Final Dessertation

DISSERTATION
ON
BAMBOO IN ARCHITECTURE
SUBMITTED BY:
(PRACHI AGARWAL)
(ROLL NO. - 1532781066)
GUIDED BY:-
(AR. DEEPAK SAXENA)
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE
OF
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE
SUNDERDEEP COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

(DASNA, GHAZIABAD, UTTAR PRADESH)
Sunderdeep College of Architecture
Ghaziabad.
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Dissertation titled “BAMBOO IN ARCHITECTURE” submitted by

“PRACHI AGARWAL” as a part of 5 years Undergraduate Program in Architecture at
SUNDERDEEP COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE is a record of bonafide work carried out by his
under our guidance.
The content included in the Thesis has not been submitted to any other University or institution
for accord of any other degree or diploma.
AR. RAKESH SAPRA

(DIRECTOR)
DEEPAK SAXENA
(DISSERTATION GUIDE)
2/BAMBOO IN ARCHITECTURE
Ghaziabad
DECLARATION
I PRACHI AGARWAL hereby declares that the dissertation entitled “BAMBOO IN

ARCHITECTURE” submitted in the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the
degree of B. Arch is my original research work and that the information taken from secondary
sources is given due citations and references.
PRACHI AGARWAL
8th Semester
B. Arch
2019-20
Ghaziabad
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I take this opportunity to acknowledge all those who have helped me in getting this study to a
successful present status.
I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to my guide, Ar. DEEPAK SAXENA for his
valuable suggestions and criticism. He made this possible.
I extend my sincere thanks to my parents; they accompanied me to all my sites for the study
and survey. All my batch mates for extending help and support, SDCA and all the other
authorities which helped me in this study. I dedicate this work to my parents, friends, faculty etc.
Once again, I take this opportunity to thank all those who have directly or indirectly helped me
and sincere apologies if I have forgotten to mention any one in particular
Ghaziabad
ABSTRACT
Bamboo is a renewable and versatile resource, characterized by high strength and low weight,
and is easily worked using simple tools. It is widely recognized as one of the most important
non-timber forest resources due to the high socio-economic benefits from bamboo-based
products. Bamboo is the world’s fastest growing woody plant. Bamboo grows three times faster
than most other species. Housing is one of the priority items and sensing the current shortage of
the dwelling units, the present administrative leaders around the world find tough to hit upon a
solution for. Apart from the other substances already in practice, bamboo appears to be the
most promising material.
Bamboo building construction is characterized by a structural frame approach similar to that
applied in traditional timber frame design and construction. In this case, the floor, the wall, the
roof elements are all interconnected and often one dependent on the other for overall stability.
The use of bamboo for foundation is rather restricted. This is mainly due to the fact that like
timber when in contact with damp ground, they deteriorate and decay very quickly unless
treated with some very effective preservatives. The most extensive use of bamboo in
construction is for the walls and partitions. The major elements, the posts and beams, generally
constitute part or structural framework. The roof offers protection against extremes of weather
including rain, sun and wind, and to provide shelter, clear and usable space beneath the
canopy. Above all it must be strong enough to resist the considerable forces generated by wind
and roof coverings. In this respect, bamboo is ideal as a roofing material- it is strong, resilient
and light weighted. Bamboo will continue to play an important part in the development of
enterprises and the transformation of rural environments.
Contents
CHAPTER – 1 ..................................................................................... 8
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................ 10
1.1 AIM .......................................................................................... 11
1.2 OBJECTIVES ............................................................................ 11
1.3 SCOPE ..................................................................................... 11
1.4 METHODOLOGY ....................................................................... 11
1.5 LIMITATION…………………………………………………………………… …. 10
CHAPTER – 2 ................................................................................... 12
LITERATURE REVIEW ..........................................................................
2.1 SCOPE ..................................................................................... 13
2.2 STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF BAMBOO ...................................... 14
2.3 ADVANTAGES OF BAMBOO AS A BUILDING MATERIAL .............. 15
2.4 DISADVANATGES OF BAMBOO AS A BUILDING MATERIAL ......... 15
2.5 PREPARATION OF BAMBOO FOR CONSTRUCTION .................... 16
2.5.1 BAMBOO HARVESTING AND GROWING…………………………………16
2.5.2 PRESERVATION OF BAMBOO….…………………….……………………17
2.5.3 DRYING OF BAMBOO…….………………………………………………….18
CHAPTER -3 ..................................................................................... 21
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ............................................................ 21
3.1 BAMBOO JOINTS AND TECHNIQUES ......................................... 21
3.2 APPLICATION IN BUILDING COMPONENTS ................................ 31
3.2.1 FOUNDATION …….…………………………………………………………………… 31
3.2.2 FLOOR……………………………………………………………………………………33
3.2.3 WALLS……………………………………………………………………………………37
3.2.4 ROOF………………….………………………………………………………………….38
CHAPTER - IV ................................................................................... 44
CASE STUDY .................................................................................... 44
4.1.KONTUM INDOCHINA CAFÉ,VIETNAM ............................................ 44
4.2GERMAN CHINESE HOUSE EXPO 2 010 CHINA .................................... 48
4.3 ZCB BAMBOO PAVILION………………………………………………………………………51
4.4 BAMBOO LONG HOUSE RESTAURANT……………………………………………………54
4.5 BAMBOO COURTYARD TEAHOUSE………………………………………………………...58
CHAPTER - 5........................................................................................... 60
CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................ 60
CHAPTER –6 ........................................................................................... 61
BIBLIOGRAPHY ....................................................................................... 61
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 different size of bamboo

