Engineers from the University of Warwick have led the creation of the world’s first structural engineering manual for bamboo, a milestone aimed at accelerating low-carbon construction globally. 

Bamboo has been used in construction for millennia, yet colonisation and industrialisation have resulted in the replacement of this natural resource by technologies such as steel, concrete, and masonry. This change became more entrenched in the 20th century with the development of construction codes as means to ensure structures were safe, since none were written for bamboo.

Bamboo tollbooth in Columbia. Image: University of Warwick.

As a result, bamboo largely disappeared from formal engineering practice, despite its strength, low cost, and sustainability. 

The lack of standardised design guidance made it difficult for engineers to use bamboo safely at scale.

The new manual, published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), aims to change that by providing comprehensive guidance for designing durable bamboo buildings.

Dr David Trujillo, assistant professor in humanitarian engineering at the University of Warwick, says: “Bamboo is a fast-growing, strong, inexpensive, and highly sustainable material, and, among other things, it is a very effective carbon sink (naturally absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere).

Filling the code gap

“Unfortunately, the countries that had the expertise in developing construction codes to regulate the design and building of structures, were not those interested in bamboo. For this to change, international collaboration was needed."

The international collaboration between Warwick, Pittsburgh, Arup, INBAR and BASE has since met this challenge and produced the new Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) manual providing comprehensive guidance about the design of bamboo structures. It is the first structural engineering manual for bamboo in the world.

Professor Kent Harries, professor of structural engineering and mechanics at the University of Pittsburgh, says: “Structurally, bamboo has remarkable mechanical properties. It has also become a very promising bio-based resource, with growing credentials as a sustainable construction material.

‘Nonetheless, this is hugely dependent on designing and building safe and durable structures. Our detailed manual helps to achieve this."

Will empower engineers across the tropics and subtropics

This free resource will empower engineers across the tropics and subtropics to adopt bamboo at no cost. With more than 1,600 species of bamboo spread across all continents except for Antarctica and Europe (although numerous species successfully thrive across Europe), this manual has the chance to hugely expand the usage of this bio-based material.

The manual centres in the use of bamboo poles (the stems) as the main structural component of buildings. In these structures, bamboo poles act as beams and columns, though the manual also explains how to use bamboo in a structural system called Composite Bamboo Shear Walls – CBSW. This system is particularly effective for making resilient housing in earthquake and typhoon prone locations.

Dr Trujillo says: “There are both challenges and delights of working with bamboo. We aim for this guide to be a must-use resource for the structural engineer already working with bamboo or considering its use.”

“We also hope it will be a great resource for colleagues across the built environment globally, whether in industry or academia."

The guide also addresses safety concerns, including fire performance. While not focused on scaffolding, it sets out provisions for permanent bamboo buildings, including risk assessment and fire mitigation strategies. 

Dr Trujillo adds: “The guide is published in the wake of the tragic Hong Kong tower block fires. We share condolences for all those impacted, and await the outcome of investigations as we cannot comment until all the facts are in. However general risk management principles advocate a risk assessment and consideration of use of flame-retardant materials on high rise and closely spaced buildings, along with fire detection and suppression.

“Importantly, and given the wide use of bamboo, this guide sets out provisions for its safe use, including for fire, covering permanent buildings and not scaffolding. Our aim is for this to be a must-use resource for the structural engineer already working with bamboo or considering its use. We also hope it will be a trusted resource for colleagues across the built environment globally, whether in industry or academia.”

Sebastian Kaminski, a structural engineer at Arup, says: “Bamboo’s use has great potential to contribute to a low-carbon construction sector. But bamboo engineering is a very young field. 

"It has not benefited from the extensive research conducted on mainstream materials, so our manual is structured to support the design engineer along the journey of sourcing bamboo to detailed design.” 

Luis Felipe Lopez CEng, general manager of the Base Bahay Foundation Inc (BASE), says: “The construction industry contributes nearly 40% of carbon emissions globally, and bamboo, a regenerative and durable material, is redefining how we build our structures.

"From being an alternative to a reliable building material, bamboo is now gaining global recognition, and the need for a comprehensive framework is essential to support design engineers and ensure the safe and proper use of bamboo in the built environment, maximising its full potential and environmental advantages."

Kewei Liu of INBAR adds: “The publication of this guide is of great significance in promoting the application of the current ISO 22156:2021 standard, which has been the most widely accepted international bamboo standard since the 2000s. The four authors have made remarkable contributions in guiding global users in the construction of round bamboo structures.” 

The manual is available as a free PDF through IStructE, or click here.