STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF ENGINEERED BAMBOO PANELS AS

FORMWORK FOR CONCRETE STRUCTURES

____________________________________

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented to
The Faculty of the Department of Civil Engineering and Technology
College of Engineering and Technology
Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology
Iligan City

____________________________________

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
BACHELOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY - CIVIL ENGINEERING
TECHNOLOGY

EDSEL LOU A. CORDETA

ROBERT B. ODIADA
MARK ANGELOU A. PED

February 2024
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The increase in timber demand and the decline of natural forests have
prompted the use of numerous less commonly utilized species, particularly in the
Philippines (Rizome Bamboo, Accessed in 2024). Bamboo, traditionally, has
served as a timber source for an extensive period (Ryan, 2023).

Bamboo, a fast-growing woody grass with high renewability, thrives in

tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions (MDPI, 2023). It matures rapidly,
typically ready for use as timber within just 4 to 6 years (BioResources, 2020). This
remarkable growth rate, coupled with its widespread distribution, makes bamboo a
valuable and sustainable resource (BioResources, 2020). Notably, its ability to
regenerate quickly further enhances its eco-friendly credentials (BioResources,
2020). The Philippines boasts bamboo stands spanning 39,000 to 53,000 hectares,
primarily scattered across backyards, riverbanks, and forest lands (PCAARRD,
Accessed in 2024). Additionally, the country ranks as the 6th largest exporter of
bamboo globally (PCAARRD, Accessed in 2024).

Furthermore, the potential of bamboo's versatility extends beyond its use as

a timber source. Its flexible nature makes it suitable for various applications,
including construction, furniture-making, and even as a sustainable alternative to
plastic (SWOP, 2023; ForeverBamboo, Accessed in 2024). In recent years,
innovative Engineered bamboo have gained popularity, showcasing its potential to
drive economic growth and environmental sustainability in the Philippines.

Fully understanding the significance and exploring the existing knowledge

of engineered bamboo suggest its potential as a promising material for the future.
Anticipations suggest that bamboo will increasingly play a significant role in
construction, especially in formwork applications as a substitute for conventional
plywood. Engineered bamboo panels, produced by compressing and gluing bamboo
strips, offer a promising solution for formwork applications (VietBamboo, 2021).
These panels have demonstrated favorable mechanical properties, making them
suitable for use in concrete construction. However, further research is needed to
comprehensively compare and evaluate their structural performance for the
potential substitute against the conventional plywood formwork for concrete
structures.

Bamboo-reinforced concrete has shown promising results in enhancing the

flexural strength and load-carrying capacity of concrete structures (Azuwa, 2024).
Nevertheless, limited studies have specifically investigated the use of engineered
bamboo panels as formwork for concrete structures. Therefore, a comprehensive
comparative assessment of the flexural strength, load-bearing capacity, and
moisture resistance of engineered bamboo panels in comparison to conventional
plywood is essential to determine their suitability and potential advantages as
formwork material.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Engineered bamboo has demonstrated significant potential as a sustainable

and cost-effective material in the construction industry, owing to its abundance,
particularly in the Philippines. The utilization of engineered bamboo as formwork
plays a pivotal role in enhancing sustainability and exploring eco-friendly
alternatives in construction practices, particularly since these forms are not
permanent structures. This approach not only contributes to reducing reliance on
traditional formwork materials but also fosters the adoption of more
environmentally conscious practices in the construction industry.

However, the limited research on the structural performance of engineered

bamboo panels as formwork for concrete structures impedes the widespread
adoption of this sustainable material in the construction industry. Existing studies
have primarily focused on the mechanical properties of bamboo-reinforced
concrete, with scant attention given to the specific application of engineered
bamboo panels as formwork.

