The Use of Bamboo as an Alternative Material in Civil Construction

Abstract

Every day new elements and constructive methods emerge. Some of them are more commonly used, such as concrete, steel and wood. However, there is a search for materials that can reduce energy expenditure and environmental degradation resulting from the extraction of traditional elements, thus creating a sustainable thinking that is concerned with the future of civil construction. The present work aims to demonstrate the feasibility of the use of bamboo as an alternative construction material, complementing the traditional construction system, focusing on the environmental issue, aiming at its cost-benefit. The bamboo has mechanical properties and resistance to stresses similar to those of concrete and steel, presenting an excellent alternative material. It can be characterized as a renewable material because it achieves in a short time ideal cutting ages and requires small areas of planting. The use of constructive techniques facilitates the execution of the works, besides increasing the useful life of the structures constituted of this material. This work was based on the bibliographical research of articles, dissertations and a thesis, organized according to the relevance to the theme. The main contributors were Marçal (2008), Ferreira (2007), Júnior (2001), Barros (2004) and Torgal (2007). The results showed the similarities of the mechanical properties of the bamboo with those of the concrete and the steel, emphasizing constructions executed mainly in bamboo. It is possible to perceive the presence of these materials (concrete and steel), since they are still important components for the civil construction. With this, it is concluded that bamboo is indeed viable for civil construction. The objectives were achieved by analyzing the charts and tables related to the requesting efforts of bamboo and its reduction of the final cost of the works because it is a renewable material.