Skip to main content

Tag: Sustainable Housing

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.

Read Full-Text PDFDownload

Fire Resistance for Low-Rise Housing in the Tropics: Test Results for Bamboo-Based Construction Systems

Authors

Corinna Salzer
Holger Wallbaum, Chalmers University of Technology
Lily Tambunan, Bandung Institute of Technology

Abstract

The use of round bamboo as load bearing member for low-rise housing is an interesting alternative construction method for tropical regions. Similar to timber engineering, predictable fire resistance is a requirement for its legal approval and application at scale. The research presents fire test results on selected bamboo-based construction systems developed in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Tests were conducted in Indonesia according to the National Standard SNI 1741, which is referring to ISO 834-1 and JIS A 1304. Different bamboo wall cross-sections were tested in specimens of 1050mm by 1050mm and evaluated according to insulation, integrity, and mechanical resistance criteria. All specimens received a rating of 60 minutes resistance. The research provided a general understanding of the system response and highlighted critical variables of the wall system, which can be transformed into design recommendations.

Read Full-Text PDFDownload

Figures

Parametric Approach to Simplified Life Cycle Assessment of Social Housing Projects

Authors

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

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. Scientific and practical evidence clearly suggests that the use of bamboo in the provision of housing solutions provides communities with both environmental and socioeconomic benefits via this strategy. One barrier to the promotion of this type of solution is the lack of knowledge of structural design and environmental performance. Moreover, access to assessment tools and methodologies is limited. The use of simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has exhibited great potential to increase accessibility, but the generation of life cycle inventory data remains a major issue. In this paper, we describe the development of a methodological approach to using parametric design to generate the data required to carry out simplified LCA of social housing solutions. Moreover, we present a case study assessing a housing unit using cement bamboo frame technology developed by the Base Bahay Foundation in the Philippines. The main parameters for the LCA of the buildings were identified through sensitivity analysis. Moreover, they show that parametric design is a valid approach to overcoming the challenges of data generation at the early stages of design. The proposed approach would enable users without civil and/or engineering backgrounds to carry out simplified LCA calculations. Thus, through methodological approaches, it is possible to reduce significantly the complexity associated with LCA and open new avenues for its application.

Read Full-Text PDFDownload

Figures

Determining Material Suitability for Low-Rise Housing in the Philippines: Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Bamboo Species Bambusa Blumeana

Authors

C. Salzer
Holger Wallbaum, Chalmers University of Technology
Marina Alipon
Luis Felipe López, Base Bahay Foundation Inc.

Abstract

The use of cellulosic materials in the construction of low-rise housing in tropical climates has great potential. Bambusa blumeana (B. blumeana, J.A. and J.H. Schultes), the most abundantly available bamboo species in the Philippines, is a promising alternative material for the construction of cost-efficient buildings. However, to comply with municipal rules and regulations for construction, a comprehensive understanding of the organic raw material is needed to permit its application as a load-bearing structural member. In this study, the physical and mechanical properties of B. blumeana bamboo from a typical growth region of the Philippines were tested according to ISO 22157-1 (2004) and ISO 22157-2 (2004). The characteristic strength values of B. blumeana were as follows: compressive and tensile strengths parallel to the grain of 20 and 95 MPa, respectively; shear strength of 5 MPa, bending strength of 34.6 MPa, and the mean and fifth percentile modulus of elasticity of 13100 and 8600 MPa, respectively. Based on these results, a recommendation for permissible stresses for structural design was made in line with ISO 22156 (2004).

