Lightly modified bamboo for structural applications

Abstract

Laminated bamboo is becoming an increasingly widespread commodity, even for structural applications, but it does require considerable transformation of the raw material. The aim of this LimesNet mission to Colombia was to observe how bamboo that has undergone minimal transformation may be used for structural applications. Significant achievements have been made in architecture, academic research and structural engineering with bamboo in Colombia. These are discussed. Observations of numerous bamboo structures are also reported. Bamboo is a promising renewable resource with a low environmental impact, and lightly modified bamboo is an exciting and nascent form of using this material that reinforces its sustainability credentials.