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भारतीय मानक IS 15912 : 2018

Indian Standard

बांस प्रयुक्त सरं चनात्मक डिजाइन —

रीति सहं िता
( पहला पनु रीक्षण )

Structural Design Using

Bamboo — Code of Practice
( First Revision )

ICS 91.080.20

© BIS 2018

भारतीय मानक ब्रयू ो

B U R E A U O F I N D I A N S TA N D A R D S
मानक भवन, 9 बहादरु शाह ज़फर मार्ग, नई िदल्ली – 110002
MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI-110002
         www.bis.gov.in  
www.standardsbis.in

November 2018  Price Group 11

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Building Construction Practices Sectional Committee, CED 13

FOREWORD
This Indian Standard (First Revision) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by
the Building Construction Practices Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering Division
Council.
Bamboo is a versatile resource possessing high strength-to-weight ratio and cost ratio and offers considerable ease
in working with simpler tools. It has a long and well established tradition as a building material. The application
of bamboo as a constructional material is largely based on established traditions and intuitions of forefathers
throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Resilience coupled with light weight makes bamboo an ideal material for housing in disaster prone/earthquake
prone areas. It has the capacity to withstand repetitive loadings and absorb more energy and show larger
deflections before collapse and as such is safer under earth tremors. As the design guidelines were inadequate,
the application of bamboo as an engineering material was largely based on practical and engineering experience.
A need was therefore felt to develop a design and construction code for bamboo to cater to a number of social and
trade advantages, engineering recognition and the improved status of bamboo as an engineering material. Forest
Research Institute, Dehradun and some other organizations have been engaged in bamboo research in the country
to establish its silviculture, botanical, entomological and pathological aspects besides creating a utilization base.
Some of the suitable species grown in India and neighbouring countries are listed in Annex B along with their
local names and source, for general information.
The bamboo culm has a tubular structure consisting of nodes and inter-nodes. In the inter-nodes the cells are
axially oriented while the nodes provide the transverse inter-connections. This disposition of the nodes and the
wall thickness are significant in imparting mechanical strength to bamboo against bending and crushing. In a
circular cross-section, bamboo is generally hollow and for structural purposes this form is quite effective and
advantageous. Each of the species of bamboo has widely different characteristics affecting its usefulness as
constructional material. The strength of bamboo culms, their straightness, lightness combined with hardness,
range and size of hollowness make them potentially suitable for a variety of applications both structural and
non-structural. With good physical and mechanical properties, low shrinkage and good average density, bamboo
is well suited to replace wood in several applications, especially in slats and panel form. Mass production of
bamboo components, if required, may be integrated with treatment facilities near to the site of plantation or site of
construction, for speed and economy in construction.
This standard was first published in 2012 which was based on the information contained in the SP 7 : 2005
‘National Building Code of India 2005’, for structural designing with bamboo. This revision of the standard is
aimed at bringing the provisions at par with the provisions of the SP 7 (Part 6/Sec 3B) : 2016 ‘National Building
Code of India 2016: Part 6 Structural Design, Section 3B Bamboo’. Also, other necessary changes have been
incorporated.
In this revision, the following major changes have been made:
a) Construction practices using bamboo have been included.
b) Definitions of some existing terms have been modified as per the prevailing engineering practice and new
terms relating to bamboo based panel products have been added.
c) Provisions on bamboo trusses have been further updated.
d) Some details about bamboo foundations have been included.
e) Use of bamboo as reinforcement in concrete for appropriate construction has been included.
f) Provisions for use of bamboo based materials/panel products as walling, flooring roofing, and, in in-fill
panels for wall and common roof covering/cladding materials, have been included. Some provisions for
reconstituted wood from destructured bamboo have also been included.
g) Provisions related to storage and stacking of bamboo at site have been included.
h) References to all the concerned Indian Standards have been updated.

(Continued on third cover)

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IS 15912 : 2018

Indian Standard
STRUCTURAL DESIGN USING
BAMBOO — CODE OF PRACTICE
( First Revision )

1 SCOPE 3.1.3 Bamboo Clump — A cluster of bamboo culms

emanating from two or more rhizomes in the same
1.1 This standard covers the general principles involved place.
in the design of structural bamboo in buildings with
regard to mechanical resistance and durability of 3.1.4 Cellulose — A carbohydrate, forming the
structures. Design of both bamboo (round bamboo, split fundamental material of all plants and a main source of
bamboo, glued laminated bamboo) and bamboo-based the mechanical properties of biological materials.
panels joined together with adhesives or mechanical
3.1.5 Cell — A fundamental structural unit of plant
fasteners are covered in this standard. It also covers
and animal life, consisting of cytoplasm and usually
minimum strength data, dimensional stability, grading
enclosing a central nucleus and being surrounded by a
requirements and traditional bamboo joints for quality
membrane (animal) or a rigid cell wall (plant).
assurance. Constructional aspects using bamboo,
such as, work on site, fabrication of components off- 3.1.6 Cross Wall — A wall at the node closing the whole
site and their erection on site are also covered to the inside circumference and completely separating the
extent necessary to indicate and ensure the quality of hollow cavity below from that above (Syn. Diaphragm,
material and standard of workmanship to comply with that is, horizontal partition in a standing culm)
the assumptions of the design rules and the limitations. (see also 3.2.17 and 3.2.30).
1.2 This standard also covers precautions and design 3.1.7 Moisture Content
limitations on bamboo.
3.1.7.1 Equilibrium moisture content — Moisture
1.3 The following aspects are not covered in this content at which bamboo is neither gaining moisture
standard: from, nor loosing moisture to the environment.
a) Limit state design and performance of structures;
and 3.1.7.2 Fibre saturation point — Moisture content
below which only water bound in the cell walls remains,
b) Scientific designing of bamboo joints and their
that is, condition in which there is no free water in the
fastenings.
cell cavity.
2 REFERENCES 3.1.8 Hemi Cellulose — The polysaccharides consisting
The standards listed in Annex A contain provisions of only 150 to 200 sugar molecules, also much less than
which, through reference in this text, constitute the 10 000 of cellulose.
provisions of this standard. At the time of publication,
3.1.9 Lignin — A polymer of phenyl propane units, in
the editions indicated were valid. All standards are
its simple form (C6H5CH3CH2CH3).
subject to revision, and parties to agreements based
on this standard are encouraged to investigate the 3.1.10 Sliver — Thin strips of bamboo processed from
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the bamboo culm.
standards indicated in Annex A.
3.1.11 Tissue — Group of cells, which in higher plants
3 TERMINOLOGY consist of (a) Parenchyma – a soft cell of higher plants
as found in stem pith or fruit pulp, and (b) Epidermis
For the purpose of this standard, the following
– the outermost layer of cells covering the surface of a
definitions shall apply.
plant, when there are several layers of tissue.
3.1 Anatomical Purpose Definitions
3.2 Structural Purpose Definitions
3.1.1 Bamboo — Tall perennial grasses found in
tropical and sub-tropical regions. They belong to the 3.2.1 Bamboo Mat Board — A board made of two or
family Poaceae and sub-family Bambusoideae. more bamboo mats bonded with an adhesive.

3.1.2 Bamboo Culm — A single shoot of bamboo 3.2.2 Bamboo Mat Corrugated Sheet — A sheet made
usually hollow except at nodes which are often swollen. up of adhesive soaked and coated mats assembled and

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IS 15912 : 2018

pressed under specified temperature and pressure to 3.2.17 Flattened Bamboo — Bamboo consisting of
obtain sinusoidal or other suitable corrugations. culms that have been cut and unfolded till it is flat. The
culm thus is finally spread open, the diaphragms (cross
3.2.3 Bamboo Mat Veneer Composite — Panel walls) at nodes removed and pressed flat.
manufactured with a combination of bamboo mat and
veneer. Bamboo mat can be either as outer skins or as 3.2.18 Full Culm — The naturally available circular
core/cross-bands. However, the composite panel shall section/shape.
be balanced construction on either side of central ply.
3.2.19 Fundamental or Ultimate Stress — The
3.2.4 Beam — A structural member which supports stress which is determined on a specified type/size
load primarily by its internal resistance to bending. of culms of bamboo, in accordance with standard
practice and does not take into account the effects
3.2.5 Breaking Strength — A term loosely applied to of naturally occurring characteristics and other
a given structural member with respect to the ultimate factors.
load it can sustain under a given set of conditions.
3.2.20 Inner Diameter — Diameter of internal cavity of
3.2.6 Bundle-Column — A column consisting of three a hollow piece of bamboo.
or more number of culms bound as integrated unit with
wire or strap type of fastenings. 3.2.21 Inside Location — Position in buildings in
NOTE — During bunching of beams/columns, binders (5 mm which bamboo remains continuously dry or protected
tie bar/wire and 15 mm bamboo dowel pins) may be carefully from weather.
inserted after proper pre-drilling the holes throughout the
assembly as per the requirements of structural design. 3.2.22 Joint — A connection between two or more
bamboo structural elements.
3.2.7 Centre Internode — A test specimen having its
centre between two nodes. 3.2.23 Joist — A small beam directly supporting floor,
ceiling or roof of a structure.
3.2.8 Characteristic Load — The value of load which
has a 95 percent probability of not exceeding during the 3.2.24 Length of Internode — Distance between
life of the structure. adjacent nodes.
3.2.9 Characteristic Strength — The strength of the 3.2.25 Loaded End or Compression End Distance —
material below which not more than 5 percent of the The distance measured from the centre of the fastener
test results are expected to fall. to the end towards which the load induced by the
fastener acts.
3.2.10 Cleavability — The ease with which bamboo
can be split along the longitudinal axis. The action of 3.2.26 Machete — A light cutting and slashing tool in
splitting is known as cleavage. the form of a large knife.
3.2.11 Column — A structural member which supports 3.2.27 Mat — A woven sheet made using thin slivers.
axial load primarily by inducing compressive stress
along the fibres. 3.2.28 Mortise and Tenon — A joint in which the
reduced end (tenon) of one member fits into the
3.2.12 Common Rafter — A roof member which corresponding slot (mortise) of the other.
supports roof battens and roof coverings, such as
boarding and sheeting. 3.2.29 Net Section — Section obtained by deducting
from the gross cross-section (A), the projected areas
3.2.13 Curvature — The deviation from the straightness of all materials removed by boring, grooving or other
of the culm. means.
3.2.14 Delamination — Separation of mats through 3.2.30 Node — The place in a bamboo culm where
failure of glue. branches sprout and a diaphragm is inside the culm and
the walls on both sides of node are thicker.
3.2.15 De-structured Bamboo — Raw material (green
bamboo) reduced partially to a condition, as far 3.2.31 Outer Diameter — Diameter of a cross-section
as practicable, in which the element fibres remain of a piece of bamboo measured from two opposite
interlocked and in their highly aligned state and which points on the outer surface.
with the help of binder can be reconstituted into a
valuable product of a desirable size. 3.2.31.1 Mean outer diameter — The diameter taken
twice on the outer surface, in direction perpendicular
3.2.16 End Distance — The distance measured parallel to each other at each cross-section on both the ends.
to the fibres of the bamboo from the centre of the Thus resulting in mean of four readings for the middle
fastener to the closest end of the member. of culm.