Figure 2 bamboo in treatment pool
Figure 3 bamboo stack vertically for drain
Figure 4 bamboo left in sun
Figure 5 bamboo stored in cold and dry place
Figure 6 bamboo stored under cover
Figure 7 horizontal stacking
Figure 8 correct way to join
Figure 9 tying of bamboo
Figure 10 bamboo joinery detail
Figure 11 connecting bamboo nodes
Figure 12 different ways for connecting bamboo
Figure 13 different cuts used to make bamboo joints
Figure 14 bamboo cuts using traditional hand tools
Figure 15 joining horizontal with vertical elements
Figure 16 bamboo joints (flap joint)
Figure 17 bamboo joints (fish mouth joint)
Figure 18 bamboo joints by using dowels and anchors
Figure 19 fish mouth joint using dowels
Figure 20 bamboo joint with wooden anchor
Figure 21 bamboo joint with metal anchor
Figure 22 1-beams formed by 4 or 6 members 2-central double rafter 3-lateral double rafter 4-
lateral double rafters
Figure 23 joint with double wooden wedge
Figure 24 joint with dowels and clamping fitters
Figure 25 cross joint with dowel
Figure 26 lateral joint with dowel
Figure 27 different types of splicing
Figure 28 performed concrete footings
Figure 29 single post footing
Figure 30 composite bamboo /bamboo concrete
Figure 31 bamboo piles
Figure 32 bamboo floor mat
Figure 33 bamboo floor mat
Figure 34 bamboo cane floor decking
Figure 35 split bamboo floor decking
Figure 36 example of woven bamboo mats
Figure 37 bamboo panels
Figure 38 bamboo parquette
Figure 39 whole or halved bamboo
Figure 40 split bamboo
Figure 41 bajareque
Figure 42 wattle bamboo
Figure 43 woven bamboo
Figure 44 roof of halved bamboo culms
Figure 45 possible roof framing configurations
Figure 46 king post truss
Figure 47 fink post truss
Figure 48 bamboo tiles
Figure 49 bamboo shingles
Figure 50 bituminised bamboo mats
Figure 51 interior of café
Figure 52 panorama of café
Figure 53 natural light from ceiling
Figure 54 view of café
Figure 55 floor plan of café
Figure 56 section of café
Figure 57 column detail of bamboo structure
Figure 58 exterior view of house
Figure 59 steel staircase connecting ground to first floor
Figure 60 first floor view
Figure 61 bamboo furniture
Figure 62 interior of house showing bamboo connections
Figure 63 section of house
Figure 64 interior of pavilion
Figure 65 making of pavilion
Figure 66 concept of pavilion
Figure 67 top view of pavilion
Figure 68 section of pavilion
Figure 69 interior of restaurant
Figure 70 image showing bamboo roofing
Figure 71 sitting area of restaurant
Figure 72 image showing design consideration to protect bamboo
Figure 73 elevation and ground floor plan of restaurant
Figure 74 cross section of restaurant
Figure 75-night view of teahouse
Figure 76 courtyard with internal landscape space
Figure 77 bamboo courtyard
Figure 78 floor plan
CHAPTER – 1
INTRODUCTION
Bamboo can be utilized as a building material as for scaffolding, bridges and houses. Bamboo
like true wood, is a natural composite material with a high strength-to-weight ratio useful for
structures. Bamboo has a higher compressive strength than wood, brick or concrete and a
tensile strength that rivals steel.
Bamboos are some of the fastest growing plants in the world certain species of bamboos can
grow 35 inches 890 mm with in in a 24-hour period at a rate of 0.00003 km/h (a growth of
approximately 1 mm or (0.02inches) every 2 minutes).
Bamboo as a constructive for decorative element, coating, façade, or roof has proven its
superiority over materials such as plastic and steel. This material’s structural and sustainable
qualities demonstrate that bamboo can be three times more resistant than steel.
1.1 AIM
To implement the use of bamboo in architecture as the building material and to increase its
value as architectural element.
1.2 OBJECTIVES
 Utilization of bamboo for construction is achieved by structural frame technique which is

