{"id":13192,"date":"2023-11-27T12:42:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T01:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/?p=13192"},"modified":"2024-10-21T20:27:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T10:27:22","slug":"could-bamboo-replace-green-steel-as-building-material-of-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/could-bamboo-replace-green-steel-as-building-material-of-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Could Bamboo Replace Green Steel as Building Material of Future?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bamboo has the potential to be as dominant as concrete and steel, with its strength and availability making it a compelling solution for low-carbon buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is according to Chris Matthews, a structural engineer with Atelier One<\/a>, who spoke about the potential of bamboo as a low-carbon substitute for green steel in an interview with Dezeen.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Matthews, who is a specialist in structural bamboo, believes the material has the potential to be used in a similar way to cross-laminated timber (CLT). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addressing bamboo’s disadvantages, specifically its susceptibility to insect and fungal attacks, he said the key is to ensure that the material is treated to remove starch and that the material is not directly exposed to the sun, water or ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The issue has been that [bamboo is] prone to fungal and insect attacks,” he said. “You’ve now got a material that not only has this amazing speed and strength, but it’s also able to have longevity.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He claims scrimber<\/a>, cross-laminated timber bamboo (CLTB), and even radial laminated bamboo (his favourite) are among new products that can match timber for strength in specific applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investment in bamboo is booming, with investments in Brazil<\/a>, Malaysia <\/a>and, most recently, China<\/a> adding to the momentum behind the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last month, Wood Central reported that researchers from Bristol University have invented “bamboo safe screws” <\/a>whilst China is leading research to integrate locally produced bamboo into cross-laminated bamboo and timber (CLBT)<\/em><\/a> engineered panels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The researchers from Bristol University tested more than 200 connectors and determined that bamboo can be used in building systems without breaking the materials. (Photo Credit: Supplied)
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In addition to research, bamboo is already being used in various award-winning projects, including Nayara Bocas del Toro in Panama<\/a> and the  UNESCO Prix-Versailles award-winning Ulaman in Bali<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the global demand for timber expected to quadruple over the next 30 years, bamboo is a potential regional solution in countries lacking forest resources.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In April, Wood Central reported that 80% of the world’s bamboo species are found in Asia \u2013 in regions not conducive to softwood plantations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“In general, the idea of bio-based materials where we are capturing carbon and locking it up in a building, that has to be the way forward,” Mr Matthews said in the Dezeen interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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