Updated Research
Proposal
Bamboo Substitution
Summary
Statement of Proposed Project
:
This
report will determine if bamboo could be a viable substitute for
douglas fir lumber in a residential wood framed house. It will also
look into the strength, durability, and feasibility of growing in
British Columbia of bamboo.
Purpose
:
With
more and more people looking towards building a greener environment.
Whether it be creating more net-zero houses that incorporates solar
panels to store power or finding ways use amore earth friendly
materials for construction. I’m looking towards substituting
Bamboo in for douglas fir lumber during the framing part of
construction of a residential house. Why Bamboo? Bamboo is a very
green product with an incredibly fast regrowth rate. Being able to
grow into its full height in two to three months under their ideal
growing conditions.
Goals
and Objectives of the Project
:
The
primary goal of this research is to determine if bamboo can withstand
the conditions of what the douglas fir lumber maintain during the
construction of a residential house. These conditions involve, the
strength and durability of what bamboo would be able to handle in
order to be used for the framing, how the bamboo will need to be
processed in order to be used as lumber, if bamboo can handle the
different types of weather and if bamboo farms could exist in
British Colombia. Another objective is to determine the costs of
producing and processing bamboo in order to be used. If the bamboo
were to fail during experimenting with the conditions, what type of
extra step will be required to make in order for the bamboo to meet
the standard.
Methodology
and Analytical Approach
:
The
main goal for this research project is to construct a scaled bamboo
hut that consists of framing that of a residential framed house and
identify any problems that arise and also determine if the bamboo
could handle the different types of weather conditions. Before that
can happen, several tests will be held in order to measure the
strength and durability of bamboo. Tests such as measuring the
amount of stress a piece of processed bamboo can withstand before
breaking. The amount of force required before the bamboo starts to
bend and lose its natural shape. Identify the steps required to take
in order to process bamboo. In order to determine if bamboo can be
grown in British Columbia, a small batch of bamboo will be grown,
measured to compare the final length if similar to it when grown in a
tropical climate.
Previous
Studies or Related Work
:
There are plenty of information regarding the strength of different types of bamboo. Many of which try to incorporate bamboo in for reinforcing concrete and the usage for bridges. I plan on using those information to determine if bamboo can be used here in Kamloops with efficient results.
Plans
for Dissemination of Work
:
A
Blog will be created in order to post updates and keep track of the
information that is produced by the several tests that will occur.
It will also help for when other people or faculty have any questions
or concerns. The blog can also serve as a hub for other people
interested into this topic by posting their own findings or articles
they might stumble upon.
Contribution
of the Project to Academic Goals and Objectives
:
Most
of the test that are required will be carried out by myself. The
small bamboo hut and small batch of bamboo that will be required to
be grown will be grown in my backyard under normal Kamloops weather
condition. The idea of not only experimenting with a very
eco-friendly material and constructing a scaled down bamboo hut would
be a great value of knowledge to carry on and share during the rest
of my ARET program courses
Budget
:
Most
of the required funds will use used towards the purchasing of Bamboo
and the other materials needed for the construction of the scaled
bamboo hut
Bamboo
Poles: $139.75
Bamboo
Plants: $120
Nails
and other required materials : $65