related to same approach applied in usual timber frame design and construction.
 To identify different bamboo construction joinery.
 Walls construction with bamboo as a building material.
 Roofing with bamboo as a building material.
1.3 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
 Used a good building material in construction
 New generation products as a wood substitute
 Use as aesthetic material, boards and furniture.
 It requires preservation
 Bamboo is subjected to attack by fungi, insects; and for this reason, untreated bamboo
structures are viewed as temporary with an expected life of not more than 5 years
 Structural efficiency is low
 Prone to catch fire very fast by the friction among the culms during wind, and is seen to
cause forest fires.
1.4 METHODOLOGY
 Selection of Topic
 Data Collection
 About Bamboo
 Modern Techniques with Bamboo
 Case Study
 Analysis
 Conclusion
CHAPTER – 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
BAMBOO AS A BUILDING MATERIAL
Bamboo is a traditional building material throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical
regions. Bamboo is a renewable and versatile resource, with high strength and low weight.
That’s why it is widely used in different forms of construction, particularly for housing in rural
areas. It can also be used to make traps, cages, tools, weapons, bridges, rafts, towers, fences,
water wheels, irrigation pipe, and thousands of other items. It is widely recognized as one of the
most important non-timber forest resources due to the high socioeconomic benefits from
bamboo-based products. It is estimated that there are 1200 species of bamboo.
Most of them grow in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The world’s fastest growing woody grass is
Bamboo. It grows approximately 7.5 to 40cm a day, with world record being 1.2m in 24 hours in
Japan. Bamboo grows three times faster than most other species. Species of bamboo which are
commercially used usually mature in four- or five-years’ time, after which multiple harvests are
possible every second year, for up to 120 years in some species and indefinitely in others.
Bamboo is also good in biomass production.
Bamboo is an extremely strong fiber with twice the compressive strength of concrete, and
roughly the same strength to weight ratio of steel in tension. In addition, testing has shown that
the shape of bamboo is hollow tube gives it our strength factor of 1.9 times over and an
equivalent solid pole. The reason being that in a beam, the only fibers doing the work are those
in the very top (compression) and bottom (tension)
The rest of the mass is deadweight. The strongest bamboo fibers have greater shear resistant
that structure woods and they take much longer to make to ultimate failures.
The structure advantages are its lightweight and its strength there by properly constructed
bamboo buildings are inherited disease resistant to wind and earthquake.
It is often introduced into the banks or streams or in other vulnerable areas, for rapid control of
soil erosion; one bamboo plants closely matted roots can bind up to six cubic meters of soil.
2.1 SCOPE
The world timber demand is increasing at a rapid rate but the timber supply is depleting. It’s
been found through research that bamboo can suitably replace timber and other materials in
construction and other works. Industrially treated bamboo has shown great potential for
production of composite materials and components which are cost-effective and can
be successfully utilized for structural and non-structural applications in construction. Bamboo is
one of the oldest traditional building materials used by mankind.
The bamboo culm, or stem, has been made into an extended diversity of products ranging
from domestic household products to industrial applications. Examples of bamboo products are
food containers, handicrafts, toys, furniture, flooring, pulp and paper, boats, charcoal, musical
instruments and weapons. Bamboo is quite common for bridges, scaffolding and housing, but it
is usually used as a temporary exterior structural material. In many overly populated regions of
the tropics, certain bamboos supply the one suitable material that is sufficiently cheap and
plentiful to meet the extensive need for economical housing. It has been used in bicycles,
windmills, scales etc. Its uses are broad and plentiful.
With the advancement of science and technology and the tight supply of timber, new
methods are needed for the processing of bamboo to make it more durable and more usable in
terms of building materials. Studies have been carried out on the basic properties and on
processing of bamboo into various kinds of composite products. Bamboo has several unique
advantages like ability to grow fast with a high yield and also it matures quickly.
Additionally, bamboo can be grown abundantly and that too at a lower cost which makes it more
economical.
2.2 STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF BAMBOO
It has been found that the ultimate tensile strength of some species of bamboo is comparable to
that of mild steel and it varies from 140N/mm2- 280N/mm2. This together with other properties
has made Bamboo a more visible option as a construction material.
It has also been found that bamboo acts very well in buckling but due to low stresses than
compared to steel and due to it not being straight it may not be very good.
Further, it has been established that in seismic zones the failure of bamboo is very less as the
maximum absorption of the energy is at the joints. Cellulose is the main component present in
bamboo which is the main source of mechanical properties of bamboo.
Some specific properties of Bamboo are as given below:
Specific gravity - 0.575 to 0.655
Average weight - 0.625kg/m
Modulus of rupture - 610 to 1600kg/cm2
Modulus of Elasticity - 1.5 to 2.0 x105kg/cm2
Ultimate compressive stress- 794 to 864kg/cm2
Safe working stress in compression - 105kg/cm2
Safe working stress in tension - 160 to 350kg/cm2
Safe working stress in shear- 115 to 180kg/cm2
Bond stress - 5.6kg/cm
Bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant on the planet belonging to the grass family. It can be
harvested every year from a mature bush without affecting the existence of the bush. A bamboo
should be really taking about three years to attain its maturity. In fact, the growth of every ton of
bamboo consumes nearly a ton of carbon dioxide besides releasing fresh oxygen into the
atmosphere. It is adaptable to most climatic conditions and soil types.
2.3 ADVANTAGES OF BAMBOO AS A BUILDING MATERIAL
The various advantages of bamboo are as mentioned below:
 Tensile strength: Bamboo has higher tensile strength than steel because its fibres run
axially.
 Fire Resistance: Capability of bamboo to resist fire is very high and it can withstand
temperature up to 4000 C. This is due to the presence of high value of silicate acid and
water.
 Elasticity: Bamboo is widely preferred in earthquake prone regions due to its elastic
features.
 Weight of bamboo: Bamboos due to their low weight are easily displaced or installed
making it very easier for transportation and construction.
 Unlike other building materials like cement and asbestos, bamboo poses no danger to
health.
 They are cost effective and easy to use.
 They are especially in great demand in earthquake prone areas.
2.4 DISADVANTAGES OF BAMBOO AS A BUILDING MATERIAL
Bamboos come with their own set of drawbacks such as:
 They require preservation
 Shrinkage: Bamboo shrinks much greater than any other type of timber especially when it
loses water.
 Durability: Bamboo should be sufficiently treated against insect or fungus attack before
being utilized for building purposes.
 Jointing: Despite prevalence of various techniques of jointing, structural reliability of
bamboo is questionable.
2.5 PREPARATION OF BAMBOO FOR CONSTRUCTION
2.5.1 BAMBOO HARVESTING AND GROWING
There are several hundred species of bamboo. All are tall, evergreen plants and members of
the grass family. A versatile landscape plant, bamboo can quickly provide a screen at the edge
of your property or a backdrop for your other plantings. Bamboo is also cultivated for its shoots,
traditionally part of Asian cuisine, and for its upright hollow canes marked with distinct nodes.
Choosing a Variety
Bamboo plants fall into one of two categories, growing either as defined clumps or as runner
plants that send out underground stems, or rhizomes, to spread into new areas. Although the
running type can be invasive, it is harder than the clumping type and suitable for some northern
areas. You can control the invasive habit of running bamboo by surrounding your planting with a
sheet metal barrier extending 3 feet below the surface. Bamboo available for home gardeners
ranges between 3 and 30 feet in height when mature and is suitable for planting in U.S.
Department of Agriculture planting zones 5 through 10, depending on the variety.
Growing Bamboo
Select either small bamboo plants or rhizome sections to start your bamboo planting. Choose
an area in full sun or partial shade and loosen the soil, but avoid adding fertilizer to protect the
roots from burning. Place plants at the same soil level as they were in their original pot and
rhizomes 1 to 2 inches deep. Water well and mulch the area to keep the soil moist. Bamboo
does best when soil is allowed to dry slightly between watering. Watch for leaves that roll up, a
sign that the plants need water. Once plants are established, fertilize them with a balanced
fertilizer at four- to six-week intervals.
Bamboo Canes
When bamboo starts a growth cycle, upright shoots appear above the soil and grow very rapidly
to form canes, branching only when they near their maximum height. Leaves develop along the
smaller branches, near the tops of the plants. Bamboo stores nutrients in its rhizomes, and as
the plant grows, new buds appear on the rhizomes and eventually emerge from the soil to
develop into new canes
Harvesting
Bamboo provides both shoots for use as food and canes that have many decorative or utilitarian
uses. Harvest bamboo shoots in the spring when the plants first begin to grow, cutting them at
ground level with a sharp knife and choosing those that are about 6 inches high. Take only a
few shoots from a new planting to ensure the adult plants will continue to grow and expand. To
harvest canes or poles, choose those that are three to five years old. Use a pruning saw to cut
them at ground level during winter when insects are inactive. Allow the poles to dry in a
protected area for several weeks before using them.
2.5.2 PRESERVATION OF BAMBOO
As bamboo has less natural durability it requires chemical treatment for longer life. Bamboos
have low natural durability (1 to 3 years) against attacks by fungi and insects. They are very
difficult to be treated by normal preservative methods in dry condition since their outer and to
some extent inner membranes are impermeable to liquids. The treatment of bamboo is,
therefore, best carried out in green conditions.
BORAX-BORIC ACID PRESERVATION TREATMENT -

