gutierrez
Bhavna Sharma, University of Southern California
Chase Rogers, University of Pittsburgh

Abstract

In November 2021, a symposium was held to identify knowledge gaps, research needs, and priorities in the bamboo community. Participants were asked to complete a post-symposium survey on research gaps, needs, and priorities. Both rank-order and open-ended questions were asked covering the broad areas of i) determination of material properties, testing, and grading; ii) bamboo connection techniques and technology; iii) bamboo durability and fire performance; and, iv) construction using engineered bamboo. This paper reports the survey and its results. The subsequent discussion identifies priorities for future research that can be leveraged to move the use of bamboo in construction forward. INTRODUCTION In November 2021, a symposium-Bamboo in the Urban Environment IV-was held to identify knowledge gaps, and research needs and priorities as perceived by the bamboo community. The symposium attracted 240 unique participants (Table 1) who were asked to complete a post-symposium survey on research gaps, needs, and priorities. 42 responses (18%) were received representing a range of stakeholders from at least 12 countries. Both rank-order and open-ended questions were asked covering the broad areas of i) determination of material properties, testing, and grading; ii) bamboo connection techniques and technology; iii) bamboo durability and fire performance; and, iv) construction using engineered bamboo. This paper reports the survey and its results. The co-authors include the Symposium organizers and facilitators of each session (Table 1). The objective of the symposium and survey was to identify priorities for future research that can best be leveraged to move the use of bamboo in construction into the mainstream.

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Durability of Whole Culm Bamboo: Facts, Misconceptions and the New ISO 22156 Framework

Authors

Sebastian Kaminski, Arup
Kent Harries, University of Pittsburgh
Luis Felipe López, Base Bahay Foundation Inc.
David J A Trujillo, Coventry University
Hector F Archila, University of the West of England, Bristol

Abstract

The durability of bamboo is one of the most important aspects to consider when designing and building with this nature-based material. Durable structures with bamboo are resilient, cost-effective, and have a lower whole life-cycle environmental impact. This paper firstly reviews the main causes of the decay of bamboo: beetle, termite, and fungal, and then discusses the efficacy of different treatments-both traditional and modern. Common misconceptions around the durability of bamboo and its preservation methods are corrected. Finally, the recently published framework for the durability of bamboo within ISO 22156 – Bamboo Structures, based on Use Classes, is presented.

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