Abstract:
An experimental study has been made to explore the possibility of using bamboo and
bamboo twig as a potential reinforcement in concrete beams. To achieve this objective, a
series of tension tests were conducted to derive the stress-strain characteristics of bamboo along
with a number of pullout tests to evaluate bond strength followed by bending test of beam to
determine the ultimate load carrying capacity of concrete beams reinforced with bamboo and
bamboo twig. Finally, the test results were compared with similar steel reinforced concrete
beams.
For tension test, two types of reinforcements were tested, bamboo and bamboo twig. First three
samples of finished bamboo and bamboo twig were tested in natural condition (without
treatment). Then five samples of finished bamboo and bamboo twig were tested with GI wire
spiral at the ends for improved gripping. From these tests, the tensile strength, proof strength and
modulus of elasticity were determined from stress-strain curve for both bamboo and bamboo
twig.
Nine pull out tests were performed for both bamboo and bamboo twig specimen. In these pullout
tests, three samples were in natural condition, three samples were coated with tar for water
proofing and three samples were coated with tar along with pierced nails at the ends. From this
test, bond strength of bamboo and bamboo twig was determined.
Four beams with same cross section were constructed and tested under two point loading. The
main parameters considered are the reinforcement type and the reinforcement ratio. To improve
the bond strength, pierced nails were used at both ends of bamboo and bamboo twig
reinforcement. Two types of shear reinforcements (bamboo and bamboo twig) were used. The
beams were tested after fifty days and concrete compressive strength was determined from
cylinder test on the same day. During testing, two dial gages were installed to measure the
deflection. From bending tests, cracking load, ultimate failure load and failure patterns were
obtained. Finally, the ultimate failure loads were compared with the corresponding failure load
of steel reinforced concrete beam.From these tests, satisfactory results are obtained in terms of tensile strength, bond strength,
stress-strain characteristics of bamboo and bamboo twigs and flexural behaviour of bamboo
reinforced concrete beams.
