Application of Bamboo for Flexural and Shear Reinforcement in Concrete Beams

The goal of this research is to add to the knowledge base of bamboo-reinforced concrete (BRC) by focusing on a unique stirrup design and testing the lap-splicing of flexural reinforcement. Preliminary tests of the mechanical properties of bamboo were performed, and the results have been used in the design and construction of bamboo cages to reinforce concrete beams. This paper presents the preliminary results of tensile tests and pull-out tests on Moso (Phyllostachys edulis) bamboo. The test results show that bamboo is a viable alternative to steel as tensile reinforcement for concrete structures. As part of the on-going research, 14 Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) reinforced concrete beams will be cast and tested under monotonic gravity loading in early 2014 to assess the performance of bamboo as flexural reinforcement, shear reinforcement and lap-splicing.