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Tag: Material Characterization

Onsite Bending Test: Bridging the Gap Between Field and Laboratory

Overview

Reliable structural data is the foundation of every safe, sustainable bamboo building. To support this, the Base Innovation Center has developed a standardized toolkit that brings professional-grade testing directly to your project site. For projects located in remote areas or those requiring efficient, on-site material validation, this toolkit offers a practical, ISO-compliant methodology for evaluating the mechanical properties of bamboo culms. By streamlining the testing process, this resource ensures that structural assessment remains both rigorous and accessible.

Resource Components:

  • Technical Manual: Covers the full workflow from harvesting with grading of bamboo poles to geometric characterization and the 4-point bending test protocol.
  • Rig Schematics: Includes an item checklist and engineering drawings for the components and assembly of the test rig.
  • Analysis Spreadsheet: A pre-formatted tool to input load and displacement data to easily calculate the Modulus of Elasticity and Bending Strength
  • Video Walkthrough: Demonstrates the physical setup of the 4-point bending test

Technical Manual

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Rig Schematics

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Analysis Spreadsheet

Disclaimer: This spreadsheet is provided for reference and general guidance only. It is intended to assist qualified professionals in performing field testing (bending test) and should not be considered a substitute for sound engineering judgment or professional expertise. All inputs, outputs, assumptions, and interpretations derived from this tool are the sole responsibility of the user. It is the user’s duty to ensure that all designs comply with applicable building codes, local regulations, site-specific conditions, and project requirements.

While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this spreadsheet, Base Bahay Foundation, Inc. makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding its completeness, accuracy, or fitness for a particular purpose. Base Bahay shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or consequence arising from the use, misuse, or reliance on this spreadsheet or its results. By using this spreadsheet, the user agrees to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Base Bahay Foundation, Inc., its affiliates, officers, employees, and consultants from any and all claims or liabilities related to its use. Use at your own risk.

On-Site Bending Test Data SheetDownload

Experimental Study on the Dowel-Bearing Strength of Bambusa blumeana Bamboo Used for SustainableHousing Construction

Authors

Cres Dan O. Bangoy, Jr.

Jedelle Y. Falcon

Hannah Amyrose F. Lorenzo

Steven Royce A. Zeng

Lessandro Estelito O. Garciano

Carlo Joseph D. Cacanando

Abstract

This study addresses the critical issue of dowel-bearing strength in Bambusa blumeana,
a key sustainable construction material crucial for climate change mitigation. Given the lack of
bamboo connection standards, this research focuses on determining the dowel-bearing strength of
Bambusa blumeana, emphasizes factors such as dowel diameter, node placements, and the physical
properties of bamboo. A predictive equation is derived, enhancing the practicality of bamboo in
structural design. The results underscore a notable correlation between dowel diameter and characteristic strength, with implications for engineering practices. Node placements significantly affect
dowel-bearing capacity, while bamboo’s physical attributes, including thickness, culm diameter, and
moisture content, exhibit modest correlations with strength. The derived equation aims to assist
in structural design, mitigating splitting and bearing failures in bamboo structures. This research
establishes a foundation for optimizing the use of Bambusa blumeana in sustainable construction,
advancing the understanding of its dowel-bearing strength for improved sustainability and resilience
in the construction industry. Future research suggestions include exploring bamboo–mortar composites, additional node placements, and employing more comprehensive empirical equations and
curve-fitting techniques. The study advocates for further investigations with more diverse and
larger bamboo samples to bolster robustness. Additionally, delving into bamboo ductility may offer
valuable insights.

