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Strength Properties of Bamboo
- Bamboo has quite a high tensile strength, comparable with steel. It surpasses steel with a tensile strength of 28,000 pounds per square inch versus 23,000 for steel. But in compression, bamboo is weaker than steel. Though, bamboo withstands better in compression than concrete.
Advantages and Usage of Bamboo
- Bamboo is much lighter than steel. Considering the weight/strength ratio for construction and reinforcement, bamboo is better than steel.
- Bamboo can be processed to make it stronger. For instance, carbonization makes bamboo more resistant to damage. Carbonized bamboo is used outdoors.
- Bamboo has been used in construction of homes, furniture, and walls as it is accessible and low cost. Experts try to use it more in construction given its tensile strength. Bamboo is also cheaper and flexible because it is hollow.
- Unlike wood, bamboo can be grown cheaply and has environmental advantages. But bamboo is insufficient to substitute steel completely. Though, it has been found stronger and stiffer than some building materials.
