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