 Depending on the diameter of the bamboo, different size drill bits, attached to a long Steel
rods are used to drill into the centre of the bamboo clums throughout their whole length.
 At the preservation treatment pool bamboo soaks in borax - boric acid solution for two days
to allow the mineral to penetrate all the nodes and diaphragms.
 Bamboo is removed and stack vertically so the solution can drain and be reused.
 Next the bamboo poles are left in the bask in the sun depending on the amount of sunlight
 The bamboo poles are left to dry slowly in a cool, dry place until they are used for
construction.
Figure 1: different size of bamboo Figure 2: bamboo in treatment pool Figure 3: bamboo stack vertically
for drain
Figure 4: bamboo left in sun Figure 5: bamboo stored in dry place
2.5.3 DRYING OF BAMBOO

Drying bamboo poles requires more time than wood of similar density. This because bamboo
possess hygroscopic materials (compound that easily absorbs moisture) that may contain 50-
60% moisture content, depending on the felling season, area of growth and species.
When bamboo dries it contracts and shrinks. This shrinkage starts from the moment the
bamboo is cut, and can reduce the diameter of the bamboo poles with 10% to 16%, and its wall
thickness with 15% to 17%.
Green bamboo poles should not be used in construction. Since green bamboos are subject
to shrinkage, joints and terminals may loosen after just a few weeks. Green bamboo is also
more attractive to insects and microorganisms, than dry bamboo.
The most common way to dry bamboo for commercial purposes is "air drying". Once the
bamboo poles are harvested and chemically treated, all poles should be stacked and stored
under cover.
Important factors when drying bamboo:
• It is most important to keep the culms away from direct soil

contact to prevent fungal or insects-attacks and to avoid
the humidity of the soil affecting the drying process.
• It is recommended that only mature bamboo culms (over 3
years) are used to avoid collapsing of the bamboo poles,
due to excessive and non-uniform shrink-age of the culm.
• Remove infected culms from the storage area. Figure 6: bamboo stored under cover
• Avoid rapid changes in moisture content, for example by

drying round bamboo in direct sunlight for a prolonged
time. This can cause cracks in the bamboo poles. Split
bamboos do not pose any problems and can be dried in
the open sun.
• Provide good ventilation (air circulation).
• Vertical stacking gives faster drying and less chances of
fungal attack. However, a good support system should be
in place to avoid the poles from bending.
Figure 7: horizontal stacking
• Horizontal stacking is generally preferred for large stacks. Stacking should be done on
raised platforms, or placed on a thick plastic sheet to avoid soil contact. Use separators
between each row of bamboo for better air circulation. The culms at the bottom of the
stack may crack or bend due to the weight of a stack, therefore don't pile up the bamboo
poles too high.
• For uniform drying, the bamboo poles should be rotated in the longitudinal
direction every 15 days.
Air drying round bamboo takes about 6-12 weeks. Drying time depends on:
• Initial moisture content

• Bamboo wall thickness
• Environmental humidity
• Quantity of solar radiation
• The absence or presence of rain
• Speed of the surrounding air
CHAPTER – 3
CONSTRUCTION METHODS
3.1 BAMBOO JOINTS AND TECHNIQUES
Basic Principles and Techniques
Figure 8: correct way to join
 Do not use bamboo when it is less than 3 years of age. Only use mature bamboo of 4-6
years
 Do not use bamboo infected by insects (powder beetle for example). Bamboo has to
be properly cured with a boron mix immediately after harvesting.
 Do not use bamboo that has flourished. Rest assured bamboo only flourish once in a
lifetime (60-120 years).
 Do not use bamboo poles with profound vertical cracks.
 Use appropriate cuts and joints when building with bamboo.
 Use bamboo with the right diameter and wall thickness for your project.
Figure 9: Tying of bamboo
• Do not use conventional wood nails in bamboo joinery, they will cause the bamboo to split.
Instead use nylon, steel or vegetal cord of the appropriate diameter.
Figure 10: bamboo joinery detail
• When using bamboo as a column make sure that the lower part connecting with the
surface ends with a node. If not, the bamboo will splinter when struck (for example to position
the column).
• When connecting bamboo poles with bolts, make sure to bolt them together in between 2
nodes.
• In construction, using bamboo nodes is very important. Bamboo
columns or beams need to have a node at both ends (or as
close as possible towards the ends), if not the pressure of a
structure on the joint may crush the bamboo.
• Often it isn't possible to find bamboo of the required length with both end nodes in place.
When this occurs, you should insert a wooden cylinder of the appropriate diameter or a
fitting piece of bamboo with a node. Figure 11: connecting bamboo nodes
Figure 12: different ways for connecting bamboo

Bamboo Cuts
one ear / two ear / beveled / flute mouth / fish mouth

Figure 13: different cuts used to make bamboo joints
As you can see in the illustration below, making basic cuts in bamboo doesn't require expensive
or heavy power tools, just a few traditional hand tools will work fine.
Figure 14: bamboo cuts using traditional hand tools
Bamboo Joinery Techniques
Making good and aesthetically pleasing bamboo joints is rather complicated because bamboo is
hollow, tapered, has nodes at varying distances, and it is not perfectly circular. It is important to
keep all these constraints in mind when designing a bamboo joint.
Although traditions, local practices and publications give some information on bamboo joinery,
this information is far from complete as essential data is missing in most cases. Many traditional
joinery techniques suffer from weakness or deformation, where the strength of the bamboo culm
itself is lost.
Before bamboo gets widely adopted in modern architecture (and becomes affordable for all to
use), the problem with bamboo joints and universal joining systems has to be solved. After all,
timber, steel, and more recently prefabricated concrete, only became proper building materials
for the same reasons.
Only if the problem with bamboo joinery can be satisfactorily addressed, and simplified, we can
expect to see much more bamboo in Western buildings, bridges and furniture.
Below you'll find some examples and illustrations of traditional bamboo joinery techniques
Figure 15: joining horizontal with vertical elements
1- Joint with one or two ears. Is used to join bamboo rafters, logs or lumber.
Figure 16: bamboo joints (flap joint) Figure 17: bamboo joints (fish mouth joint)
4. Flap joint. Is used when there is no lashing wire available.

