Bamboo Reinforced Low Cost House - A Case Study

Abstract

The objective is to set up a low cost house using bamboo and its culms as reinforcement material. A prototype of such a construction has been undertaken in an area of 255 sq.ft. As bamboo acts as a structural member, it can replace steel as reinforcement. The proposed structure consists of four supporting column and one main column at its centre to achieve a better economy due to reduction in the number of columns and replacement of steel by bamboo (20% reduction in overall cost). This case study explores the various aspects of bamboo reinforcement building methodologies for low cost housing by highlighting the alternate resources for economy and durability. Bamboo is a grass and botanically belongs to family “Poaceae”. Dendrocalamus strictus, bambusa vulgaris schard are the species which have highest value of tensile and compression strength. Major problem in using bamboo as construction material are water absorption and moisture content. Proper seasoning &/or treatment has made the bamboo to use as a reinforced material. Test results on mechanical and physical properties of load bearing aspects are undertaken to compare them with standards available. An estimated cost of Rs. 3,60,000.00 was calculated which saves approximately Rs. 1,00,000.00.