Strength, Sustainability, and Design Applications of Bambusa vulgaris in Uganda

Bambusa vulgaris, a fast-growing bamboo species abundant in Uganda, offers significant potential as a sustainable construction material due to its quick regeneration, high biomass yield, and competitive mechanical properties. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical properties and material sustainability of Bambusa vulgaris grown in Uganda’s Lake Victoria agroecological zone. Mechanical testing, conducted according to BS ISO 22157:2019 and ASTM D1037-12, assessed bending, tensile, shear, and compressive strengths parallel to the fibres, alongside corresponding moduli of elasticity. The influence of moisture content on the strength and stiffness properties and node presence on compressive strength was evaluated. Results revealed characteristic bending strength values comparable to C16 timber, with mean compressive strengths reaching 33 MPa. Results indicate that bamboo offers significantly higher strengths than the equivalent timber class. However, the lower strength/stiffness to density ratio makes timber a better choice than bamboo for lightweight construction. Correlation analyses confirmed the typical trend of increasing material strength with decreasing moisture content, though some variations in the bending strength suggest further investigation. The results also indicate that the presence of nodes decreases the compressive strengths, although the effect is not significant. Embodied carbon analysis using a modular bamboo housing design demonstrated a significant 74.2% reduction in embodied carbon emissions compared to conventional construction materials and practices in Uganda, underscoring bamboo’s potential contribution to climate-friendly building practices. Despite promising findings, limitations include narrow scope of life cycle assessment stages considered and smaller sample sizes. The study recommends broader environmental impact assessments, further investigations into the factors affecting the different strength and stiffness properties and supports the integration of Bambusa vulgaris into local building codes to encourage its uptake as a renewable, low-carbon alternative in Ugandan construction. Keywords: Bambusa vulgaris; mechanical properties; sustainable construction; Edge software