The flap can be secured with bamboo strips. 5. Fish mouth joint.
Use of dowels and anchors in bamboo joinery
Figure 18: bamboo joints by using dowels and anchors
1. Joining bamboo with dowels and lashing. The peg should be placed in the column parallel
to the rafter.
Figure 19: fish mouth joint using dowels
Figure 20: bamboo joint with wooden anchor
2. Fish mouth joint with pegs.
3. Bamboo joint with wooden anchor. Is also used inverted.
Figure 21: bamboo joint with metal anchor
4. Bamboo joint with metal anchor. This technique Is used in various positions.
Double and quadruple bamboo rafter support
Figure 22: 1. Beams formed by 4 or 6 members 2. Central double rafter 3. Lateral

double rafter 4. Lateral double rafters.
1. Beams formed by 4 or 6 members. The top row is separated from the bottom with bamboo
or wood slats so that the upper bamboos do not slide over the lower.
2. Central double rafter. It has a wide range of applications in the construction of bridges and
structures for rural facilities.
3. Lateral double rafter. Each of the rafters is secured independently at the side support and
each other. It is often used in the construction of bridges and structures for rural facilities.
4. Lateral double rafters. Is often used as a central support for bridge structures or sheds.
Joining and fixation of bamboo poles
Figure 23: joint with double wooden wedge

Figure 24: joint with dowels and clamping fitters
5. Corner joint.
Figure 25: cross joint with dowel Figure 26: lateral joint with dowel and corner joint
SPLICING OF BAMBOO
Figure 27: different types of splicing

1-Top slicing 2-Bevel splicing
3-Ray splicing 4-Half bamboo splicing
5-Splicing with internal union 6-splicing with external union
7-Telescope splicing
3.2 APPLICATION IN BUILDING COMPONENTS
3.2.1 FOUNDATION
The types of bamboo foundation identified are:

• Bamboo in direct ground contact
• Bamboo on rock or preformed concrete footings
• Bamboo incorporated into concrete footings
• Composite bamboo/concrete columns
• Bamboo reinforced concrete
• Bamboo piles
Bamboo in direct ground contact
Bamboo either on the surface or buried, can decay within six months to
two years. Preservative treatment is therefore recommended. For
strength and stability,
large diameter thick walled sections of bamboo with closely spaced nodes
should be used. Where these are not available, smaller sections can be
tied together.
Figure 28: performed concrete footing
Bamboo on rock or preformed concrete footings
Bamboo is being used for bearings it should be placed out of ground

contact on footings of footings either rock or preformed concrete. The
largest and stiffest sections of bamboo should be used.
Bamboo incorporated into concrete footings Figure 29: single post footing
The third approach is to incorporate the bamboo directly into the concrete footing.
This can take the form of single posts or strip footings.
Composite bamboo/concrete columns
3m
An innovative development involves the casting of a concrete
extension to a bamboo post using a plastic tube of the
same diameter. The result is a bamboo post with an integral,
durable foundation.
Bamboo reinforced concrete
Bamboo reinforced concrete slabs offer another solution, although

Figure 30: composite bamboo/bamboo concrete
this type of construction has its own specific problems.
Bamboo piles
Bamboo piles have been used successfully to stabilize soft soils and reduce building
settlement. In the example, treated split bamboo piles 8m long and 80 to 90mm in diameter
were filled with coconut coir strands wrapped with jute. The sections were then tied with wire.
After installation of the piles at 2m centers by drop hammer, the area was covered with a
2.5m surcharge of sandy material.
Figure 31: bamboo piles
3.2.2 FLOORS
The floor of a bamboo building may be at ground level, and therefore consist only of
compacted earth, with or without a covering of bamboo matting. However, the preferred
solution is to raise the floor above the ground creating a stilt type of construction. This
improves comfort and hygiene and can provide a covered storage area below the floor. A
minimum ground to floor distance of 500mm is recommended to allow for inspection. When
the floor is elevated, it becomes an integral part of the structural framework of the building. The
floor will comprise:
• structural bamboo elements
• bamboo decking
FLOOR STRUCTURES
Floors normally consist of bamboo beams fixed to strip footings or to foundation posts. The
beams therefore run around the perimeter of the building. Where the beams are fixed to
posts, careful attention to jointing is required. Beams and columns are generally around 1 00mm
in dia.
Bamboo joists then span in the shortest direction across the perimeter beams. The joists
are often laid on the beams without fixing, but some form of mechanical connection is
recommended. Depending on the form of floor decking, secondary joists, often taking the form
of split culms, may be required. Joist diameters are in the order of 70mm. Joist centers are
typically 300 to 400mm, or up to 500mm if secondary joists are used.
Joist spacing
300mm
FLOOR DECKING
Figure 32: bamboo floor mat
Figure 33: bamboo floor mat
Bamboo floor decking can take one of the following forms:
• small bamboo culms
• split bamboo
• flattened bamboo
• bamboo mats
• bamboo panels
• bamboo parquettes
small bamboo culms: small diameter culms are tied
or nailed directly to the joists.
Figure 34: bamboo cane floor decking
Split bamboo: bamboo culms are split along their length into strips several centimetres wide.
They can be fixed directly to the joists in the case of tying or nailing, or a timber batten can be
fixed to the joist beforehand to facilitate nailing.
Flattened bamboo (bamboo boards): these are formed by splitting green bamboo culms, removing the
diaphragms then unrolling and flattening them.The resulting board is laid across the joists and fixed by nailing
or tying.
Figure 35: split bamboo floor decking and bamboo boards
Bamboo mats: these are formed by weaving thin strips of bamboo. Strips vary in size from 20 x
2mm to 2 x I mm, depending on the intricacy of the pattern.
Figure 36: example of woven bamboo mats
Bamboo panels: layers of woven mats or strips, laid at right angles, are bonded
together into boards which are then nailed to the joists.
Figure 37: bamboo panels
Bamboo parquette: thin slivers or mats of bamboo are formed into multi-
layered tiles and laid on treated bamboo or wooden strips fixed to

