University papers

  1. Title: "Assessing the Performance of Bamboo Structural Components" Author: Michael J. Richard Date: 2013 Summary: This doctoral thesis explores the use of bamboo as a non-conventional building material, focusing on its rapid growth, strength properties, and global accessibility. The study assesses full-culm structural bamboo components, advocating for standardization and broader engineering use. It includes experimental and analytical studies on bamboo's tensile, flexural, buckling, and environmental sustainability performance, aiming to advance its standardization and utilization in construction, especially in engineered and marginally-engineered structures​​.

  2. Title: "Bamboo Bicycle 2017 Final Report" Author: Not specified Date: 2017 Summary: This project report focuses on developing a bamboo cargo bike for agricultural transportation in Ethiopia, where access to roads is limited. The project aims to utilize local bamboo resources for socio-economic and ecological benefits. The design process included joint testing and Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis, comparing different joint production methods and materials for strength and reliability. The final design, optimized for durability, simplicity, affordability, and environmental impact, costs £791.60. The report recommends setting up a local production line and suggests that with additional subsidies, the bamboo cargo bike can be a cost-effective transportation solution​​.

  3. Title: "Investigating the Mechanical Properties & Environmental Behaviour of Bamboo" Author: Mathew Alexander, Morgan Brown, Faisal Din, Joshua Humphrey Date: Not specified Summary: This document is a poster presentation by Mathew Alexander, Morgan Brown, Faisal Din, and Joshua Humphrey, supervised by Dr. Hom Dhakal, as part of their MEng Mechanical Engineering course. It outlines a study on the mechanical properties and environmental behavior of bamboo, focusing on its potential as a sustainable and economical alternative for constructing hand-built bicycle frames. The study aims to explore the feasibility and benefits of using bamboo in bicycle manufacturing, considering its environmental impact and mechanical performance​​.

  4. Title: "Determination of Tensile Property of Bamboo for Using as Potential Reinforcement in Concrete" Author: Md Ahsan Sabbir, S.M. Ashfaqul Hoq, Saiada Fuadi Fancy Date: Not specified Summary: This research investigates the use of bamboo as a reinforcement in concrete beams to enhance concrete's low tensile strength. The study focuses on developing alternatives to steel reinforcement, particularly for less critical structures in regions where cost constraints limit the use of steel. The research includes tension tests on bamboo specimens, both natural and treated, to determine tensile strength, proof strength, and modulus of elasticity. Results show that bamboo exhibits satisfactory tensile strength and stress-strain characteristics, making it a feasible reinforcement material for concrete in specific applications​​.

  5. Title: "Bamboo Testing" Author: Not specified Date: Not specified Summary: This document explores the potential of bamboo as a material for bicycle frames, comparing it with conventional materials like steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. It discusses the physical properties of racing bicycle frames, emphasizing stiffness and density. The study involves testing bamboo samples for Young’s Modulus and Ultimate Flexural Stress, followed by tensile tests to determine Ultimate Tensile Stress. These tests, adhering to BS ISO 22157:2019 standards, indicate that bamboo possesses suitable mechanical properties for bicycle frame manufacturing, offering a natural, high-strength, low-density alternative to traditional materials​​.