Possible Use of Bamboo as a Sustainable Building Material

With growing economy and associated development in housing and infrastructure, the virgin construction materials are consumed in large amounts. Mass production of cement poses a threat to the limestone reserve. It also threatens the depletion of ozone layer due to the proportionate emission of green house gas such as CO2. The indiscriminate produce and use of OPC cement cannot lead to development strategy that is sustainable. There is a need to conserve the raw materials like limestone and reduce the production of cement. Bamboo serves as a versatile and sustainable natural material, as the bamboo trees re-grow very fast. Further, for properly treated bamboo, the tensile strength of its fibres can be up to three times stronger than structural steel. This paper presents a review of the research across the globe in possible use of bamboo as a sustainable green building material.