compacted earth or a concrete sub-floor.
Figure 38: bamboo parquette
3.2.3 WALLS
There are many possibilities for bamboo usage in the wall constructions. The major elements
such as post and beams are part of structural framework and have to carry self-weight, load
from the building and external impacts (such as weather). To complete the wall the infill
between framing members is required to protect against rain and wind and ensure overall
stability. This can be vertical or horizontal bamboo clum, flattened bamboo, bajareque, wattle
or woven bamboo with or without plaster.
TYPES
WHOLE OR HALVED BAMBOO –
Preferred orientation is vertical as it increases shear resistance
and is better for rain falls. Vertical beams can be driven directly
into the ground with or without battens.

Figure 39: whole or halved bamboo
SPLIT OR FLATTENED BAMBOO -
Boards can be stretched or covered by wire mesh to provide
good surface for plastering.
Figure 40: split bamboo
BAJAREQUE -
Type of construction commonly used in Latin America that is split

bamboo
based on horizontal bamboo strips tied or nailed to both sides
splas
ter
of the posts. The space between is filled with mud or stones.
This construction is strong massive and earthquake resistant.

Figure 41: bajareque
WATTLE BAMBOO -
Commonly used in India, Peru and Chile. Thick woven panes
of bamboo strips are attached to bamboo supporting beam
and covered with plaster.

Figure 42: wattle bamboo
WOVEN BAMBOO -
The same type a wattle bamboo wall but the bamboo
strips are arranged closer and thicker which don’t require
external plastering.
Figure 43: woven bamboo
3.2.4 ROOF
The roof of a building is arguably its most important component - this is what defines a
construction as a shelter. As such, it is required to offer protection against extremes of
weather including rain, sun and wind, and to provide clear, usable space beneath its
canopy. Above all, it must be strong enough to resist the considerable forces
generated by wind and roof coverings. In this respect bamboo is ideal as a roofing
material - it is strong, resilient and light-weight. The bamboo structure of a roof

can comprise “cut’ components - purlins, rafters and laths or battens, or triangulated
(trussed) assemblies. Bamboo, in a variety of forms, is also used as a roof covering
and for ceilings.
ROOF STRUCTURES –
The simplest form of roof comprises a bamboo

ridge purlin and eaves beams, supported on the
perimeter posts. Halved culms are then laid
convex side down, edge to edge, spanning from
the ridge to the eaves. A second layer, convex
side up, is then laid to cover the joints. The
maximum overall span using this method is
about 3 meters. Figure 44: roof of halved bamboo culms
TRUSSES: Trusses offer a number of advantages over traditional forms of

construction, including more economic and efficient use of materials, the ability to span
larger distances, the use of shorter components (counteracting effects of bow, crook and
taper) and the use of prefabrication.
4. 5 4. 0 4. 0 6. 0
4. 0 1 4. 0 4. 0
I
Figure 45: possible roof framing configurations.
Dimensions in meters
As with cut roofs, truss configurations are many and various. The King-post and Fink are the
simplest, readily spanning 4m using traditional jointing. Culm diameters typically range from 40-
l00mm has achieved an 8m span using improved jointing.
4.0m
Figure
Figure 46: 24: King-post
king post truss
Figure
Figure47:25:
fink Fink
post truss
ROOF COVERING
Bamboo roof coverings can form an integral part of the structure, as in the case of
overlapping halved culms. More often, they are non-structural in function. Examples
include:
• Bamboo tiles
• Bamboo shingles
• Bamboo mats
• Corrugated bamboo roofing
• Plastered bamboo
Bamboo files: these can take the form of
halved, internodal culm sections, fixed to
battens and over- lapped in a similar manner
to the full-length halved culms. Roofs
covered in this manner are susceptible to leakage.
Figure 48: bamboo tiles

Bamboo shingles: shingles, measuring 30-40mm
wide x internodal length (400-600mm) are cut from
green culms, 70mm or more in diameter and then air
dried. The shingles are hooked onto bamboo battens
by means of a tongue cut into the underside. Three
laps are required to make a roof watertight, requiring
some 200 shingles per square meter. Nailing may Figure 49: bamboo shingles
need to be considered if high winds are likely.
Bamboo mats: A layer of bitumen is sandwiched between two mats forming a semi-rigid panel.
The mats can be fixed to rafters at 200-250mm centers. A bituminous or rubberized
weatherproof coating is then applied to the finished roof.
Corrugated bamboo roofing sheets: PF resin is applied to a bamboo mats to form a five-layer set
which is then hot pressed between corrugated platens. UF resin bonded sheets overlaid with PF
resin impregnated paper have also been produced. These products are strong and lightweight
with good insulation properties.
1.5m
0.5m
Figure 50: bituminised bamboo mats
Plastered bamboo: a cement plaster, with or without the addition of organic fibers, is traditionally
applied to bamboo roofs in South America. other typical roof coverings include:
• reed thatch
• corrugated iron sheeting
• plain clay tiles
• clay or concrete pan tiles
CHAPTER – 4
CASE STUDY
4.1 KONTUM INDOCHINA CAFÉ, VIETNAM
project info:
location: kontum, Vietnam

