Researchers publish first comprehensive structural engineering manual for bamboo

University of Warwick engineers have led the creation of a significant milestone manual for bamboo engineering, which will drive the low-carbon construction sector.

Bamboo has been used in construction for millennia, yet colonisation and industrialisation have resulted in the replacement of this natural resource by technologies such as steel, concrete, and masonry. This change became more entrenched in the twentieth century with the development of construction codes as means to ensure structures were safe, since none were written for bamboo.

Dr. David Trujillo, Assistant Professor in Humanitarian Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Warwick said: “Bamboo is a fast-growing, strong, inexpensive, and highly sustainable material, and, amongst other things, it is a very effective carbon sink (naturally absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere).

“Unfortunately, the countries that had the expertise in developing construction codes to regulate the design and building of structures, were not those interested in bamboo. For this to change, international collaboration was needed.”

The international collaboration between Warwick, Pittsburgh, Arup, INBAR and BASE has since met this challenge and produced the new Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) manual providing comprehensive guidance about the design of bamboo structures. It is the first structural engineering manual for bamboo in the world.

Professor Kent Harries, PEng, Professor of Structural Engineering and Mechanics, University of Pittsburgh adds: “Structurally, bamboo has remarkable mechanical properties. It has also become a very promising bio-based resource, with growing credentials as a sustainable construction material. Nonetheless, this is hugely dependent on designing and building safe and durable structures. Our detailed manual helps to achieve this.”

This free resource will empower engineers across the tropics and subtropics to adopt bamboo at no cost. With over 1600 species of bamboo spread across all continents except for Antarctica and Europe (although numerous species successfully thrive across Europe), this manual has the chance to hugely expand the usage of this bio-based material.

The manual centres in the use of bamboo poles (the stems) as the main structural component of buildings. In these structures, bamboo poles act as beams and columns, though the manual also explains how to use bamboo in a structural system called Composite Bamboo Shear Walls – CBSW. This system is particularly effective for making resilient housing in earthquake and typhoon prone locations.

Dr David Trujillo, University of Warwick concludes: “There are both challenges and delights of working with bamboo. We aim for this guide to be a must-use resource for the structural engineer already working with bamboo or considering its use. We also hope it will be a great resource for colleagues across the built environment globally, whether in industry or academia.”

“The guide is published in the wake of the tragic Hong Kong tower block fires. We share condolences for all those impacted, and await the outcome of investigations as we cannot comment until all the facts are in. However general risk management principles advocate a risk assessment and consideration of use of flame-retardant materials on high rise and closely spaced buildings, along with fire detection and suppression.

“Importantly, and given the wide use of bamboo, this guide sets out provisions for its safe use, including for fire, covering permanent buildings and not scaffolding. Our aim is for this to be a must-use resource for the structural engineer already working with bamboo or considering its use. We also hope it will be a trusted resource for colleagues across the built environment globally, whether in industry or academia.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

A free PDF copy of the manual is available here - https://www.istructe.org/resources/manuals/manual-design-bamboo-structures-iso22156/

Images of a bamboo constructed tollbooth, club house roof and CBSW house are all credited to Dr. David Trujillo/University of Warwick

For more information please contact:

Matt Higgs, Media & Communications Officer, University of Warwick

matt.higgs@warwick.ac.uk or +44 (0)7880 175 403

Additional Quotes:

Sebastian Kaminski CEng, an IStructE Fellow and a structural engineer from consulting firm Arup explains: “Bamboo’s use has great potential to contribute to a low-carbon construction sector. But bamboo engineering is a very young field. It has not benefitted from the extensive research conducted on mainstream materials, so our manual is structured to support the design engineer along the journey of sourcing bamboo to detailed design.”

Engr. Luis Felipe Lopez CEng, General Manager of the Base Bahay Foundation Inc. (BASE), highlights: “The construction industry contributes nearly 40% of carbon emissions globally, and bamboo, a regenerative and durable material, is redefining how we build our structures. From being an alternative to a reliable building material, bamboo is now gaining global recognition, and the need for a comprehensive framework is essential to support design engineers and ensure the safe and proper use of bamboo in the built environment, maximizing its full potential and environmental advantages.

Kewei Liu, Coordinator of the INBAR Global Bamboo Construction Programme, mentions: “The publication of this guide is of great significance in promoting the application of the current ISO 22156:2021 standard, which has been the most widely accepted international bamboo standard since the 2000s. The four authors have made remarkable contributions in guiding global users in the construction of round bamboo structures.”

About the University of Warwick

Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.

About the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE):

The Institution of Structural Engineers dates from 1908 and is now the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering.

It has 30,000 members working in 139 countries around the world. Professional membership is one of the leading global benchmarks of competence and technical excellence. Members undergo rigorous technical assessment and commit to continual learning and development.

The Institution drives higher standards and shares knowledge because its members’ work is vital to public safety and meeting the challenges of the future. The Institution provides a voice for its members, promoting their contribution to society as innovative, creative problem solvers and the guardians of public safety.