Read Full-Text PDFDownload

Figures

Environmental Performance of Social Housing in Emerging Economies: Life Cycle Assessment of Conventional and Alternative Construction Methods in the Philippines

Authors

Corinna Salzer
Holger Wallbaum, Chalmers University of Technology
York Ostermeyer, Chalmers University of Technology
Jun Kono, Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting

Abstract

Purpose The environmental impact of the social building stock is relevant, particularly in emerging economies. Life cycle thinking is not yet established, however. Locally available, alternative building concepts could potentially reduce the environmental impact of the construction segment. This paper examines the environmental performance of “as-built” low-cost housing for example in the Philippines, and the potential to reduce its environmental impact through the use of three alternative building technologies: cement–bamboo frames, soil–cement blocks, and coconut board-based housing. Methods Life cycle assessment models are implemented and evaluated with software SimaPro, using the single-impact indicators global warming potential (GWP) and cumulative energy demand (CED) and the multi-impact indicator Impact2002+. According to EN 15978, the life cycle phase product and construction process (A), use stage (B), end-of-life (C), and supplementary information beyond the building life cycle (D) have been assessed. Theoretically calculated inflows from standard construction procedures used in phase A have been verified with 3 years of empirical data from implemented construction projects. For phases B, C, and D, attention was given to service life, use-phase, allocation of waste products, biogenic carbon, and land-use assumptions. Scenarios reflect the actual situation in the emerging economy. Processes, such as heat recovery from thermal utilization, which are not existing nor near to implementation, were excluded. Results and discussion For an assessment of the phases A–B–C–D with GWP, a 35% reduction of environmental impact for soil–cement blocks, 74% for cement–bamboo frames, and 83% for coconut board-based houses are obtained relative to a concrete reference house. In absolute terms, this relates to a reduction of 4.4, 9.3, and 10.3 t CO2 equivalents over a service life of 25 years. CED showed higher impacts for the biogenic construction methods coconut board and cement–bamboo frames of +8.0 and +4.7%, while the soil–cement technology was evaluated −7.1% compared to GWP. Sixteen of 17 midpoint categories of Impact2002+ confirmed an overall reduction potential of the alternative building methods, with the midpoint category land occupation being the exception rating the conventional practice over the alternatives. Conclusions It is concluded that alternative construction technologies have substantial potential to reduce the environmental burden caused by the social housing sector. The service life of the alternative technologies plays a vital role in it. LCA for emerging economies needs to incorporate realistic scenarios applicable to their current state or belonging to the most probable alternatives to ensure valuable results. Recommendations for further research are provided.

Read Full-Text PDFDownload

Figures

Sustainability of Social Housing in Asia: A Holistic Multi-Perspective Development Process for Bamboo-Based Construction in the Philippines

Authors

Corinna Salzer
Holger Wallbaum, Chalmers University of Technology
Luis Felipe López, Base Bahay Foundation Inc.
Jean Luc Kouyoumji

Abstract

This paper highlights the need for more inclusive and sustainable development of social housing in rapidly developing countries of Asia, Latin America, and Africa. In the example of the Philippines, a multi-perspective development process for a bamboo-based building system is developed. Sustainability Assessment Criteria are defined through literature review, field observations, and interviews with three stakeholder clusters: (1) Builders and users of traditional bamboo houses in the Philippines; (2) Stakeholders involved in using forest products for housing in other countries around the world; and (3) Stakeholders in the field of social housing in the Philippines. Through coding and sorting of data in qualitative content analysis, 15 sustainability assessment criteria are identified clustered into the dimensions of society, ecology, economy, governance, and technology. Guided by the sustainability criteria and four implementation strategies: (A) Research about and (B) Implementation of the building technology; (C) Participation and Capacity Building of Stakeholders; and (D) Sustainable Supply Chains, a strategic roadmap was created naming, in total, 28 action items. Through segmentation of the complex problem into these action items, the paper identifies one-dimensional methods leading to measurable, quantitative endpoints. In this way, qualitative stakeholder data is translated into quantitative methods, forming a pathway for a holistic assessment of the building technologies. A mid-point, multi-criteria, or pareto decision-making method comparing the 28 endpoints of the alternative to currently practiced conventional solutions is suggested as a subject for further research. This framework paper is a contribution to how sustainable building practices can become more inclusive, incorporating the building stock of low-income dwellers. It bridges the gap between the theoretical approach and practical applications of sustainability and underlines the strength of combining multi-dimensional development with stakeholder participation.

Read Full-Text PDFDownload

Figures