Bamboo is a perennial grass plant with hollow circular stems.

Facts

The plant is actually a grass and is the fastest growing plants in the world.

Some varieties growing up to 100 feet tall.

It has greater tensile strength than steel, and it withstands compression

better than concrete

Advantages:

 It is the fastest growing plant in the world, with recorded growth rates of up to one meter per
day for some species.
 Thrives in the poorest of soils.
 It is environmentally friendly
 It is cheaper than steel because it is locally sourced and grows rapidly

Limitations:

 Contraction and expansion caused by both temperature changes and water absorption.
 This grass is also susceptible to structural weakness caused by fungus and simple
biodegradation.

Note: The advantages far outnumber the disadvantages. Additionally, when well treated,
bamboo is protected from above mentioned limitations.

Basics principles

Do not use green, fresh cut bamboo. Bamboo has to be completely dry before using it in
construction (preferable air dried). During the drying process the bamboo diameter shrinks,
so when bamboo is used in joinery this will result in lose and weak joints after a few weeks.

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. Bamboo has to be properly cured with a boron
mix immediately after harvesting.

Do not use bamboo poles with vertical cracks.

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.

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).
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.

Bamboo has potential in the future to become an ideal replacement in places where steel
cannot easily be produced.

www.guaduabamboo.com/working-with-bamboo/joining-bamboo