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3.2.32 Outside Location — Position in building in 3.3.2 Crookedness — A localized deviation from the
which bamboos are occasionally subjected to wetting straightness in a piece of bamboo.
and drying as in case of open sheds; and outdoor
exposed structures. 3.3.3 Discolouration — A change from the normal
colour of the bamboo which does not impair the
3.2.33 Permissible Stress — Stress obtained after strength of bamboo or bamboo composite products.
applying factor of safety to the ultimate stress. This is
also the working stress unless adjusted to the particular 3.4 Definitions Relating to Drying Degrades
structural form in design. 3.4.1 Collapse — The defect occurring on account
3.2.34 Principal Rafter — A roof member which of excessive shrinkage, particularly in thick walled
supports purlins. immature bamboo. When the bamboo wall shrinks, the
outer layers containing a larger concentration of strong
3.2.35 Purlins — A roof member directly supporting fibro-vascular bundles set the weaker interior portion
roof covering or common rafter and roof battens. embedded in parenchyma in tension, causing the latter
to develop cracks. The interior crack develops into a
3.2.36 Roof Battens — A roof member directly wide split resulting in a depression on the outer surface.
supporting tiles, corrugated sheets, slates or other This defect also reduces the structural strength of round
roofing materials. bamboo.
3.2.37 Roof Skeleton — The skeleton consisting of 3.4.2 End Splitting — A split at the end of a bamboo.
bamboo truss or rafter over which solid bamboo purlins This is not so common a defect as drying occurs both
are laid and lashed to the rafter or top chord of a truss from outer and interior wall surfaces of bamboo as well
by means of galvanized iron wire, cane, or steel straps as the end at the open ends.
with nut bolts and covering may be in the form of grass,
bamboo leaves, or galvanized iron sheets, etc. 3.4.3 Surface Cracking — Fine surface cracks not
detrimental to strength. However, the cracking which
3.2.38 Slenderness Ratio — The ratio of the length occurs at the nodes reduces the structural strength.
of member to the least radius of gyration is known as
slenderness ratio of member (the length of the member 3.4.4 Wrinkled and Deformed Surface — Deformation
is the equivalent length due to end conditions). in cross-section, during drying, which occurs in
immature round bamboos of most species; in thick
3.2.39 Splints (Splits) — The pieces made from walled pieces, besides this deformation the outer
quarters by dividing the quarters radially and cutting surface becomes uneven and wrinkled. Very often the
longitudinally. interior wall develops a crack below these wrinkles,
3.2.40 Taper — The ratio of difference between running parallel to the axis.
minimum and maximum mean outer diameter to length.
4 SYMBOLS
3.2.41 Unloaded End Distance — The end distance
opposite to the loaded end. For the purpose of this standard, the following letter
symbols shall have the meaning indicated against each,
3.2.42 Bamboo Wall Thickness — Half the difference unless otherwise stated:
between outer diameter and inner diameter of the piece
at any cross-section. A = cross-sectional area of bamboo
(perpendicular to the direction of the
3.2.42.1 Bamboo Mean wall thickness — The wall principal fibres and vessels), mm2
thickness taken four times in the same points as the
outer diameter has been measured (on both the ends). =
4
[
π 2
]
D − (D − 2 w ) ;
2

Thus resulting in mean of eight values for the middle

of culm. AB = area of reinforcement in bamboo reinforced
cement concrete, mm2;
3.2.43 Wet Location — Position in buildings in which
the bamboos are almost continuously damp, wet or in D = mean outer diameter of bamboo culm, mm;
contact with earth or water, such as piles. d = inner diameter, mm
3.3 Definitions Relating to Defects = (D − 2 w ) ;
E = modulus of elasticity (MOE) in bending,
3.3.1 Bamboo Bore/Ghoon Hole — The defect caused N/mm2;
by bamboo ghoon beetle (Dinoderus spp. Bostrichidae),
which attacks felled culms. fb = permissible bending stress on the extreme
fibre, N/mm2;

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IS 15912 : 2018

fbt = Safe practical estimate of tensile strength 5.1.3 Solid bamboos or bamboos whose wall thickness
in bending tension in the extreme fibre, is comparatively more and which are generally having
N/mm2; nodes very closer are often considered good for
structural purposes.
fc = calculated stress in axial compression,
N/mm2; 5.1.4 Broken, damaged or collapsed bamboo shall be
fcp = permissible stress in compression along rejected. Dead and immature bamboos, bore/ghoon
the fibres, N/mm2; holes, decay, collapse, checks more than 3 mm in
depth, shall be avoided.
ft = permissible stress in tension parallel to the
fibres, N/mm2; 5.2 Grouping
I = moment of inertia (the second moment of 5.2.1 Sixteen species of bamboo recommended for
area) of culm section, mm4 structural applications are classified in three groups
= π  4
D − ( D − 2w )  ;
4 on the basis of their strength properties, namely,
64   modulus of elasticity (E) in bending in green condition
and modulus of rupture (R) (extreme fibre stress
ℓ = unsupported length of column, mm; in bending). For structural use in piles and mines’
m = moisture content, percent; components, an additional criterion of compressive
r = radius of gyration, mm strength is considered in classification. The limits in
ultimate strength values of these groups shall be as
I given in Table 2 (these are corresponding to the spread
= ;
A of properties in structural timber).
R = modulus of rupture (MOR), N/mm2; 5.2.2 Bamboo species may be identified using suitable
w = mean of wall thickness of bamboo culm, methods.
mm; NOTE — Methods of identification of bamboo through
Z = section modulus, mm 3 anatomical characters have not been perfected so far.
Identification through morphological characters could be done
π  D − ( D − 2w ) 
4
4
only on full standing culm by experienced sorters.
=  ; and
32  D  5.2.3 Species of bamboo other than those listed in
the Table 3 may be used, provided their strength
δ = deflection or deformation, mm. characteristics are determined and found more than the
limits specified in Table 2.
5.3 Moisture Content in Bamboo
5 MATERIALS
Green bamboo poles should not be used in construction.
The requirements shall be met by the choice of suitable Since green bamboos are subject to shrinkage, joints and
materials, by appropriate design and detailing and terminals may loosen after just a few weeks. Green
by specifying control procedures for production, bamboo is also more attractive to insects and micro-
construction and use. organisms, than dry bamboo.
5.1 Species of Bamboo With decrease of moisture content, the strength of
bamboo increases exponentially and bamboo has an
More than 100 species of bamboo are native to
intersection point (fibre saturation point) at around
India and a few of them are solid but most of them
25 percent moisture content depending upon the species.
are hollow in structure. In all 20 species have been
A typical moisture strength relationship is given at
systematically tested so far. Sixteen species of bamboo
Fig. 1. The moisture content of bamboo shall be
are recommended for structural usages in round form.
determined in accordance with method given in
Some physical and mechanical properties of the same
IS 6874. Matured culms shall be seasoned to about
are given in Table 1 both for air dry conditions and
20 percent moisture content before use.
green conditions.
Freshly felled bamboo with shoots and leaves intact, dry
5.1.1 Matured bamboo of at least 4 years of age shall be fairly well in the open sun with lesser surface cracking,
used. The bamboo shall be used after at least six weeks etc and reduced starch contents. The following factors
of felling period. shall be considered when drying bamboo:
5.1.2 Bamboo shall be treated in accordance with a) Keep the culms away from direct soil contact to
IS 9096. prevent fungal or insect-attacks and to avoid the
humidity of the soil affecting the drying process;

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IS 15912 : 2018

Table 1 Physical and Mechanical Properties of Indian Bamboos

(in Round Form)
( Clause 5.1 )

Sl Species Properties
No.

