Structural Use of Bamboo: Part 2: Durability and Preservation

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Structural Use of Bamboo: Part 2: Durability and Preservation See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309135998 Structural use of bamboo: Part 2: Durability and preservation Article in Structural Engineer · October 2016 CITATIONS READS 2 470 4 authors, including: Sebastian Kaminski David J A Trujillo Arup Coventry University 12 PUBLICATIONS 23 CITATIONS 18 PUBLICATIONS 35 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Structural use of bamboo: Technical note series in The Structural Engineer View project Development of grading methods for bamboo View project All content following this page was uploaded by Sebastian Kaminski on 14 October 2016. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. › Part 2 38 TheStructuralEngineer Technical October 2016 Structural use of bamboo Structural use of bamboo Part 2: Durability and preservation Sebastian Kaminski MEng (Hons), ACGI, CEng, MIStructE Senior Structural Engineer, Arup Advanced Technology & Research, London, UK; Member of INBAR Task Force – Bamboo Construction Andrew Lawrence MA (Cantab), CEng, MICE, MIStructE Associate Director, Arup Advanced Technology & Research, London, UK; Member of INBAR Task Force – Bamboo Construction David Trujillo MSc, DIC, CEng, MIStructE Senior Lecturer, Coventry University, UK; Chair of INBAR Task Force – Bamboo Construction Charlotte King MA (Cantab), CEng, MIStructE Senior Structural Engineer, Arup Building Engineering, London, UK Synopsis Bamboo is a strong, fast growing and very sustainable material, having been used structurally for thousands of years in many parts of the world. In modern times, it has the potential to be an aesthetically pleasing and low- cost alternative to more conventional materials, such as timber, as demonstrated by some visually impressive recent structures. This fi ve-part technical series, aimed at both developed- and developing-world contexts, will bring together current knowledge and Figure 1 Beetle N damage in bamboo – exit holes best practice on the structural use of clearly visible bamboo, covering: KAMINSKI SEBASTIAN • an introduction to bamboo (part 1) Introduction in bamboo and lay their eggs inside the Bamboo is more susceptible to decay culm. When the eggs hatch, the larvae eat • durability and preservation (part 2) than timber, due to a lack of natural toxins1 along the culm and eventually through the • design values (part 3) and its typically thin walls, which means culm walls to escape, leaving small round or • element design equations (part 4) that a small amount of decay can mean a oval exit holes (about 1–6mm in diameter). • connections (part 5) signifi cant percentage change in capacity. Powderpost beetles (which leave 1–2mm There are three causes of decay: beetle exit holes) are the most common (Figure 1). attack, termite attack and fungal attack The rate of attack is fastest with fresh This second article presents the (rot). green bamboo (which is more susceptible), main causes of decay of bamboo and but even dry bamboo can be attacked in the diff erent methods of protection Beetle attack warm humid climates where the equilibrium and preservation available. Certain beetles are attracted to the starch moisture content of the bamboo outside BBambooamboo ppartart 2__The2__The SStructuraltructural EngineerEngineer 3838 222/09/20162/09/2016 111:341:34 www.thestructuralengineer.org 39 DAVID TRUJILLO DAVID Figure 3 Cross-section through N termite-damaged bamboo Single-storey bamboo buildings are likely to experience less rot damage than multistorey buildings because less of the wall is exposed to rain. • The bamboo should be separated from the ground with a good barrier, preferably a concrete ground slab, thereby forcing SEBASTIAN KAMINSKI SEBASTIAN the termites out into the open. This will make it harder for subterranean termites to Figure 2 Severe termite N damage in bamboo attack the bamboo. Maintenance will still be required to remove any shelter tubes, which (but under cover) will often be higher than • The bamboo should be kept dry under the termites build to protect themselves in more temperate climates2. a roof with a good overhang to protect against light. Never cast bamboo direct into against wind-blown/driving rain. Water concrete as the bamboo cannot breathe Termite attack traps, particularly at the bases of columns, and is likely to rot. Termites are small ant-like insects which should be avoided. This will prevent rot live in colonies and feed on plant material. and also decrease the rate of beetle and In colder climates, such as Europe, these They are also attracted to the starch in termite attack. Walls formed from bamboo measures will often be adequate, but in bamboo but, unlike beetles, have enzymes should be protected with a waterproof warmer humid climates, where there is the which also enable them to break down layer. Bamboo walls encased in only cement risk of beetle and drywood termite attack, the cellulose. Because they live in large