program: cafeteria
completed: 2013
area: 551 sqm (5,930 sqf)
architect firm: vo trong nghia architects
principal architect: vo trong nghia
contractor: wind and water house JSC, truong long JSC
-Kontum Indochine Cafe is designed as a part of a hotel complex along Dakbla River in Kontum
City, Middle Vietnam.
-IT IS Located on a corner plot; the cafe is composed of two major elements: a main building
with a big horizontal roof made of bamboo structure and an annex kitchen made of concrete
frames and stones.
Figure 51: interior of cafe Figure 52: panorama of cafe
-The main building has a rectangular plan surrounded by a shallow artificial lake.
-All elevations are open to the air: the south facade faces the main street along Dakbla River,
the east to the service street, the west to a restaurant and banquet building belonging to the
hotel complex and the north to the annex kitchen which serves the cafe.
- In tropical climate ac in indoor space is not required as a shadow is provided under the
bamboo roof and maximise the cool air flow across the water surface of the lake.
- The roof is covered by fibre-reinforced plastic panels and thatch.
- The translucent synthetic panels are partly exposed in the ceiling to provide natural light.
Figure 53: natural light from ceiling Figure 54: view of cafe
-The roof of the main building is supported by a pure bamboo structure composed of 15 inverse-
cone-shaped units.
- The form of these columns was inspired by a traditional Vietnamese.
-This open structure maximizes the wind flow into the building during the summer, while
resisting harsh storms during the windy season.
-The challenge of the project is to respect the nature of bamboo as a material and to create a
distinctive space unique to bamboo.
-The material characteristics of bamboo are different from that of timber or steel. If the details
and construction methods of timber or steel structures are applied to bamboo structures, the
advantages of bamboo may be impaired. For instance, using steel joints kill the cost benefit of
bamboo structures. Steel pin joint generates too much local loads which is not appropriate for
bamboo, which tends to be subject to buckling.
Figure 55: floor plan of cafe
Figure 56: section of cafe
Figure 57: column detail of bamboo structure
4.2 GERMAN CHINESE HOUSE EXPO 2010, CHINA
project info:
location: CHINA
program: house
completed: 2013
area: 330sqm
architect Firm: MUDI
principal architect: Markus Heinsdorff Figure 58: exterior view of house
-The “German-Chinese House” is a bamboo membrane building with a walk-through surface

area of 330 square meters spread over the two floors.
-For the roof construction an eight-meter-long canes of Julong bamboo, a rare and particularly
long type of bamboo from South China.
-In the interior of the building, the artist worked with glue-laminated bamboo segments.
-The supporting beams of the bamboo segments, which measure up to six meters long, make a
self-supporting room possible on the upper floor.
-Connecting joints of steel on the roof hold together the bamboo supporting frame structure.
-The roof consists of special PVC membranes.
-On the building’s façade, the bamboo has been combined with light-translucent ETFE films.
-The roof surfaces and supporting beams in the interior remind one of bamboo fans or paper
umbrellas.
-The triangular entrances and exits resemble Gothic building forms. Both ends of the hall are
open spaces.
-The house is covered with a white, shiny material that has been stretched between the bamboo
canes and makes the house look like a beautifully lit lamp at night.
-The building contains exhibition, game and conference areas and in the large hall which is on
the ground floor visitors can take part in interactive city game.
-The first floor in four-meter height is accessible by a steel staircase, which is supported by a
woven supporting pillar.
Figure 59: steel staircase connecting ground to first floor Figure 60: first floor view
-On the first floor there is an 80 sqm large lounge and conference center which is open to the
roof.
-For noise protection, the room has been completely enclosed with 12-millimetre-thick
transparent polycarbonate plates.
-The bamboo furniture used here is light, flexible and high-strength. Various layers of thin
bamboo veneer have been glued together in different forms.
Figure 61: bamboo furniture Figure 62: interior of house showing bamboo connections
-The building is environmentally friendly and mobile.
Figure 63: section of house
4.3 ZCB Bamboo Pavilion / The Chinese University of Hong Kong School of
Architecture
project info:
location: hongkong
program: pavilion
principal architect: The Chinese university of
hong Kong school of architecture
-The ZCB Bamboo Pavilion is a public event

space built for the Construction Industry Council’s Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) in the summer of
2015 in Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong.
Figure 64: interior of pavilion
- It is a four-storey-high long-span bending-active bamboo grid shell structure with a footprint of
approximately 350m2 and a seating capacity of 200 people.
-It is built from 475 large bamboo poles that are bent onsite to shape the structure and that are
hand-tied together with metal wire using techniques.
-The shape is a large diagrid shell structure that is folded down into three hollow columns.
-These columns rest on three circular concrete footings and these columns rest on three circular
concrete footings.
Figure 65: making of pavilion 51/BAMBOO

Figure 66: concept IN ARCHITECTURE
of pavilion
-The pavilion is geometrically complex, bamboo has widely varying geometric, dimensional, and
performative properties
- It will be used to host exhibitions, performances and events that advocate low carbon living,
construction, and development.
-The ties are of galvanized metal wire
Pavilion:
• Covered Area: 350 m2 (425m2 incl.

footing area)
• Function: Event Space
• Capacity: 200 people
• Largest span: 37m
• Height: 12.3m (free height of
arches:5.65m)
• Weight: 6,800kg for bamboo & skin.
(107,800kg incl. footing)
Figure 67: top view of pavilion
Section-
Figure 68: section of pavilion
4.4 Bamboo Long House Restaurant
project info:
location: Vietnam
program: restaurant
completed: 2017
area: 615sqm
principal architect: Tran Ba Tiep
Figure 69: interior of restaurant
-It is situated next to a river in the middle of Vietnam, Bamboo Long House Restaurant features
a large boat-shaped roof, which is covered with forking fern truck, a local popular material for
roofing.
-Mainframe structure is made of bamboo and connected together by bamboo bolts and
polyester rope lashing.
-Bamboo frames have about 7- meter span, the cantilever roof is about 3 meters, creates semi-
outdoor space between inside and outside.
-Bamboo frame is arranged along the length of the building, the distance between 2 frames is 2
meters.
Figure 70: image showing bamboo roofing Figure 71: sitting area of restaurant
- Bamboo Long House Restaurant fully reflects the design principles of bamboo structure,
bamboo should be protected from moisture, fungi, insect, worm.
-Bamboo should be under the roof, out of the ground, water contact.
- Open space, good ventilation in order to keep bamboo dry.
- Wide overhanging roof.
- Structure should be visible, it is easy to detect signs of damage, fungi or insect attack.
Figure 72: image showing design consideration to protect bamboo
Figure 73: elevation and ground floor plan of restaurant
Figure 74: cross section of restaurant
4.5 Bamboo Courtyard Teahouse
project info:
location: shiqiao, china