In Green Condition In Air Dry Condition

Density Modulus Modulus of Maximum Density Modulus Modulus of Maximum

kg/m3 of Rupture Elasticity × 103 Compressive kg/m3 of Rupture Elasticity × 103 Compressive
N/mm2 N/mm2 Strength N/mm2 N/mm2 Strength
N/mm2 N/mm2

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
i) Bambusa auriculata 594 65.1 15.01 36.7 670 89.1 21.41 54.3
ii) B. balcooa 783 65.4 7.31 46.7 ‒ ‒ ‒ 60.6
iii) B. bambos 559 58.3 5.95 35.3 663 80.1 8.96 53.4
(Syn. B. arundinacea)
iv) B. burmanica 570 59.7 11.01 39.9 672 105.0 17.81 65.2
v) B. glancescens 691 82.8 14.77 53.9 ‒ ‒ ‒ ‒
(Syn. B. nana)
vi) B. nutans 603 52.9 6.62 45.6 673 52.4 10.72 47.9
vii) B. pallida 731 55.2 12.90 54.0 ‒ ‒ ‒ ‒
viii) B. tulda 658 51.1 7.98 40.7 722 66.7 10.07 68.0
ix) B. ventricosa 626 34.1 3.38 36.1 ‒ ‒ ‒ ‒
x) B. vulgaris 626 41.5 2.87 38.6 ‒ ‒ ‒ ‒
xi) Cephalostachyum 601 52.6 11.16 36.7 640 71.3 19.22 49.4
pergracile
xii) Dendrocalamus 711 33.1 5.51 42.1 684 47.8 6.06 61.1
longispathus
xiii) D. strictus 631 73.4 11.98 35.9 728 119.1 15.00 69.1
xiv) Melocanna baccifera 817 53.2 11.39 53.8 751 57.6 12.93 69.9
xv) Oxytenanthera 688 83.6 14.96 46.6 ‒ ‒ ‒ ‒
abyssinicia
xvi) Thyrsostachys oliveri 733 61.9 9.72 46.9 758 90.0 12.15 58.0

NOTES

1 The values of stress, in N/mm2 have been obtained by converting the values, in kgf/cm2 by dividing the same by 10.

2 Moisture content in green condition (30 percent to 90 percent).

3 Moisture content in green condition (7.8 percent to 17.8 percent).

4 Tests for compressive strength are parallel to the fibre.

5 For more updates, users may like to check with the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

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Table 2 Properties of Structural Bamboo

( Clause 5.2.1 )

Sl No. Group Modulus of Rupture (R) Modulus of Elasticity in Maximum Compressive

N/mm2 Bending (E ) × 103 Strength (  fc, max )
N/mm2 (See Note)
N/mm2
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
i) A R > 70 E>9 MCS > 35
ii) B 70 ≥ R > 50 9≥E>6 35 > MCS > 30
iii) C 50 ≥ R > 30 6≥E>3 30 > MCS > 25

NOTE — The values are based on tests conducted along the fibres.

Table 3 Safe Permissible Stresses of Bamboos for Structural Designing1)

( Clauses 5.2.3, 6.2 and 6.3 )

Sl Species Extreme Fibre Stress in Modulus of Allowable Compressive

No. Bending Tension Elasticity × 103 Stress
N/mm2 N/mm2 (See Note 2)
N/mm2
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
i) Group A:
a) Bambusa glancescens 20.7 3.28 15.4
(Syn. B. nana)
b) Dendrocalamus strictus 18.4 2.66 10.3
c) Oxytenanthera abyssinicia 20.9 3.31 13.3
ii) Group B:
a) Bambusa balcooa 16.4 1.62 13.3
b) B. pallida 13.8 2.87 15.4
c) B. nutans 13.2 1.47 13.0
d) B. tulda 12.8 1.77 11.6
e) B. auriculata 16.3 3.34 10.5
f) B. burmanica 14.9 2.45 11.4
g) Cephalostachyum pergracile 13.2 2.48 10.5
h) Melocanna baccifera 13.3 2.53 15.4
(Syn. M. bambusoides)
j) Thyrsotachys oliveri 15.5 2.16 13.4
iii) Group C:
a) Bambusa arundinacea 14.6 1.32 10.1
(Syn. B. bambos)
b) B. ventricosa 8.5 0.75 10.3
c) B. vulgaris 10.4 0 .64 11.0
d) Dendrocalamus longispathus 8.3 1.22 12.0

NOTES

1 The values of stress, in N/mm2 have been obtained by converting the values, in kgf/cm2 by dividing the same by 10.

2 The values are based on tests conducted along the fibres.

1)
The values given pertain to testing of bamboo in green condition.

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b) Only mature bamboo culms (over 3 years) shall g) Horizontal stacking is generally preferred for
be used to avoid collapsing of the bamboo poles, large stacks. Stacking should be done on raised
due to excessive and non-uniform shrinkage of the platforms, or placed on a thick plastic sheet to
culm; avoid soil contact. Use separators between each
c) Remove infected culms from the storage area; row of bamboo for better air circulation. The
culms at the bottom of the stack may crack or bend
d) Avoid rapid changes in moisture content, for
due to the weight of the stack, therefore do not pile
example by drying round bamboo in direct
them up too high.
sunlight for a prolonged time. This can cause
cracks in the bamboo poles. Split bamboos do not 5.4 Grading of Structural Bamboo
pose any problems and can be dried in the open
sun; 5.4.1 Bamboo shall be graded to ensure that the properties
of bamboo are satisfactory for use particularly the
e) Provide good ventilation (air circulation);
strength and stiffness properties. Grading of bamboo is
f) Vertical stacking gives faster drying and less sorting out on the basis of characteristics important for
chances of fungal attack. However, a good support structural utilization as under:
system should be in place to avoid the poles from
bending. a) Diameter and length of culm;
b) Taper of culm;

x 103
1.54

1.40

1.26
MAXIMUM CRUSHING STRESS, kg/cm2

1.12

0.98

0.84

0.70

0.56

0.42

0.28

0.14

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

MOISTURE CONTENT, %

Fig. 1 Moisture Strength Relationship Bambusa Nutans (Bamboo)

FIG. 1 MOISTURE STRENGTH RELATIONSHIP BAMBUSA NUTANS (BAMBOO)

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c) Straightness of culm; the availability dictate otherwise.

d) Inter nodal length and distribution of nodes; 5.5 Durability and Treatability
e) Wall thickness;
f) Density and strength; and 5.5.1 Durability
g) Durability and seasoning. The natural durability of bamboo is low and varies
between 12 months and 36 months depending on the
One of the above characteristics or sometimes species and climatic conditions. In tropical countries
combination of two or three characteristics forms the bio-deterioration is very severe. Bamboos are
the basis of grading. The culms shall be segregated generally destroyed in about one to two years time
species-wise. when used in the open and in contact with ground;
5.4.2 Diameter and Length while a service life of two to five years can be expected
from bamboo when used under cover and out of contact
5.4.2.1 Gradation according to the mean outer diameter with ground. The mechanical strength of bamboo
For structural Group A and Group B species, culms deteriorates rapidly with the onset of fungal decay in the
shall be segregated in steps of 10 mm of mean outer sclerenchymatous fibres. Split bamboo is more rapidly
diameter as follows: destroyed than round bamboo. For making bamboo
durable, suitable treatment for preserving bamboo shall
a) Special grade : Diameter > 70 mm be given. However, special attention shall be given
b) Grade I : 50 mm < Diameter ≤ 70 mm to environmental impact and to the health aspects of
c) Grade II : 30 mm < Diameter ≤ 50 mm labour and the users.
d) Grade III : Diameter < 30 mm 5.5.2 Treatability
For structural Group C species, culms shall be To ensure an adequately durable structure, bamboo
segregated in steps of 20 mm of mean outer diameter shall be treated in accordance with IS 9096 and the
as follows: following inter-related factors shall be considered:
1) Grade I : Diameter > 80 mm a) Expected service life of the bamboo;
2) Grade II : 60 mm < Diameter < 80 mm b) Use of the structure and expected environmental
3) Grade III : Diameter < 60 mm conditions;
NOTE — For bamboo species of diameter above 100 mm, c) Required performance criteria; and
suitable testing may be carried out to ensure their load carrying
capacity. d) Quality of workmanship.

5.4.2.2 The minimum length of culms shall be 5.5.3 Fire safety of bamboo structures shall be ensured,
preferably 6 m for facilitating close fittings at joints, for which the treatment prescribed in 8.3.4 may be
etc. followed.

5.4.3 Taper 5.6 Storage and Stacking of Bamboo

The taper shall not be more than 5.8 mm/m length (or 5.6.1 Bamboo
0.58 percent) (1 in 170) of bamboo in any grade of
bamboo. 5.6.1.1 The site shall be properly inspected and termite
colonies or mounds, if detected, shall be destroyed.
5.4.4 Curvature
All refuse and useless cellulosic materials shall be
The maximum curvature should not be more than removed from the site. The ground may then be
75 mm in a length of 6 m of any grade of bamboo. disinfected by suitable insecticides. The area should
NOTE — Due to the constraint of preferential selection of have good drainage.
straighter material out of a lot, more bent material may be
accommodated to avoid high cost. Following remedial options 5.6.1.2 Bamboo may preferably be stacked on high
may be helpful: skids or raised platform at least 300 mm above ground.
  a) Adopt component assembly method to take care of Storage under cover reduces the liability to fungal
some degree of curvature (bunching done after holding attack. Good ventilation and frequent inspection are
components straight). important.
  b) Cut longer bamboo components with less curvature
out of taller bamboo and use cambered ones for shorter 5.6.1.3 Bamboo dries by air-seasoning under cover in
length components. the storage yards from ‘6 to 12 weeks’ time.
5.4.5 Wall Thickness 5.6.1.4 Prophylactic treatment of bamboo during
Preferably minimum wall thickness of 8 mm shall be storage prevents losses due to fungi and insects
used for load bearing members unless calculations and even under open storage. Following chemicals have

