LOW COST HOUSING: AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH WITH BAMBOO REINFORCED BEAM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst8066Keywords:
Bamboo reinforcement, Cement concrete beam, Low cost housing, Steel reinforcementAbstract
Bamboo has been used as a construction material for centuries due to its renewable nature and versatility. Known for its sufficient strength and low weight (weight-to-strength ratio), bamboo is easy to work with using simple tools, making it an attractive alternative for sustainable building. With urban housing shortages worsening due to rising costs, exploring innovative construction technologies has become essential. Bamboo can be employed in both technical and non-technical applications, offering a potential solution. The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of energy and materials, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable development that meets present demands without compromising future generations. However, the widespread adoption of bamboo as a reinforcement material faces challenges, particularly the lack of comprehensive data on its interaction with concrete, as well as its long-term strength and durability. The present study area focused on the region of North East India, where the bamboos are sufficiently available. The study evaluates the feasibility of using bamboo as reinforcement in cement concrete structures. Through various tests and property analyses, bamboo-reinforced beams were compared with traditional steel-reinforced beams. Bamboo strips were treated with protective measures to enhance their strength, demonstrating their potential for use in low-cost, low-rise and also environment friendly housing construction.
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