In the article, ‘Building with bamboo,’ Ghavami and Garcia (2017) stated that bamboo can be safely substituted for conventional construction materials such as steel and cement, which are polluting and “high-energy-demanding” materials. There are enough scientific information to increase the use of bamboo for construction industries posited from research and development since 1970s. Moreover, an issue of ICE Structures and Buildings has presented papers on improving the mechanical characterization and standardization of the bamboo material. The author used multiple research to support using bamboo culms to replace wood, concrete and steel. Apart from its environmental benefits, bamboo also creates economic incentives for farmers to develop bamboo plantations and use the bamboo for their daily activities. The authors implied that energy saving and conservation of our earth limited resources can reduce in environmental pollution with the use of bamboo in construction industry. While the author only state one disadvantage on the material as the building for construction, there are many advantages that will outnumber the disadvantage.

One of the nature that bamboo has in its material that can be in the construction can be applied in the construction industry its for durability and strength. Test has been carried out and shown that bamboo has better tensile strength than other materials as its fibers run axially. In the article, “The big advantage of a bamboo is 100 times cheaper than carbon fiber, but it has potentially the same strength.” With the comparison being made, it is clear that bamboo has an advantage over other materials. Moreover, bamboo is proven to be resistance to strong winds and earthquake. Since the weight of bamboo is low, by using the law of physics formulae of the force acting on the bamboo can be derived from the equation, mass of the bamboo by the acceleration from the earthquake. Furthermore, its elasticity proficiency has made itself know for it. Thus, bamboo will be in demand where areas are prone to earthquake.

Another advantage of bamboo as a material is that it is efficient and sustainable. It is a plant that is easy and extremely fast growing, without the need of extra water. Due to bamboo being hollow, their light weight allows easy transportation and accessible to store at anywhere. This means that fewer vehicle deliveries and less taxing on the labours in construction. In addition, the perks of being easy to plant allows the wild grass to grow rapidly. Bamboo itself have high resistance to fire, it is able withstand temperature up to 4000ᵒ Celsius. When sustainability calls for it, bamboo would suffice the intention as bamboo poses no danger to health or pollution to the environment.

Lastly, when it comes to construction, money is always the factor, thus bamboo is claimed to be cheaper than other materials. With the capability of rapid growth cycle, bamboo is easily available. Easy access to bamboo makes the material affordable. “It’s relative cheap to work with as well, since you can cut it with simple tools, such as a machete.” With that being said, cost of work labour is cheap, and the overall expenses will be low as well. Ironically, with the materials being economical, bamboo are use to make the most luxurious structures and space.

According to the article, there are so many advantages of using bamboo as a material for construction, the amazing versatility of bamboo is no secret to green revolution. Builders and architects will gain knowledge of the good use of bamboo as a material where if can be form into different building components. Therefore, it is non-questionable that building with bamboo will fail in construction.

Cross References:

Bamboo as a Building Material – its Uses and Advantages in Construction Works

https://theconstructor.org/building/bamboo-as-a-building-material-uses-advantages/14838/