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IS 15912 : 2018

been found suitable at a coverage rate of 24 litre per c) the structure will be adequately maintained;
tonne: d) the structure will be used in accordance with
a) Sodium pentachlorophenate : 1 percent solution design limit briefs;
b) Boric acid + borax (1:1) : 2 percent solution e) all structural members, assemblies or framework
c) Sodium pentachlorophenate : 2.5 percent in a building shall be capable of sustaining,
solution + boric acid + without exceeding the limits of relevant stress
borax (5:1:1) specified, the worst combination of all loadings;
A mixture of these compounds yields the best results. f) a fundamental aspect of design will be to determine
the forces to which the structure/structural element
NOTE — For better protection of structural bamboo (if stored
might be subjected to, starting from the roof and
outside), repetition of the treatment after four to six months is
desirable. working down to the soil by transferring the forces
through various components and connections;
6 PERMISSIBLE STRESSES g) accepted principles of mechanics for analysis
and specified design procedures shall be applied
6.1 Ultimate stress values of different species and (or) the design requirements may be satisfied by
groups of bamboo shall be determined according to prototype testing;
IS 6874. These values shall then be divided by
appropriate factors of safety to obtain permissible h) loads shall be in accordance with IS 875 (Parts 1
stresses to cover the effects of variability, long term to 5), keeping into consideration that permeability
loading, grade, location of use and expected dynamic of walls, floors and roof made from bamboo cause
loading. internal pressure and can therefore affect the wind
load factor; and
NOTE — As an information, it may be noted that the method
of test for split bamboos is covered in IS 8242. j) the worst combination and location of loads
shall be considered for design. Also, wind and
The strength factors for deriving safe working stresses seismic forces shall not be considered to act
of bamboo shall be as under: simultaneously.
a) Extreme fibre stress in beams :4
7.2 Unlike timber, bamboo properties do not relate well
b) Modulus of elasticity : 4.5 to species, being dependent among other factors, on
c) Maximum compressive stress parallel to : 3.5 position of the culm, geographic location and age.
grain/fibres NOTES
6.2 The available data for the safe working stresses for 1 The practice in timber engineering is to base designs on safe
working stresses (and the same may be adopted to bamboo
16 species of bamboos are given in Table 3. with the limitation that traditional experience rather than
precise calculations generally govern the detailing.
6.3 For change in duration of load other than continuous
2 Limit states are states beyond which the structure no longer
(long-term), the permissible stresses given in Table 3 shall
satisfies the design performance requirements. Limit states are
be multiplied by the modification factors given below: classified into ultimate limit state relating to collapse mode
a) For permanent loads : 1.0 and serviceability limit states associated with deformations,
vibrations, etc. Design is usually based on ultimate stages with
b) For imposed or medium term loading : 1.25 partial factors of safety.
(Permanent + Temporary load)
7.3 Age old traditional experience of construction with
c) For short term loading (Permanent + : 1.50
bamboo is to be well preserved as non-standard practices
temporary load + Wind load) for similar situations considered as an informal based
on general social pattern and wisdom. Confirmation
7 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS of such structures be based on reports after they have
sustained the severity of earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.
7.1 Basic Requirements
as criteria for recommendations by the evaluation by
A structure shall be designed and constructed by competent engineer/builder with adequate experience
personnel having the appropriate skill and experience in the field.
in such a way that,
7.4 Net Section
a) with acceptable probability, it will remain fit for
the use for which it is required, having due regard It is determined by passing a plane or a series of
to its intended life and costs; connected planes transversely through the members.
b) with appropriate degree of reliability, it will Least net sectional area is used for calculating load
sustain all forces and effects likely to occur during carrying capacity of a member. In the design of an
execution and use and have adequate durability in intermediate or a long column, gross section shall be
relation to maintenance costs; used in calculating load carrying capacity of column.

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IS 15912 : 2018

7.5 Structural Components 7.6.5 The shear stress in the neutral layer at the small
end shall be checked, if the length of the beam is less
7.5.1 Main structural applications in bamboo may than 25 times the average diameter at that end. Care
include roofing and flooring, shear walls, wall paneling, should be taken to strengthen the joint.
beams, piles, columns, arches, etc. Both from the point
of view of capacity and deformation, trusses and framed 7.6.6 Forces acting on a beam, being loads or reaction
skeletons are much better options in bamboo. forces at supports, shall act in nodes or as near to nodes
as by any means possible. To avoid local crushing,
7.5.2 Peculiarity of Bamboo as a Design Material care should be taken to distribute load on larger length
This shall be based on the principles of applied (minimum 3 times diameter of bamboo) or through
mechanics involving the following assumptions: sleeve or the supported length of bamboo shall be
strengthened by winding wire to prevent splitting.
a) Elastic behaviour of bamboo, until failure (plastic
behaviour being considered to be not significant); 7.7 Columns (Predominantly Loaded in Axial
b) Bamboo culms are analyzed as hollow-tube Direction)
structures (not perfectly straight) member on 7.7.1 Columns and struts are essential components
mean diameter and mean wall thickness basis. sustaining compressive forces in a structure. They
Designing as a variable thickness hollow-tube transfer load to the supporting media.
structure is a bit complex;
c) Nodes do not occur at constant intervals; 7.7.2 Design of columns shall be based on one of the
d) Structural elements of bamboo shall be following two criteria:
appropriately supported near the nodes of culm a) Full scale buckling tests on the same species, size
as and where the structural system demands. The and other relevant variables.
joints in the design shall be located near nodes; b) Calculations, based on the following:
e) Bamboo structures are designed like any other 1) Moment of inertia shall be determined as
conventional structural analysis taking care of per 7.6.2.
details with regard to supports and joints; and the
2) For bamboo columns, the best available
diameter, wall thickness and initial curvature; and
straight bamboo culms shall be selected.
f) Joints shall be considered to generally act as a
3) Bending stresses due to initial curvature,
hinge or as pinned, unless substantiating data
eccentricities and induced deflection shall be
justify a fixed joint.
taken into account, in addition to those due to
7.6 Flexural Members any lateral load.
NOTE — Unlike timber, modulus of elasticity (MOE) has
7.6.1 All flexural members may be designed using the already been provided a factor of safety in case of bamboo. This
principles of beam theory. is on the basis of studies on variability of modulus of rupture
NOTE — The tendency of bamboo beams to acquire larger (MOR) and MOE. In the case of timber, no factor of safety for
deflections under long continual loading (including creep) has MOE was used because there has been an understanding that
to be taken care of either by giving a factor of safety to E or by there is no variability in MOE. Subsequently it was confirmed
considering double the design dead loading in calculation of that MOE varies as the MOR and there is very strong, highly
deflections. significant correlation between the two. In fact this correlation
has formed the basis of development of machine grading of
7.6.2 The moment of inertia, I shall be determined as timber world-over. However, somehow the practice of not
follows: giving factor of safety to MOE continued in Indian Standards.

a) Outside diameter and the wall thickness shall 7.7.3 Buckling calculation shall be according to Euler,
be measured at both ends, correct up to 1 mm with a reduction to 90 percent of moment of inertia, to
for diameter of culm and 0.1 mm for the wall take into account the effect of the taper which shall be
thickness. less than 1:170.
b) With these values the mean diameter and the 7.7.4 For strength and stability, larger diameter thick
mean thickness for the middle of the beam shall walled sections of bamboo with closely spaced nodes
be calculated and moment of inertia determined. shall be used. Alternatively, smaller sections may be
7.6.3 The maximum bending stress shall be calculated tied together as a bundle-column.
and should be within the allowable stress.
7.8 A single bamboo culm is not an optimum component
7.6.4 The deflection shall be within the prescribed to structurally design different load bearing members.
limits. The initial curvature shall also be considered in Bunching of bamboo is inevitable to fabricate beams,
the calculation of the deflection. See 7.5.9.6 of IS 883 columns, etc. There is no end to the number of culms
for details. in bunching. However, different components pose

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IS 15912 : 2018

manufacturing problems during assembly, which

should be appropriately taken care of (see also Fig. 9D
and Fig. 9E).
The spacing of spacer in bundle column (wooden piece
or a piece of bamboo) between culms in case of bundle
column or beam should not be less than 600 mm in
opposite faces in case of four culms integrated together.
In case of two culms member, spacing of spacer bar
should not be less than 450 mm. If length of bamboo
spacer is less than 300 mm, it should contain at least
one node.
NOTE — During bunching of beams/columns, binders (5 mm
tie bar/wire and 10 to 15 mm bamboo dowel pins, depending
upon diameter of bamboo) may be carefully inserted after
proper pre-drilling the holes throughout the assembly as per
the requirements of structural design. Nut bolts with washers
of appropriate dimensions may be used.

7.8.1 The following precautions shall be taken to avoid

possible split/crack in walling of bamboo:
a) Maintaining a minimum 100 mm distance of the DOC:CED 46(8025)

drills from the end of the main bamboo culms 2A PIN ENDED JOINT TRUSSES
drilled.
b) Choosing drilling points preferably within 30 mm GUSSET (TYPICAL)
from node.
c) Maintaining the interference fit between bamboo
body and binders as under given below:
1) For wall thickness ≥ 8 mm : 0.25 - 0.30 mm
2) For wall thickness < 8 mm : 0.20 - 0.25 mm
d) The inserting ends of the dowel pins may be
dressed as tapered (conical).

7.9 Assemblies and Roof Trusses

7.9.1 Elements in structure are generally built-up in
2B GUSSET JOINT TRUSSES
the form of assembled members for which a triangle
is a simple figure of stability. Besides sloped chords, NOTE — The above figure is only for representative purpose.
parallel chord construction is also appropriate FIG. as 2 SOMEActual
TYPICAL CONFIGRATIONS
jointing details may varyFOR SMALLonAND
depending LARGE
span, TRUSSES
loading,
IN BAMBOO
external profile. adequacy of strength, etc.

7.9.2 A truss is essentially a plane structure which is Fig 2. Some Typical Configurations for small and
large Trusses in Bamboo
very stiff in the plane of the members, that is the plane
in which it is expected to carry load, but very flexible 7.9.4 The truss height shall exceed 0.15 times the
in every other direction. Roof truss generally consists span in case of a triangular truss (pitched roofing) and
of a number of triangulated frames, the members of 0.10 times the span in case of a rectangular (parallel)
which are fastened at ends and the nature of stresses truss.
at joints is either tensile or compressive and designed
as pin-ended joints (see Fig. 2A). Bamboo trusses 7.9.5 For members in compression, the effective length
may also be formed using bamboo mat board or for in-plane strength verification shall be taken as the
bamboo mat-veneer composite or plywood gusset distance between two adjacent points of contraflexure.
(see Fig. 2B). For fully triangulated trusses, effective length for
simple span members without especially rigid end-
7.9.3 Trusses shall be analyzed for the determination of connection shall be taken as the span length.
axial forces in members and the deformation of joints.
For the influence of eccentricities, due allowance shall 7.9.6 The spacing of trusses shall be consistent with use
be made in design. of bamboo purlins.

