Is Bamboo A Favourite Construction Material for Civil Engineers?

Abstract

Bamboo was used as construction material for housing since times immemorial. However, with the advent of materials like concrete and steel, its use has been signicantly reduced in last 50-100 years. On the other hand concrete and steel has large carbon footprints before even they are born. Use of wood has already banned by Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Similarly, State PWD's are also trying to follow the same. In this scenario, there is a great need to demonstrate cost eective housing with alternate technologies, especially like bamboo. However, for promoting bamboo as natural building material for housing, several dificulties are involved. This paper discusses the dificulties involved in promoting bamboo as sustainable construction material.