Therefore, addressing this knowledge gap requires a detailed investigation

into the structural performance of engineered bamboo panels as formwork for
concrete structures.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the structural performance of

engineered bamboo panels’ potential as formwork in concrete structures. The study
aims to:

1.3.1. Conduct a comparative analysis of the structural strength, including

flexural strength and load-bearing capacity, of engineered bamboo panels in
contrast to conventional formwork materials like plywood. This analysis
 seeks to identify potential advantages and limitations of bamboo panels in
concrete construction.

1.3.2. Assess the moisture content of engineered bamboo panels as

formworks for concrete structures by comparing the moisture resistance,
particularly their water absorption rates, with conventional formwork like
plywood.

1.3.3. At the end of the study, the researcher will aim to provide
recommendations based on the findings, which will contribute to the
effective and sustainable utilization of bamboo panels in concrete
formworks.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant importance for the construction industry and
sustainable development. The successful utilization of engineered bamboo panels
as formwork for concrete structures could lead to reduced environmental impact,
lower construction costs, and improved structural performance.

Furthermore, the findings of this study could contribute to the wider

adoption of sustainable construction materials, supporting the transition towards
more environmentally friendly building practices.

Moreover, the study's implications extend to the local level, particularly in

the Philippines, a major exporter of bamboo. The stimulation of the local bamboo
industry could bring about positive economic changes. Employment opportunities
could burgeon in bamboo cultivation and processing, contributing to the livelihoods
of communities engaged in these activities. This local economic impact, coupled
with environmental benefits, showcases the potential for holistic and inclusive
development through the integration of sustainable construction materials.

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study

The scope of this study will encompass laboratory-based assessments of the

flexural strength, load-bearing capacity, and moisture resistance of engineered
bamboo panels as formwork for concrete structures. The study will focus on
comparative analysis with traditional formwork materials and will not include field
testing or real-world applications.

Additionally, the study will not address the economic feasibility or

environmental impact of bamboo panel production, as these aspects require separate
and comprehensive investigations.

1.6 Theoretical Framework

Sustainability, as defined by the World Commission on Environment and

Development, is "development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (1987, p.
43). This definition underscores the interconnectedness of environmental, social,
and economic systems, emphasizing the importance of responsible resource
management and long-term thinking. In the context of materials, sustainability
entails considering the entire life cycle of a material, from extraction and production
to use and disposal, and minimizing negative impacts at each stage (UNEP, 2021).
 Bamboo stands out as a highly sustainable material with numerous benefits.
Its rapid growth allows for harvesting in 3-5 years, contrasting with the decades
required for traditional hardwoods (Bamboo Import Europe, n.d.). This quick
growth rate makes bamboo a renewable resource, harvested without depleting the
ecosystem.

Furthermore, bamboo exhibits a higher yield per acre than most trees,
thriving even on marginal lands, thereby reducing pressure on primary forests
(Oberndorfer, 2010). Its robust tensile strength makes it versatile for various
applications, including construction, furniture, and textiles (Zhu, 2018). The natural
resistance of bamboo to pests and diseases also minimizes the need for chemical
treatments, contributing to a healthier environment (Bamboo for Good, 2020).

Formworks, also known as shuttering or falsework, are temporary structures

critical for shaping and sizing concrete elements during casting. Typically crafted
from wood, plywood, steel, aluminum, or composite materials, they serve as molds,
playing a vital role in ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of
concrete structures.

Integral to construction sites, formworks facilitate the creation of diverse

concrete elements like columns, beams, slabs, and walls. They are indispensable for
preserving desired dimensions, ensuring precise alignment, and facilitating the
placement of reinforcement bars. Additionally, formworks play a key role in
realizing complex shapes and intricate designs, increasingly prevalent in modern
architecture.

The significance of formworks lies in their ability to guarantee accuracy, aid

in reinforcement placement, enhance safety, and offer cost-effectiveness. They
ensure that concrete elements are cast with precision, crucial for both structural
integrity and aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, formworks contribute to the structural
strength and durability of concrete by facilitating the placement of reinforcement
bars. They also contribute to safety by providing a stable platform for workers
during tasks. Additionally, the reusability of formworks reduces the overall cost of
construction.