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IS 15912 : 2018

7.9.7 The ends in open beams, joists, rafters, purlins is suitably fastened. It may be full lapping or half
shall be suitably plugged. Bamboo roof coverings shall lapping. Full section culms are overlapped by at
be considered as non-structural in function. least one internode and tied together in two or
three places. Efficiency could be improved by
7.9.8 Bamboo trusses with wire bound joints using using bamboo or hardwood dowels.
bamboo pins and/or wooden splice plates fastened with
b) Butt joints — Culms of similar diameter are
bamboo pins when tested at load for factor of safety of
butted end to end, inter-connected by means
at least 5, result in deflection within permissible range
of side plates made of quarter-round culm of
at design load; good recovery but abnormal deflection
slightly large diameter bamboo, for two or more
beyond ultimate load without collapse was observed.
internode lengths. Assembly shall be fixed and
This is based on the work done on prototypes of a few tied preferably with dowel pins.
bamboo trusses, span 4 m.
c) Sleeves and inserts — Short length of bamboo of
7.9.9 A roof truss may consist of twin trusses closely appropriate diameter may be used either externally
spaced connected together by suitable gusset plate made or internally to join two culms together.
from good quality plywood (or steel plate). Purlin can d) Scarf joints — A scarf joint is formed by cutting a
be connected directly to the gusset plate with suitable sloping plane 1 in 4 to 6 on opposite sides from the
arrangement (see also 8.2.7). ends of two similar diameter bamboo culms to be
joined. They shall be lapped to form a continuous
8 DESIGN, TECHNIQUES OF JOINTS AND piece and the assembly suitably fastened by means
CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES of lashings or glued.
8.1 Connecting the load-bearing elements together for 8.2.1.2 Bearing joints (see Fig. 4)
effective transfer of stress and to achieve continuity
between elements with controlled displacements is For members which either bear against the other or
one of the serious problem. As joints are a source of cross each other, and transfer the loads at an angle other
weakness in any bamboo structure, they have to be than parallel to the axis, bearing joints are formed.
made as strong and rigid as possible. Joints are quite a) Saddle joints — The simplest form consists of a
critical in assemblies, and these should be stable in horizontal member supported directly on top of a
relation to time. For general information, the diagrams vertical member. The top of the post may be cut to
of typical joints given in Figs. 3 to 7 may be used based form a saddle to ensure proper seating of beam for
on tests for adequacy of strength. good load transfer. The saddle should be close to a
node to reduce risk of splitting.
8.2 Bamboo Joints
b) Angled joints — When two or more members meet
Susceptibility to crushing at the open ends, splitting or cross other than at right angles, angled joints
tendency, variation in diameter, wall thickness and are formed.
straightness are some of the associated issues which
have to be taken care of while designing and detailing 8.2.2 Improved Practices in Bamboo Jointing
the connections with bamboo. a) Plywood or solid timber gusset plates may be used
Joints shall be designed to include force transmissions at joint assemblies of web and chord connection
in a required manner, predictable deformations to be in a truss and fixed with bamboo pins or mild
within prescribed limits and specific geometry/load steel (MS) bolts. Hollow cavities of bamboo need
direction. to be stuffed with wooden plugs or otherwise by
suitable means (see Figs. 6A to 6D).
Tests on full scale joints or on components shall be
carried out in accordance with IS 2366 and IS 4924 b) Use of wooden inserts to reinforce the ends of the
(Parts 1 and 2) for nailed jointed timber structures. bamboo before forming the joints. Alternatively,
steel band clamps with integral bolt/eye may
8.2.1 Traditional Practices be fitted around bamboo sections for jointing
Such joining methods revolve around lashing or tying (see Fig. 3C).
by rope or string with or without pegs or dowels. Such 8.2.3 Fixing Methods and Fastening Devices
joints lack stiffness and have low efficiency but have
served the mankind for long in traditional bamboo In case of butt joints the tie-wire may be passed through
construction. a pre-drilled hole or around hardwood or bamboo pegs
or dowels inserted into preformed holes to act as horns.
8.2.1.1 Lengthening joints (end jointing) (see Fig. 3) Pegs are driven from one side, usually at an angle to
a) Lap joints — End of one piece of bamboo is made increase strength and dowels pass right through the
to lap over that of the other in line and the whole member, usually at right angles. Normally 1.60 mm

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IS 15912 : 2018

BAMBOO OR
HARDWOOD DOWEL

3A FULL LAPPED JOINT

3B HALF LAPPED JOINT

(REBATED/SPLAYED)

WITH SIDE PLATES OF BAMBOO

WITH INSERTS

WITH SLEEVE

3C BUTT JOINT

NOTE — The above figure is only for representative purpose only. Actual jointing details may vary depending on span, loading,
adequacy of strength, etc.
Fig. 33SSPLICED
FIG. plced JointsJOINTS

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IS 15912 : 2018

DOWEL
PIN HOLE

4A SADDLE JOINT WITH LASHING AND SIDE PLATES (or Seated Joints) 4B BEAM SUPPORTED ON INDEPENDENT
SHORT CULM TIED TO THE POST

4C TIES PASSING THROUGH A 4D PEGGED AND TIED 4E DOWELLED AND TIED 4F PURLIN TIED TO RAFTER
PRE-DRILLED HOLE OR SYSTEM SYSTEM
AROUND PEG

NOTE — The above figure is only for representative purpose only. Actual jointing details may vary depending on span, loading,
adequacy of strength, etc.

FIG. F4igBEARING
. 4 BearubgJOINTS
Joints

M. S. BOLT M. S. BOLT
WITH NUT WITH NUT
HORIZONTAL
CULM (BEAM)

WOODEN
PLUG

TAPERED STEEL
OR ALUMINIUM
RING
VERTICAL
CULM

BAMBOO
CULM WOODEN PLUG

NODE

5A SYSTEM WITH NARROWED END 5B ARRANGEMENT FOR BEARING

WITH USE OF NUT AND BOLT

NOTE — The above figure is only for representative purpose only. Actual jointing details may vary depending on span, loading,
adequacy of strength, etc.
Fig. 5 Some Nut Bolt Joinery Details
FIG. 5 SOME NUT BOLT JOINERY DETAILS
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IS 15912 : 2018

6A LASHED JOINT

6C SOLID TIMBER OR SHUTTERING GRADE

6B TRUST CHORD AND WEB CONNECTIONS
PLYWOOD PLATES FIXED WITH EITHER MS
BOLTS OR BAMBOO PEGS

6D GUSSET PLATED JOINT

NOTE — The above figure is only for representative purpose only. Actual jointing details may vary depending on span, loading,
adequacy of strength, etc.
Fig. 6 Gusset Plated Joints
FIG. 6 GUSSET PLATED JOINTS
(16 SWG) diameter galvanized iron wire may be used 8.2.6 In case of high wind and seismic areas, good
for tight lashing. construction practices shall be followed taking care of
NOTE — Drill size needs to be specified in order to avoid joints, their damping and possible ductility. Bracings in
possible split/crack in walling of bamboo. walls shall be taken care of in bamboo structures.

8.2.3.1 Wire bound joints with or without pins 8.2.7 Metal fasteners and other structural joints shall
be made inherently corrosion resistant or be protected
Usually 2.00 mm (14 SWG) diameter galvanized iron against corrosion, thereby making the joints more
wire is tightened around the joints by binding the durable.
respective pieces together. At least two holes are drilled
in each piece and wire is passed through them for good 8.3 Construction Practices
results. Generally 10-12 mm diameter bamboo pins are 8.3.1 Bamboo being a versatile resource characterized
driven and fastened to culms. by high strength, low mass and ease of working with
simple tools, it is desirable to increasingly make
8.2.3.2 Fish plates/gusset plated joints (see Fig. 6) appropriate use of this material. Design of structures
At least 25 mm thick hardwood splice plate or 12 mm using bamboo shall be done in accordance with 7. It
thick structural grade plywood are used. Solid bamboo shall be ensured that the elements of structure satisfy
pins help in fastening the assembly. the appropriate fire resistance requirements as specified
in SP 7 (Part 4) : 2016 ‘National Building Code of
8.2.4 For any complete joint alternative for a given load India 2016: Part 4 Fire and Life Safety’, and the quality
and geometry, description of all fastening-elements, of building materials/components used shall be in
their sizes and location shall be indicated. Data shall be accordance with SP 7 (Part 5) : 2016 ‘National Building
based on full scale tests. Code of India 2016: Part 5 Building Materials’. For
construction using bamboo, some of the important
8.2.5 Tests on full scale joints or on components shall constructional provisions given in 8.3.2 to 8.3.7 shall
be carried out in a recognized laboratory. be followed.

