July 30, 2016

This study aims to assess alternative materials withstanding low capital investment, with the potential of providing housing affordability for low-income communities. By combining Life Cycle Assessment and Return on Capital Employed techniques, it has been found that glue laminated bamboo housing projects and low carbon cement-based construction materials could foster the scalability of dwelling-places with higher profitability than conventional Ordinary-Portland-Cement-wise investment strategy.

August 30, 2015

Traditional construction systems with the bamboo species Guadua angustifolia Kunth (Guadua) are standardized under the Colombian code for seismic-resistant buildings. Thick cement renders contribute greatly to the wall mass and together with the foundations result on the highest negative environmental impact in traditional wall-framing construction with Guadua. Therefore, the reduction of the use of cement or its complete replacement for alternative binders in the wall-framing 'bahareque' system is a key point for environmental improvement. 

This paper explores the potential use of lime as a replacement for cement mortars in 'bahareque' systems and analyses Guadua's anatomical and chemical features when mixed with lime. The paper describes a " cold process " in which no high temperatures are involved for the improvement of the bonding between lime and bamboo.

November 01, 2014

Guadua angustifolia Kunth (Guadua) is a bamboo species native to South and Central America that has been widely used for structural applications in small and large scale buildings, bridges and temporary structures. Guadua remains a material for vernacular construction associated with high levels of manual labour and structural unpredictability. The aim of this work is to develop standardised industrial structural products from Guadua and to measure and predict their mechanical behaviour.

July 31, 2014

The bamboo species Guadua angustifolia Kunth (Guadua) was subjected to different fibre extraction processes, chemically treated and used in combination with a set range of polymers to form various composite materials. Novel technologies and artisan methods for veneer production and fibre extraction were explored. Extensive experimental work was undertaken on the composites manufacture, mixes and arrangements to form flat sheets. Physical and mechanical properties of these sheets were assessed on two material configurations: Plastiguadua-L and Plastiguadua-P. 

March 03, 2014

Guadua angustifolia Kunth (Guadua) was subjected to thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) treatments that modified its microstructure and mechanical properties. THM treatment was applied to Guadua with the aim of tackling the difficulties in the fabrication of standardised construction materials and to gain a uniform fibre density profile that facilitates prediction of mechanical properties for structural design. Dry and water saturated Guadua samples were subjected to THM treatment. A densified homogenous flat sheet material was obtained. Mechanical properties of small clear specimens of THM modified Guadua were evaluated by testing in tension and compared to the results of the same test on a control specimen. Samples were tested in the elastic range to determine values for Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Poisson's ratio 

February 03, 2014

Engineered panels were manufactured by cross laminating heat and pressure treated strips of Guadua angustifolia Kunth (Guadua). Cross laminated Guadua (CLG) panels comprised of three and five layers glued with a high performance epoxy resin. Large specimens of these panels were tested in compression and their elastic mechanical properties evaluated. The digital image correlation (DIC) method was applied to measure strain variations in the X, Y (in-plane) and Z (out of plane) axes on the surface of 600 mm 2 CLG panels.

June 03, 2012

This paper presents the construction process, discusses difficulties encountered during the building life cycle and highlights the need for similar assessments. It is concluded that with the aim of achieving a low carbon construction system using Guadua bamboo, challenges regarding manufacture, bio-deterioration, integration with conventional systems, and environmental impacts must be addressed.