Despite their advantages, some drawbacks exist. Formworks made from

materials like steel or aluminum can be costly. Regular maintenance is essential to
ensure their structural integrity and safety, and they have a limited lifespan,
requiring replacement or repair after a certain number of uses.

Wood is an orthotropic material known for its significant differentiation of

properties along its three main axes: longitudinal, radial, and tangential. The
mechanical properties of wood and wood-based materials exhibit both elastic and
inelastic behavior, which is time and change-dependent, leading to phenomena like
creep and relaxation. These properties are classified as viscoelastic due to their
time-dependent nature, particularly evident in creep and relaxation. Additionally,
they are recognized as mechano-sorptive properties, indicating responses to
simultaneous load and humidity changes, alongside plastic properties that result in
permanent deformation.

In ideal elastic bodies, stress and strain showcase a linear relationship

according to Hooke's Law. Tensile loads elongate the body, while compressive
loads cause contraction, and shear stresses induce angle distortion. Upon release, an
ideal elastic body's deformation entirely regresses, as long as the mechanical stress
remains below the proportional limit. This limit, influenced by wood moisture
content, typically ranges from 50% to 60% of the maximum stress under normal
climatic conditions. The modulus of elasticity (Young’s modulus) is calculated
from the slope of the straight line in the stress-strain diagram. Beyond the
proportional limit, plastic deformation occurs. Plastic strain under tension is limited,
but not under compression. In directions parallel and perpendicular to the fiber,
ultimate strain under tensile load is low (0.7%–1%). Perpendicular to the fiber,
compressive loading above the proportional limit leads to considerable plastic
deformation. Wood can densify significantly under compression, especially in the
radial direction.
The mechanical properties of bamboo and wood have undergone extensive
study to understand their performance in various applications. The results reveal
comparable mechanical properties, with slight variations in modulus of rupture
(MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) values. Both specific gravity and moisture
content play crucial roles in influencing the mechanical properties of both materials,
and these factors should be considered when selecting bamboo or wood for specific
applications. The study underscores the importance of standardized testing
methods, such as the ISO 8375 standard, ensuring the reliability and comparability
of mechanical property data for structural applications.

1.7 Definition of the Study

Less Commonly Utilized Species are tree or plant species that are not extensively
employed in commercial or industrial applications, differing from more commonly
utilized ones in terms of frequency and application (FAO, 2010).

The versatility of Bamboo highlights its ability to be used for various purposes
and applications, going beyond its traditional role as a timber source. This includes
applications in construction, furniture-making, and even as an eco-friendly
alternative to plastic (Bamboo Grove, n.d.).

Engineered Bamboo belongs to the category of bamboo-based products that

undergo processing and manufacturing to enhance specific properties, such as
strength, durability, or flexibility. Examples include bamboo panels produced
through compression and gluing of bamboo strips (Bamboo Import Europe, n.d.).

Flexural Strength characterizes a material's ability to withstand bending or

deformation under applied loads. This is measured as the maximum stress a material
can endure in such conditions, distinct from compressive or tensile strength
(MatWeb, n.d.).

Load-bearing capacity refers to the maximum load or weight that a structure,

material, or component can support without failure or deformation (Engineering
Toolbox, n.d.).

Orthotropic is a term used in materials science and engineering to describe a

material that exhibits different mechanical properties along three mutually
perpendicular axes (ScienceDirect, n.d.).

Mechano-sorptive properties refer to the interaction between mechanical loading

and moisture content in timber (wood) (Forest Products Laboratory, n.d.).

ISO 8375 is an international standard that specifies a method for determining the
modulus of elasticity in compression for wood and wood-based products. The title
of the standard is 'Wood - Determination of modulus of elasticity in compression
(ISO, 1998).