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IS 15912 : 2018

7A SIMPLY BOLTED CONNECTION WITH MS ARC WASHERS

7B HORNED JOINT WITH PIN AND ROPE LASHING

7C STEEL BAND TO BE FITTED AROUND BAMBOO SECTION 7D HARDWOOD DOWEL (SQUARE OR CIRCULAR)

7E SOLID BAMBOO OR SPLIT BAMBOO PINS (WITH SKIN ON)

NOTE — The above figure is only for representative purpose only. Actual jointing details may vary depending on span, loading,
adequacy of strength, etc.
Fig. 7 Other Joints and Sections

FIG. 7 OTHER JOINTS

16 AND SECTIONS
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IS 15912 : 2018

8.3.2 The following sound construction practices shall 8.3.4 For providing safety to the structure against fire,
be taken into account: bamboo may be given fire retardant-cum-antiseptic
a) Use air-dry bamboo; and ensure that bamboo in treatment using following chemicals; a few drops
building remains air dry; and in case the bamboo of concentrated hydrocholoric acid (HCl) shall be
has become wet, provide it the opportunity to dry added to the solution to dissolve the precipitated
again before it deteriorates due to moisture. salts:
b) Permeability of walls, floors and roofs made from a) Ammonium phosphate : 3 Parts
bamboo, cause internal pressure and can therefore b) Boric acid : 3 Parts
change the net wind-load acting on the roof, wall c) Copper sulphate : 1 Part
and floor.
d) Zinc chloride : 5 Parts
c) Check whether the workmanship of the labour
e) Sodium dichromate : 3 Parts
force is according to the assumptions.
f) Water : 100 Parts
8.3.3 Working Finishing
8.3.5 Foundations
8.3.3.1 Bamboo can be cut and split easily with very
Bamboo in direct contact with ground shall not be
simple hand tools. Immature bamboos are soft, pliable
allowed (except in case of bamboo piles). Bamboo in
and can be moulded to desired shape. It takes polish
direct contact with rock or preformed concrete footing,
and paint well.
or bamboo incorporated into concrete, may form the
8.3.3.2 While it is possible to work with bamboo simply foundation structure (see Fig. 8). Also, arrangements
using a machete, a few basic tools such as, hack saw, with use of metallic strap, C-clamp and bunched
axe, hatchet, sharpening tools, adze, chisel (20 mm), bamboo columns embedded in concrete may46(8025)
DOC:CED be used
drill, wood rasps, steel rod, and pliers, will greatly for foundation of bamboo structures (see Fig. 9).
increase the efficiency of construction process.

8B BAMBOO INCORPORATED INTO CONCRETE

8A BAMBOO ON PREFORMED
FOOTINGS (SINGLE POST FOOTING)
CONCRETE FOOTINGS

8C BAMBOO OUT OF GROUND CONTACT ON STRIP FOOTINGS OF CONCRETE (LARGE

DIAMETER THICK WALLED BAMBOO WITH CLOSELY SPACED NODES TO BE USED)

Fig. 8 Bamboo Foundations

17 FOUNDATIONS
Fig. 8 BAMBOO
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IS 15912 : 2018

BAMBOO CULM

M.S. BOLT WITH

NUT
METALLIC
STRAP
CONCRETE
C- CLAMP
(NO HOLES
IN CULM)

C-CLAMP

PREFER STAGGERED BOLT

HOLES; LOWER PORTION OF
BAMBOO-CULM HOT BITUMEN 9B USING C-CLAMP
COATED FOR EMBEDMENT IN
CONCRETE
9A USING METALLIC STRAP BAMBOO COLUMN

CONCRETE

STEEL TUBE
(of 2 to 3 mm THICK
SHEET)

9C USING METAL TUBE

BAMBOO SINGLE
CULM THREE CULM
CULM

ANCHORING OF
PL VERTICAL MEMBERS
GL
DEPTH OF
FOUNDATION
LEAN CONCRETE FIVE CULM SEVEN CULM

9D BUNCHED BAMBOO COLUMNS 9E INTEGRATED BAMBOO FOR

EMBEDDED WITHIN CONCRETE FORMING BUNDLE COLUMNS
AND THEIR FASTENING

FIG. 9 BAMBOO COLUMN IN CONCRETE

Fig. 9 Bamboo Column in Concrete
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8.3.6 Floors 9 BAMBOO AS REINFORCEMENT IN

The floor of bamboo may be at ground level with CONCRETE
covering of bamboo matting, etc. In elevated
9.1 Due to its fibrous texture, bamboo possesses high
floors, bamboo members become an integral part
tensile strength. This can act as an alternate material
of structural framework of building. The floor will
for reinforcement in concrete within the limitations in
comprise structural bamboo elements and bamboo
design and construction. The ultimate tensile strength of
decking. In-plane shear strength shall be ensured or
some of the species of bamboo in direct tension is nearly
else supplementary horizontally stiffening devices
the same as that of steel at its yield point. On an average
such as bracing in the horizontal plane shall be
it varies from 1 400 to 2 000 kg/cm2. The principles
designed.
adopted for design of concrete structure with steel is
8.3.7 Jointing Techniques also applicable for the concrete member with bamboo.
Strength characteristics of steel, concrete and bamboo
The jointing techniques in construction using bamboo
are indicated in Table 4 and the design data for balanced
shall be in accordance with 8.2.
section in beam/slab reinforcement is given in Table 5.

Table 4 Strength Characteristics of Mild Steel, Bamboo and Concrete

(For Reinforcement Purposes)
( Clause 9.1 )
Sl No. Related Strength Characteristics
N/mm2 (kgf/cm2)

Stress Mild Steel Bamboo (Green) Concrete

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
i) Modulus of elasticity 2.06 × 10 (2.1× 10 )
5 6
17235 to 19283.8 —
(175 750 to 196 640)
[for inside locations]
ii) Tensile stress 124 (1 265.5) to 137 (1 400) 15.5 (158), —
Bending-tension
[all locations]
iii) Compressive stress — 10.3 (105) 4.9 (50)
(D. strictus)
iv) Bond stress — 0.343 (3.5)[green] to 0.39-0.98 (4-10)
0.55 (5.6)[dry]1)
[ likely to increase up to 0.98 (10)2) ]
v) Shear stress — 11.39-17.7 (115-180) 0.49(5)
1)
Based on work of embedding round bamboo with slots cut at suitable places in cement concrete.
2)
Based on limited tests on bamboo splits with lugs intact, treated with hot bitumen and surface roughened with coarse sand.

Table 5 Design Data for Bamboo and Mild Steel Reinforced Cement Concrete for Balanced Section
(Clause 9.1)
Sl No. Design Parameters M 15 (1:2:4) M 20 (1:1.5:3)

Mild Steel Bamboo Mild Steel Bamboo

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
i) Modular ratio 18 1 to 1.4 15 1 to 1.4
ii) Position of neutral axis from the top 0.4d 0.25d to 0.254d 0.4d 0.274d to 0.278d
iii) Lever arm of the resisting moment (MOR) 0.87d 0.917d to 0.915d 0.87d 0.909d to 0.907d
iv) Constant for MOR (Q) 137 86 126 106
where
Q = Bending moment/bd2 ,
d = depth or thickness, and
b = width.

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9.2 The whole bamboo culms are halved longitudinally d) For beams and lintels, twin strips are arranged in
and again split into four and strips of the size of tiers, placed one above the other depending upon
20 to 25 mm width and 9 mm thickness are prepared requirement and held in position with the help of
for use as reinforcement. Bamboo strips with triangular vertical strips.
lugs (formed at nodes) due to conversion of bamboo e) Split bamboo strip or preferably steel rod be used
into strips improves the bond strength because of the for diagonal tension to resist shear in beams,
protruding lugs beings gripped firmly in concrete. etc.
Strength properties of split bamboo out of a few species
f) Bind the reinforcement with the help of galvanized
are given in Table 6.
iron binding wire (or nylon thread/bamboo-cane
9.3 Bamboo has a tendency to absorb water from string).
concrete which results in initial swelling and subsequent
shrinkage leading to cracks in concrete. Following 10 WALLING, FLOORING, ROOFING, AND
processes shall therefore, be followed: IN-FILL PANELS FOR WALL, AND COMMON
ROOF COVERING/CLADDING
a) Chemical treatment with preference for pressure
impregnation (full cell treatment with warm coal 10.1 Materials
tar creosote is likely to preserve and at the same
time act as water repellent). 10.1.1 Bamboo Based Panel Products
b) Treated strips be further given a water repellent The common roof covering and in-fill materials shall
treatment with a coating of very hot bitumen include bamboo mat board, bamboo mat veneer
80/100 grade, followed by a liberal coating of composite, bamboo mat corrugated sheet, bamboo
coarse sand (sand grains passing through 4.75 mm tiles, plastered bamboo reeds, thatch, corrugated
IS sieve and retained on 2.36 mm IS sieve may galvanized iron sheeting, asphaltic sheets, plain clay
be used). Water inhibitor will also help maintain tiles, etc. The respective materials shall conform to the
dimensional stability of strips. following:
9.4 Techniques in Placing the Reinforcement (see a) Bamboo mat board — These shall conform to
also Fig.10) IS 13958.
b) Bamboo mat veneer composite — These shall
9.4.1 Reinforcement shall be placed in the following conform to IS 14588.
manner:
c) Bamboo mat corrugated sheet and bamboo mat
a) Laid edge wise in sets of twin strips for main ridge cap — These shall conform to IS 15476.
reinforcement. d) Bamboo-jute composite corrugated and semi-
b) Laid flatwise with smooth surface and rough corrugated sheets — These shall conform to
surface alternating as distribution or subsidiary IS 15972.
reinforcement (wedge effects increased bond).
10.1.2 Reconstituted Wood from Destructured Bamboo
c) For negative moments, bamboo strips of length
equivalent to Span laid flatwise in alternate rows of After lopping, bamboos are cross-cut into small lengths
6
slab reinforcement. in the round and then split along the axis. The small

Table 6 Strength Properties of Split Bamboo in Green Condition1)

( Clause 9.2 )
Sl Species Static Bending Compression Parallel Shear Parallel
No. (Without Node)
Fibre Stress at Modulus of Modulus of Maximum Crushing Maximum
Elastic Limit Rupture Elasticity Stress Shearing Stress
N/mm2 (kg/cm2) N/mm2 (kg/cm2) ×103 N/mm2 N/mm2 (kg/cm2) N/mm2 (kg/cm2)
(kg/cm2)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
i) Bambusa pallida2) 37 (378) 59.3 (605) 3.2 (32.5) 58.3 (595) 9.6 (97.7)
ii) B. vulgaris 45.5 (464) 86.8 (885) 5.1 (52.3) 39.5 (403) 9.3 (94.4)
iii) Dendrocalamus hamiltonii 29.5 (301) 51.4 (524) 3.7 (37.7) 40.6 (414) 7.6 (77.7)
iv) D. giganteus 46.3 (472) 83.2 (848) 5 (50.7) 35.3 (360) 8.7 (88.5)
v) Oxytenanthera abyssinica2) 44.1 (450) 81.5 (831) 3. 3 (33.6) 37 (377) 11 (112.0)
1)
Average of bottom, middle and top portions of culms.
2)
Average of bottom and middle portions only.

