An in-depth assessment of the structural integrity and advantages of bamboo-reinforced cement concrete elements (BRCC) with utilizing an alternative binding material: a comprehensive evaluation

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the feasibility of using concrete reinforced with a blend of coir and bamboo as a sustainable building material. Bamboo, known for its robust yet lightweight nature, serves as a natural reinforcement with high tensile strength, enhancing structural properties. Various lengths and diameters of bamboo reinforcements are coated with gloss enamel and black coal tar for durability is employed in this study. Coir is sourced from coconut husks and recognized for its strength and resilience in composite construction. The research explores the combined action of coir rope fibers and bamboo to improve tensile strength, flexural strength, and durability in concrete slabs. Twelve slabs are examined with featuring of conventional reinforcements, dried bamboo, gloss enamel-painted bamboo and black coal tar-coated bamboo with different diameters. The mechanical properties of concrete specimens are subjected to compressive force test according to IS 456:2000. While steel-reinforced slabs exhibit superior strength, it is noteworthy that 1.75% of black coal tar-coated bamboo reinforcement with coir rope performs comparably to traditional steel reinforcement in conventional concrete.

Keywords:
Renewable building materials; Bamboo reinforcement; Coir rope fibres; Tensile strength; Concrete reinforcement; Environmental sustainability