program: houses
completed: 2012
area: 400sqm
architect firm: harmony world consulting
and design
principal architect: Sun Wei
Figure 75: night view of teahouse
-The Bamboo Courtyard is an example of the HWCD design philosophy, embracing the
traditional Chinese garden fundamentals
-The bamboo is arranged vertically and horizontally to produce “depth” and visual effects as
you walk around.
-Tall rows of bamboo sticks create corridors along the outdoor walkway and are organized in
asymmetric fashion on the lake.
-Traditionally, Yangzhou courtyards are formed with inward facing pavilions, creating an internal
landscape space. Drawing inspiration from this, the bamboo courtyard was designed from a
basic square footprint, fragmented into small spaces to create an internal landscape area.
Figure 76: courtyard with internal landscape space Figure 77: bamboo courtyardIN ARCHITECTURE
58/BAMBOO
-Each of the spaces has views into the surrounding lake, allowing a panoramic view of the area.
-From the exterior, the bamboo courtyard is a cubic form with a variation of solids and voids.
-The pocket of voids improves natural ventilation within the bamboo courtyard while the thick
brick wall retains heat in winter, reducing the dependency of mechanical heating and cooling
system.
-The bamboo courtyard provides the adequate setting to a tea experience, emphasizing the
importance of design and architecture.
Figure 78: floor plan
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSIONS
Bamboo is lighter in weight than bird but is stronger than steel. It takes carbon dioxide in and
releases 30% more oxygen than tree. It grows a meter in one year and is mature in almost 3
years. Houses constructed using this bamboo are cool in summer and stays warm in winter and
more over it can withstand earthquakes and can stand forever. The environmental and financial
comparison demonstrates that bamboo can compete with building material. Bamboo is a natural
product and will therefore always have some extent of irregularity. It is therefore suggested that
the bamboo culm should be used in functions were the measurement requirements are not
entirely precise or fixed, as in temporary buildings (e.g., pavilions and tents) or small civil
projects. Furthermore, bamboo can play a role as a non-supporting or finishing material.
CHAPTER 6
BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.678.7429&rep=rep1&type=pdf
https://www.krishisanskriti.org/vol_image/03Jul201502074415.pdf
https://www.guaduabamboo.com/working-with-bamboo/joining-bamboo
http://www.bamboooz.com/bamboo-roofing-designs-techniques-materials/
://www.bamboo-earth-architecture-construction.com/in-the-news/waterproofing-bamboo-roofs/
https://www.inbar.int/whats-new-bamboo-construction/
international journal of innovative research and advanced studies (IJIRAS) volume 2 issue
12,December 2015
https://theconstructor.org/building/bamboo-as-a-building-material-uses-advantages/14838/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo_construction
https://www.archdaily.com/904269/the-go-to-guide-for-bamboo-construction
https://buildabroad.org/2016/10/18/bamboo-construction/

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DISSERTATION

SUNDERDEEP COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

This is to certify that the Dissertation titled “BAMBOO IN ARCHITECTURE” submitted by

AR. RAKESH SAPRA

I PRACHI AGARWAL hereby declares that the dissertation entitled “BAMBOO IN

Figure 1 different size of bamboo

 Utilization of bamboo for construction is achieved by structural frame technique which is

1.3 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

 Used a good building material in construction

 New generation products as a wood substitute

 Use as aesthetic material, boards and furniture.

 Structural efficiency is low

BAMBOO AS A BUILDING MATERIAL

The various advantages of bamboo are as mentioned below:

 They are cost effective and easy to use.

 They are especially in great demand in earthquake prone areas.

2.4 DISADVANTAGES OF BAMBOO AS A BUILDING MATERIAL

Bamboos come with their own set of drawbacks such as:

 They require preservation

2.5 PREPARATION OF BAMBOO FOR CONSTRUCTION

2.5.1 BAMBOO HARVESTING AND GROWING

2.5.2 PRESERVATION OF BAMBOO

BORAX-BORIC ACID PRESERVATION TREATMENT -

Figure 4: bamboo left in sun Figure 5: bamboo stored in dry place

2.5.3 DRYING OF BAMBOO

Important factors when drying bamboo:

• It is most important to keep the culms away from direct soil

• Avoid rapid changes in moisture content, for example by

Figure 7: horizontal stacking

• Initial moisture content

3.1 BAMBOO JOINTS AND TECHNIQUES

Basic Principles and Techniques

Figure 8: correct way to join

Figure 10: bamboo joinery detail

Figure 12: different ways for connecting bamboo

one ear / two ear / beveled / flute mouth / fish mouth

Figure 14: bamboo cuts using traditional hand tools

Figure 15: joining horizontal with vertical elements

4. Flap joint. Is used when there is no lashing wire available.

Use of dowels and anchors in bamboo joinery

Figure 18: bamboo joints by using dowels and anchors

Figure 20: bamboo joint with wooden anchor

2. Fish mouth joint with pegs.

3. Bamboo joint with wooden anchor. Is also used inverted.

Figure 21: bamboo joint with metal anchor

Figure 22: 1. Beams formed by 4 or 6 members 2. Central double rafter 3. Lateral

Joining and fixation of bamboo poles

Figure 23: joint with double wooden wedge

Figure 27: different types of splicing

The types of bamboo foundation identified are:

Bamboo in direct ground contact

Bamboo on rock or preformed concrete footings

Bamboo is being used for bearings it should be placed out of ground

Bamboo reinforced concrete

Bamboo reinforced concrete slabs offer another solution, although

Figure 34: bamboo cane floor decking

Figure 35: split bamboo floor decking and bamboo boards

Figure 36: example of woven bamboo mats

Figure 37: bamboo panels

layered tiles and laid on treated bamboo or wooden strips fixed to

Figure 38: bamboo parquette

WHOLE OR HALVED BAMBOO –

Preferred orientation is vertical as it increases shear resistance

into the ground with or without battens.