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IS 15912 : 2018

120 C/C
25

120 C/C
25

25

150 C/C
150 C/C
150 C/C
SUBSIDIARY REINFORCEMENT
MAIN REINFORCEMENT (FLAT WISE) BAMBOO STRIPS
(EDGE WISE) BAMBOO 25 x 9 THICK
STRIPS 25 x 9 THICK

SUBSIDIARY REINFORCEMENT
NODAL LUG

ENLARGED DETAILS

MAIN REINFORCEMENT

All dimensions in millimetres.

FIG. 10 GENERAL
Fig. 10DETAILS OF
General D BAMBOO
etails REINFORCEME
of bamboo ReinforcementNT

cross-section strips are then passed between the counter 10.1.4 Adhesives
revolving rollers till the material is fully destructured. Adhesive shall maintain their integrity in accordance
This is then air dried and resin treated and suitably with IS 848.
pressed without much disturbing the natural alignment
of fibres thus retaining the directional properties of
bamboo. 10.2 Structural Usage of Bamboo Based Products
Some typical strength properties of reconstituted wood 10.2.1 General
from destructured bamboo are given in Table 7. The Bamboo mat board (BMB) and bamboo mat veneer
reconstituted product from bamboo can be sawn, nailed, composite (BMVC) have high in-plane rigidity and
moulded, bored, screwed, polished and painted. Thus hence high racking strength and are more flexible than
it offers a good substitute of solid wood for structural equivalent plywood. This property of BMB and BMVC
uses. can be advantageously used in many engineering
NOTE — Reconstituted boards/wood from destructured applications such as wall paneling, composite beams,
bamboo when tested for physical and mechanical properties in composite floor deck and stress skinned panels.
accordance with IS 1734 (Parts 1 to 20) and IS 1708 (Parts 1
Bamboo mat corrugated sheet (BMCS) is water
to 18) yielded encouraging results. Gist of mechanical
properties of these boards are excellent when compared with proof and resistant to decay, termites/insects and fire.
Dendrocalamus strictus (bamboo), teak and sal. These sheets may be used as roofing material. Precast
bamboo reinforced cement concrete and reconstituted
10.1.3 Other Panel Products/Infill Materials wood from destructured bamboo can also be used in
Other panel products/infill materials shall be in structural applications.
accordance with relevant Indian standards. These shall
be such that they maintain their integrity and strength in 10.2.2 Bamboo Composites
the assigned service class throughout the expected life Along with bamboo, bamboo composites such as
of the structure. bamboo mat board, bamboo mat veneer composite,

21
 Table 7 Gist of Mechanical Properties of Reconstituted Wood from Bamboo
IS 15912 : 2018

(Dendrocalamus strictus)
( Clause 10.1.2 )

Sl Board Material Density Modulus of Tensile Strength Compressive Izod Impact Shear Strength Modulus of Elasticity Screw
No. Rupture Parallel to Grain Strength Parallel Holding
gm/cm3 N/mm (kgf/cm) N/mm2s (kgf/cm2) × 103 N/mm2 (kgf/cm2)
Set Resin Pressure to Grain Power
N/mm2 (kgf/cm2) N/mm2 (kgf/cm2)
Contents N/mm2 (kgf/cm2) N/mm2 (kgf/cm2) kN (kgf)
Percent
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
i) I 6 to 29 5.5 0.99 to 1.25 173.5 to 221 103 to 198.5 103.7 to 156.5 336 to 276 19.8 to 35.7 27.3 to 30.2 3.9 to 5
(56) (1 769 to 2 255) (1 049 to 2 024) (1 057 to 1 596) (343 to 281) (202 to 364) (278 to 308) (398 to 508)
In the increasing order of resin percentage
ii) II 9 2.1 to 2.7 0.62 to 0.93 104 to 158 68.5 to 118.7 66.2 to 101 182 to 198 12.5 to 24.2 15.2 to 22.8 3.54 to 4.77

22
(21 to 28) (1 062 to 1 615) (6 99 to 1 210) (675 to 1 030) (186 to 202) (128 to 247) (155 to 232) (361 to 486)
Wood/Bamboo

iii) Shorea robusta 0.749 122.5 — 67.2 121.6 (124) 10.8 15 3.62
(at 12 percent, dry moisture content) (1 249) (685) (110) (152.8) (369)
iv) Tectona grandis 0.596 94 — 52.2 67 10 11.7 3.2
(at 12 percent, dry moisture content) (959) (532) (68) (102) (119.6) (326)
v) Dendrocalamus strictus 0.757 128.5 — 61.2 — — 17.7 —
(1 310) (624) (180.3)
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may also be successfully used in combination with Beams can be straight, single tapered, double tapered,
timber for making efficient structural components like haunched, as shown.
web because where high shear strength of bamboo mat Bamboo mat board and bamboo mat veneer composite
board and bamboo mat veneer composite can be utilized can also be used for roof and wall sheathing (shear
as web and timber flanges for transmitting tensile and walls) and diaphragms, gussets, arch panels, barrel
compressive stress. Phenol formaldehyde, phenol vaults, etc. It can also be used as skin material in
resorcinol formaldehyde adhesives are commonly sandwich construction.
used for gluing web and flanges as shown in Fig. 11.

WOODEN
FLANGE (TYPICAL)
BAMBOO
BAMBOO
WEBS BAMBOO
WEB

-SECTION DOUBLE- BOX

TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF WEB BEAMS

WOODEN X
STIFFNER FLANGE BAMBOO

X
SECTION X-X
SPAN 6000 TO 9000
STRAIGHT

SPAN UP TO 9000
DOUBLE TAPERED

SPAN UP TO 9000
HAUNCHED

WEB BEAM CONFIGURATIONS

All dimensions in millimetres.
FIG. 11 BAMBOO MAT BOARD WEB BEAMS
Fig. 11 Bamboo Mat Board Web Beams

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Permissible safe working stresses are given in 10.2.4 Wall Infill Panel
Table 8. The wall is considered non-load bearing although
connected to the framing elements. It comprises a grid
Table 8 Permissible Safe Working Stresses for
of split bamboo (19 mm x 9 mm) tied together with MS
Bamboo Mat Board and Bamboo Mat Veneer
binding wire to form a 150 mm x 150 mm grid. The
Composite
grid is tied to steel dowels passing through the columns.
( Clause 10.2.2 ) Chicken wire mesh is fixed on the outside face of the
grid. Cement mortar (in the proportion 1:3) is applied
Sl Properties Bamboo Bamboo Mat to both sides of the grid to a finished thickness of about
No. Mat Board Veneer Composite 50 mm. Fly ash can be utilized as part replacement
N/mm2
Along Across of cement up to 35 percent by mass (in case OPC is
N/mm2 N/mm2 used). This is similar to conventional ferrocement-type
construction. The same principle is extended to the
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
construction of gable walls. Alternatively, gable walls
i) Tensile strength 8.5 10 10 may be formed with bamboo mat board. Figure 12
ii) Compressive strength 10.80 13 6.5
shows the typical cross-section of the infill wall panel.

iii) Modulus of rupture 19.00 19 10.5 10.2.4.1 Foundation detail

iv) Modulus of elasticity 3 200 4 600 — The columns pierced by steel dowels at 150 mm
centre-to-centre provide connection to the bamboo
v) Modulus of rigidity 4 970 1 930 —
grid infill. Fix 8mm diameter MS rod of 400 mm
length at 100 mm from one end of the column which
has undergone treatment. For anchoring, fix two more
10.2.3 Precast Bamboo Reinforced Cement Concrete MS rods of same diameter at 100 mm centre-to-centre
Precast bamboo reinforced cement concrete panels of starting from the first hole (see Fig. 13). Pour the
dimensions 600 mm × 300 mm × 40 mm can serve concrete by giving temporary support. Foundation is
for walling, when laid one above the other in a stably limited to individual footings of size 400 mm x 400
located wall in low cost construction, etc. Bamboo mm x 600 mm deep for each bamboo column placed
strips 20 mm × 8 mm splits duly processed should be at 1 200 mm apart and two coarse concrete blocks or
placed at 90 mm centre-to-centre both ways in form stone or other locally available material for infill wall
work and concreted. foundation.

TIMBER
WALL PLATE

BAMBOO GRID
150 x150

BAMBOO
COLUMN

CHICKEN MESH

CEMENT RENDER

DOWEL OF SIZE Ø8 x 150

@150 C/C

All dimensions in millimeteres.

All dimensions in millimetres.
Fig. 12 BSTRUCTURAL
FIG. 12 BAMBOO amboo Structural Walling
WALLING SYSTEM
System

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to retain the character of a wire-net. About 25 percent

width of the flat bamboo is assumed to be gaps, part
of it is the organized gap of 5 mm width as described,
at an interval of about 50 mm width, to sustain shear
force and the balance gap remains to be natural to flat
bamboo. Minimum thickness of the flat bamboo is
assumed to be 6 mm. Bamboo with thicker wall would
be stronger.