mortar, relatively common as a modern structural bamboo must be preservative- colonies, they can cause rapid damage form of “engineered” bamboo housing, have treated if a reasonable design life is (Figures 2 and 3). There are two generic shown evidence of deterioration when they required. Although this will slightly increase types of termite: subterranean and are fully exposed to driving rain5 (Figure 7). the initial cost of the bamboo, the whole-life drywood. The former live in the (preferably damp) ground, whereas the latter make Figure 4 E Subterranean their nests in the timber itself. Subterranean termite shelter tube termites are translucent so build tunnels or emerging from crack fi nd hidden paths to avoid sunlight3 (Figure 4). Fungal attack (rot) Rot is caused by a fungus. For the fungus to survive, the bamboo needs to be relatively wet with at least 20% moisture content, which essentially means the bamboo must be exposed to rain or ground moisture4 (Figure 5). Protection against decay As with timber, the most eff ective ways to protect bamboo from decay are by drying before use and by appropriate design and 5,6 detailing (Figure 6) : KAMINSKI SEBASTIAN BBambooamboo ppartart 2__The2__The SStructuraltructural EngineerEngineer 3939 222/09/20162/09/2016 111:341:34 › Part 2 40 TheStructuralEngineer Technical October 2016 Structural use of bamboo SEBASTIAN KAMINSKI SEBASTIAN Figure 5 Fungal damage, splitting and Figure 6 Recommendations for detailing bamboo N bleaching of boron-treated bamboo N structures to protect against rot and insects exposed to sun and rain after around 10 years (based on good practice timber detailing5,6) cost of the structure will be less. variation in time depends on the prevalence • the budget Non-structural members, decay of which of termites nearby. • the eff ectiveness of the treatment type or will not pose a safety risk, may be left chemical and application method untreated if it is accepted that they will Introduction to treatment options • whether the chemical aff ects the structure need to be replaced regularly. However, When selecting a treatment type or chemical of the bamboo or any metal fastenings they will lose their attractive appearance and application method, it is important to • the toxicity of the chemical to humans as they start to degrade, and beetles leave consider2: throughout the whole life of the bamboo signifi cant amounts of dust from the exit (treatment, use and disposal) holes, which can be a nuisance inside the • the quantity of bamboo to be treated • the toxicity of the chemical to the building. • the availability of treatment facilities environment throughout the whole life of the The length of time bamboo will last • the availability of chemicals bamboo (treatment, use and disposal) before it needs to be replaced will depend • the intended use of the bamboo: inside or on the environment in which it is used and outside Traditional treatment options the treatment type. Table 1 presents a guide • any country-specifi c legislation There are several traditional and simple for suggested approximate timings in a • the species of bamboo: some species are treatment options which are commonly used warm aggressive environment. It indicates more readily treatable than others in developing countries8, including soaking clearly why bamboo should preferably only • the transport time from harvest location to for several weeks in water (which washes be used in a dry internal environment, and treatment facility: some treatment methods out some of the starch), smoking (which also why it should be treated. Note that the require very freshly cut bamboo provides a light protective layer and partially heat-treats the surface) and painting (which provides some protection against water). Table 1: Suggested approximate length of time before bamboo will need to be replaced Unfortunately, these all have a limited eff ect (assuming warm aggressive environment with risk of termite and beetle attack) and, hence, are not normally recommended for permanent structural bamboo – they may Untreated Treated with Treatment with fi xed be appropriate only for marginally prolonging boron preservatives* the life of non-structural bamboo or in Internal 2–6 years ≥30 years ≥30 years temporary shelters. If we consider the example of painting or External above 0.5–4 years 2–15 years ≥30 years varnishing: fi rstly, it does not adhere well to ground bamboo due to its smooth silica outer skin; External in <0.5 years <1 year ≥15 years secondly, it tends to break down rapidly ground contact under UV light; and thirdly, as the bamboo changes size under diff erent moisture * This is an inferred estimate based on a combination of limited testing conducted so far using fi xed preservatives in conditions, the paint will crack and allow bamboo, and on evidence from stake tests of timber. It is not yet known whether severe exposure to rain increases the likelihood of splitting, which would weaken the culm and its connections, and allow further water ingress7 water in.
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