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Establishment of Characteristic Shear Strength Parallel to Fiber of Different Local Bamboo Species in the Philippines

Authors

Brian E. Bautista

Lessandro E.O. Garciano

Luis F. Lopez

Abstract

The adoption of bamboo as an alternative to traditional building materials in the Philippines is hampered due to its non-inclusion in the local structural code. Given the inherent variability in the mechanical properties of bamboo, determining its characteristic strength is crucial in the development of the local bamboo structural code. The literature on the characteristic strength of bamboo is also limited. In this study, the characteristic shear strength of several economically viable bamboo species in the Philippines was established based on 220 shear test results. Two factors led to the choice of this mechanical property: (1) Shear strength parallel to fiber exhibits the highest degree of variation among mechanical properties; and (2) Shear is one of the governing forces on joint connections, and these connections are the weak points in bamboo structures when exposed to extreme loading conditions. All tests were conducted in accordance with the ISO 22157-1 (2017) shear test protocol. ISO 12122-1 (2014) was used to calculate the characteristic shear strength. The results showed that Bambusa philippinensis has the highest characteristic shear strength value (7.26 MPa) followed by Dendrocalamus asper (6.98 MPa), Bambusa vulgaris (6.46 MPa), Bambusa blumeana (5.15 MPa), and Gigantochloa apus (5.11 MPa). A comparison of the shear strength values using One-way ANOVA also revealed statistically significant differences in shear strength among these bamboo species, highlighting the importance of bamboo species identification in the structural design process.

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Mechanical Characterization of Bamboo Pole for Building Engineering: A Review

Authors

N. A. Bahrin
M. K. Kamarudin
H. Mansor
Y. Sahol-Hamid
Z. Ahmad,
L. F. Lopez

Abstract

Bamboo is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional construction materials. Despite the fact that three species are well known for structural applications, namely Dendrocalamus asper, Gigantochloa scortechinii, and Gigantochloa levis, the scientific data for their mechanical characterization is scarcely available and widely dispersed. In addition, a systematic literature review appraising the study advancement of mechanical characterization of bamboo had been unavailable. This paper bridges this gap by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) of the available literature of mechanical characterization of bamboo pole. A total of 54 relevant articles were retrieved from Scopus and snowballing and then put forward through bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer. The results showed that the distribution of data for physical and mechanical characterization of the aforementioned species was scattered due to the different location (origin), age, and initial moisture content recorded during empirical work among the researchers. This review’s importance and distinctiveness lie in its synthesis of the existing literature on bamboo mechanical characterization. The findings provide a point of reference for both academia and industry by bridging the scarcity of current bamboo engineering data and outlining future possibilities for bamboo research in the building and construction domain.

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Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Mill-Scale—Fly-ash Based Geopolymer Mortars

Authors

Roneh Glenn D. Libre Jr., De La Salle University
Julius L. Leaño Jr., Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Textile Research Institute
Luis Felipe Lopez, Base Bahay Foundation, Inc.
Carlo Joseph D. Cacanando, Base Bahay foundation, Inc.
Michael Angelo B. Promentilla, De La Salle University
Jason Maximino C. Ongpeng, De La Salle University

Abstract

Natural fiber reinforcement in cementitious matrices is being explored to provide an environment-friendly solution for lowering the overall carbon footprint of construction materials while giving the matrix much-needed tensile strength. Short bamboo fibers extracted from Bambusa blumeana or Kawayan tinik using 5% sodium hydroxide solution and treated with 10% aluminum sulfate solution are used to reinforce zero-cement geopolymer mortars. Bamboo fibers with varying lengths of 10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm are mixed with mill-scale – fly ash-based geopolymer in varying 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% fiber loading per weight of specimen sample. Compressive strength and split tensile strength tests are administered to small cylinder samples, 50 mm in diameter by 100 mm in height, in accordance with ASTM C780. An optimum fiber length of 20 mm and fiber loading of 1.4% by weight is determined using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The addition of bamboo fibers increased the unconfined compressive strength up to 292.41% compared to specimens without bamboo fibers. The split tensile strength also improved by up to a 355.82% increase compared to control samples. The corresponding high-strength and low-strength samples are also subjected to Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy – Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) to investigate and compare the stretching of bands between the raw materials and tested specimens. Scanning Electron Microscopy – Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis (SEM-EDX) is used to show microscopic images and the elements present in the selected samples. The implications of the results on the material development of bamboo fiber-reinforced geopolymer mortar for construction are discussed.

