Abstract
Traditional construction systems with the bamboo species Guadua angustifolia Kunth
(Guadua) are standardized under the Colombian code for seismic-resistant buildings [1]. These
systems are regarded as highly environmentally friendly due to their intensive use of Guadua in the
supporting structure and walls. In particular, the plastered cane building system or ‘bahareque
encementado’, which provides a low-cost and low-technology alternative for two-storey dwellings,
commonly uses round Guadua for the frame and riven Guadua boards (esterilla) for covering the
frame. However, this wall-framing system relies heavily on cement renders for providing combined
structural action to resist lateral loads, protecting the material against weathering and ensuring a flat
surface for construction finishes. Thick cement renders contribute greatly to the wall mass and
together with the foundations result on the highest negative environmental impact in traditional wallframing
construction with Guadua. Therefore, the reduction of the use of cement or its complete
replacement for alternative binders in the wall-framing 'bahareque' system is a key point for
environmental improvement. Widely available materials such as lime, which have less energy
intensive production-processes present an alternative to cement. Moreover, lime offers improved
breathability within the building and behaves more elastically than cement. This paper explores the
potential use of lime as a replacement for cement mortars in 'bahareque' systems and analyses
Guadua’s anatomical and chemical features when mixed with lime. The paper describes a “cold
process” in which no high temperatures are involved for the improvement of the bonding between
lime and bamboo.
(Guadua) are standardized under the Colombian code for seismic-resistant buildings [1]. These
systems are regarded as highly environmentally friendly due to their intensive use of Guadua in the
supporting structure and walls. In particular, the plastered cane building system or ‘bahareque
encementado’, which provides a low-cost and low-technology alternative for two-storey dwellings,
commonly uses round Guadua for the frame and riven Guadua boards (esterilla) for covering the
frame. However, this wall-framing system relies heavily on cement renders for providing combined
structural action to resist lateral loads, protecting the material against weathering and ensuring a flat
surface for construction finishes. Thick cement renders contribute greatly to the wall mass and
together with the foundations result on the highest negative environmental impact in traditional wallframing
construction with Guadua. Therefore, the reduction of the use of cement or its complete
replacement for alternative binders in the wall-framing 'bahareque' system is a key point for
environmental improvement. Widely available materials such as lime, which have less energy
intensive production-processes present an alternative to cement. Moreover, lime offers improved
breathability within the building and behaves more elastically than cement. This paper explores the
potential use of lime as a replacement for cement mortars in 'bahareque' systems and analyses
Guadua’s anatomical and chemical features when mixed with lime. The paper describes a “cold
process” in which no high temperatures are involved for the improvement of the bonding between
lime and bamboo.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 11 Aug 2015 |
| Event | 16th International Conference on Non-conventional Materials and Technologies (NOCMAT 2015) - Winnipeg, Canada Duration: 10 Aug 2015 → 13 Aug 2015 |
Conference
| Conference | 16th International Conference on Non-conventional Materials and Technologies (NOCMAT 2015) |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Canada |
| City | Winnipeg |
| Period | 10/08/15 → 13/08/15 |