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Bamboo

Discovering the Best Varieties of Bamboo for Sustainable Construction

In recent years, sustainable building practices have gained immense popularity as individuals and industries strive to reduce their environmental impact and create more eco-friendly structures. One remarkable material that has captured the attention of professional builders globally is bamboo. Bamboo has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional construction materials, offering a number of benefits that contribute to sustainable building practices. 

When it comes to selecting bamboo varieties, several options show particularly favorable characteristics. Here are some of them:

Genus Guadua

Genus Guadua comprises approximately 20 or more different species, all of which are characterized by their remarkable size. These massive bamboo varieties grow in the tropic and subtropic regions such as Central and South America. Guadua species are known for their impressive growth potential, reaching towering heights. 

Guadua Bamboo is one of the most ideal bamboo species to use in construction. Due to its straightness, it allows an easy application to structure and provides a good consistency in design as compared to curved bamboo. Along with that, due to its short internode length, this provides more support for the building by adding additional resistance. Currently, BASE is investigating different plantations in the Philippines for Guadua Bamboo for potential testing on its characteristic strengths.

Genus Dendrocalamus

Dendrocalamus is a genus of bamboo plants that is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical regions of India and Southeast Asia. It consists of numerous species that play an important function in the construction industry. One notable species within this genus is Dendrocalamus asper, commonly known as giant bamboo. This particular variety is widely utilized in heavy construction projects across Indonesia and the Philippines.

BASE is performing several mechanical property tests on Dendrocalamus Asper to obtain its characteristic values. The average strength of this species of bamboo in compression ranges from 40 to 60 Megapascals with some samples reaching around 20 tons capacity.

Genus Phyllostachys

Phyllostachys bamboos encompass a wide range of benefits, serving various purposes. One particular species of Phyllostachys is Phyllostachys edulis, commonly known as Moso bamboo, holds significant importance due to its remarkable culm size and versatile range of uses. 

Genus Bambusa

Genus Bambusa are known for their aesthetic appeal and widespread cultivation in gardens and landscapes. Bambusa bamboo exhibit a wide range of sizes, with certain species capable of reaching impressive heights and featuring culms with diameters measuring several centimeters. However, it’s important to note that the size of Bambusa bamboo can vary depending on the specific species and the prevailing growing conditions.

In the Philippines, a well-known bamboo species is Bambusa blumeana or Kawayang Tinik. This bamboo species is recognized for its structural grade properties when mature and is frequently available within the country. BASE is now almost complete with all the mechanical properties to be conducted with this species. Through partnership with different universities in the Philippines, BASE hopes to publish into a journal the findings of the characteristic values of this species for future design with structural grade bamboo such as Bambusa Blumeana.

As the world increasingly focuses on sustainability and environmental consciousness, the utilization of bamboo in construction is becoming more prominent. Bamboo possesses remarkable strength, exhibits rapid growth, and offers versatility, making it an ideal choice for those who are seeking sustainable alternatives. However, it is crucial to note that not all bamboo is applicable for construction. They must undergo proper treatment and tests before being used as a building material. Collaboration with BASE can contribute to the development of sustainable practices and ensure the proper use of bamboo, promoting a greener approach to construction.

Base Bahay Foundation, Inc (BASE) is the pioneer of Cement-Bamboo Framework  in the Philippines. BASE builds affordable and disaster-resilient structures using an innovative bamboo-based technology. Through continuous research in the Base Innovation Center (BIC), BASE is optimizing the technology and looking for new applications outside its standard model. The BIC is also equipped with the latest technology for testing different bamboo species and alternative building systems. Additionally, BASE offers training courses under its Bamboo Academy program to extend its alternative building technologies to different communities and provide further knowledge on bamboo construction. Build with BASE and engage in sustainable construction.