Ø1.5 x 20 LONG NAIL

@250 C/C ,
10 mm IN PCC,
REST IN BAMBOO
400 LONG
100
100
100
PCC OVER
BAMBOO
FLOORING
All dimensions in millimetres.
Ø1.5 x 20 LONG NAIL PLAN
FIG. 13 DETAILS OF BOTTOM OF BAMBOO COLUMN
Fig.FOR
13 D etails of Bottom of Bamboo Column
ANCHORING IN CONCRETE FOR FOUNDATION
(10 mm IN PCC,
REST INSERTED
for Anchoring in Concrete for Foundation IN BAMBOO)
30 THICK M20 PCC
(WITH 6MM DOWN
10.2.5 Bamboo Concrete Flooring Using Round COARSE AGGREGATE)
Bamboo
45-50 mm Ø BAMBOO
Technology of such a flooring (for situations needing (6-8 mm THICK CULM)
raised flooring) is based on the method of rigidly
fixing round bamboo, where 30 mm thick M20 grade SECTION
PCC (with 6 mm down coarse aggregate) is placed All dimensions in millimetres.
over 6 to 8 mm thick culm, that are arranged side by FIG. 14 DETAIL OF A TYPICAL BAMBOO
side to form bamboo flooring. Fig. 14 Detail of a Typical bamboo
CONCRETE Concrete
FLOORING
Flooring
The rigid fixing is achieved by using shear connectors
in the form of 1.5 mm dia. 20 mm long MS nails Expected strength (using Bambusa balcooa) may be
partially inserted into the bamboo flooring and considered as follows:
balance length with the heads of the nails embedded
in the PCC layer, holding the two components a) Walling of 6 mm bamboo with 18 mm thick
together. The sectional properties of the combination cement sand plaster in 1:3 would be able to
are calculated based on the concept of flitched beams withstand wind pressure of 1.12 kPa (112 kgf/m2)
for design (see Fig. 14). if used as wall, either supported continuously
1.5 m apart, or supported simply 1.25 m apart.
10.2.6 Bamboo Concrete Walling Using Flat Bamboo b) As a roof, the wind suction load would be partly
Loads on walls and roof do not generally justify use compensated by the dead load of the roof. The
of round bamboo as such. So, flat or split bamboo is imposed load of a mason sitting at the centre of
preferred for use in these cases. The flat bamboo works span needs to be considered. This load can be
like a wire-net used conventionally to hold cement accommodated by use of 18 mm M20 PCC with
plaster in critical applications. Partial plastering is done 6 mm flat bamboo, supported 1.0 m apart; neatly
during the first day ensuring entry of plastering material finished.
in the gaps of flat bamboo. This provides the base
for cement plastering or PCC laying next day. About The engineered houses for application of the above
5 mm gap is essential for entry of plastering material bamboo concrete walling are designed with stiffeners
of sufficient sectional area to sustain shear force. The and diagonals in all the three planes, keeping the
gaps are generated by inserting a small wedge of deformation of walls along plane of walls almost nil
bamboo strip and pulling it out after a part of the gap and deflection of columns across the plane of wall at a
is filled by plaster. Such gaps have to be discontinuous, minimum.

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ANNEX A
( Clause 2 )

LIST OF REFERRED INDIAN STANDARDS

IS No. Title
848 : 2006 Specification for synthetic resin adhesives for plywood (phenolic and
aminoplastic) (second revision)
875 Code of practice for design loads (Other than earthquake) for buildings and
structures:
(Part 1) : 1987 Dead loads — Unit weights of building materials and stored materials (second
revision)
(Part 2) : 1987 Imposed loads (second revision)
(Part 3) : 2015 Wind loads (third revision)
(Part 4) : 1987 Snow loads (second revision)
(Part 5) : 1987 Special loads and combinations (second revision)
883 : 2016 Code of practice for design of structural timber in buildings (  fifth revision)
1708 (Parts 1 to 18) : 1986 Methods of testing of small clear specimens of timber (second revision)
1734 (Parts 1 to 20) : 1983 Methods of test for plywood (second revision)
1902 : 2006 Code of practice for preservation of bamboo and cane for non-structural
purposes (second revision)
2366 : 1983 Code of practice for nail-jointed timber construction (  first revision)
4924 Method of test for nail-jointed timber trusses:
(Part 1) : 1968 Destructive test
(Part 2) : 1968 Proof test
6874 : 2008 Method of tests for bamboo (  first revision)
8242 : 1976 Method of tests for split bamboos
9096 : 2006 Code of practice for preservation of bamboo for structural purposes (  first
revision)
13958 : 1994 Specification for bamboo mat board for general purposes
14588 : 1999 Specification for bamboo mat veneer composite for general purposes
15476 : 2004 Specification for bamboo mat corrugated sheets
15972 : 2012 Specification for bamboo-jute composite corrugated and semi-corrugated
sheets
SP 7 : 2016 National Building Code of India 2016

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ANNEX B
( Foreword )

SOURCE AND LOCAL NAMES OF SOME OF THE SPECIES OF BAMBOO

Sl Species Source/Local Names

No.
(1) (2) (3)
i) Bambusa auriculata Assam, Bangladesh, Myanmar; introduced in Calcutta
Botanical Garden (now Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose
Botanical Garden)
ii) B. balcooa Asm – Baluka;
Ben – Balku bans;
Duars – Bora bans;
Garo – Wamnah, beru;
Tripura – Barak.
iii) B. bambos (Syn.B. arundinacea) Asm – Kotoba;
Ben – Baroowa, behor, ketuas, ketwa;
Manip – Saneibi;
Mah – Katang bamboo, oowga;
Oriya – Daba, katuig;
Tel – Mulkasveduru, Mulluvedurn;
English – Spiny bamboo.
iv) B. burmanica Asm – Thaikawa.
v) B. multiplex Sans – keu-fa;
Syn. B. glancescens (Syn. B. nana) Burmese – Pa-lau-pinan-wa;
Malay – Bamboo tjeenah;
China – Bamboohowertjeenah.
vi) B. nutans Asm – Deobans, jotia-makal;
Asm – Bidhuli, mukial;
Ben – Makia;
Bhutia – Jiu;
Hin – Malabans;
Kangra – Nal;
Khasi – Seringjai;
Kuki – Wamalang;
Lepcha – Malubans, mahlu, mallo;
Oriya – Badiabansa;
Sylhet (Bangladesh) – Peechli;
Tripura – Kali.

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Sl Species Source/Local Names

No.
(1) (2) (3)
vii) B. pallida Asm – Bijli, jowa, makal, walkthai;
Cachar – Bakhal, burwal;
Khasi – Seskien, skhen, ineng, usker;
Lepcha – Pashipo, pshi, pushee;
Mikir – Loto;
Naga – Tesero, watoi;
Tripura – Makal.
viii) B. polymorpha Asm – Jamabetwa, betwa;
Ben – Batua, jaibarouwa, jama;
Burma – Kyathaung-wa;
MP-Korku – Narangibhas;
Tripura – Basi.
ix) B. tulda Asm – Wamunna, wagi, nal-bans;
Ben – Tulda, jowa;
Duars – Karanti, matela;
Garo – Watti;
Hin – Peka;
Kamrup – Bijuli, jati, joo, ghora;
Tripura – Mirtinga.
x) B. vulgaris Ben and Manip – Bakal;
Oriya – Sunarkania bans.
xi) B. wamin Syn. B. ventricosa Common name – Pitcher bamboo.
(Syn. B. vulgaris var. wamin)
xii) Cephalostachyum pergracile MP – Bhalan bans;
Manip – Wootang;
Naga – Latang;
Oriya – Darrgi.
xiii) Dendrocalamus giganteous English – Giant Bamboo;
Asm – Worra;
Manip – Maroobeb.
xiv) D. hamiltonii Nep – Tamo;
Asm – Kokwa;
Tripura – Pecha.
xv) D. longispathus Tripura – Rupai.
xvi) D. membranaceus Native of Myanmar; introduced in Kerala.

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Sl Species Source/Local Names

No.
(1) (2) (3)
xvii) D. strictus English – Male bamboo;
Ben – Karail;
Guj – Nakur bans;
Kan – Kiribidiru;
Mah – Male bamboo, nanvel;
Oriya – Salia;
Tam – Kalmungil;
Tel – Sadanapavedur;
Tripura – Lathi bans;
Hin – Bans kaban, Nav bans.
xviii) Melocanna baccifera Asm – Tarai;
Ben – Muli;
Cachar – Wati;
Garo – Watrai;
Manip – Moubi;
Mikir – Artem;
Naga – Turiah.
xix) Oxytenanthera abyssinicia Native of tropical Africa; cultivated at FRI, Dehradun.
xx) Thyrsostachys oliveri Native of Myanmar;
Planted in Haldwani (Uttaranchal), Arunachal Pradesh,
Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
NOTES
1 The following abbreviations have been used in the above table:
Asm Assam
Ben Bengali
Guj Gujarati
Hin Hindi
Kan Kannada
Mah Maharashtra
Manip Manipur
M.P. Madhya Pradesh
Nep Nepali
Sans Sanskrit
Tam Tamil
Tel Telugu
2 The above table does not provide an exhaustive list. It only attempts to enlist some of the information readily available in regard to
species of bamboo from India and some of the neighbouring countries, and some connected information.

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IS 15912 : 2018

ANNEX C
( Foreword )

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BAMBOO STRUCTURES IN

HIGH WIND/CYCLONE PRONE AREAS

C-1 Given below are some recommendations for eliminating the chances of being blown away from
bamboo structures in high wind/cyclone prone areas, the building. A continuous beam connecting all
which are based on Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) of the columns would increase the framing action.
the damages of past events: f) Roof cladding (G.I. sheets, clay tiles or thatch) be
a) Prefer a square plan of the building symmetrical properly connected with holding down U-bolts, or
to the arrangement of partitions and openings sturdy anchorages to ensure safety. Thatch roof be
for balanced distribution of forces within the tied by nylon ropes in diagonal pattern.
structure. Window positioning be planned in such g) Sufficient depth for anchorage be provided;
a way that wind entering through window could columns be embedded in pits within the foundation
pass through similar opening on opposite wall in and secured by poured concrete. Wetting of
order to reduce built-up pressure, and incorporate column base be checked by raising it from the
ridge vents. floor level.
b) A hip-shaped, pyramidal or a conical roofing be h) Highest importance be given to strengthening the
preferred to gable end or mono-pitch ones for least junctions between structural elements at different
wind resistance. levels, that is, foundation, eaves and roof. Walls
c) Wide mono-pitched Verandas abutting the be linked together suitably by a continued collar
entrance to residence should be structurally beam at floor, sill, lintel and roof level.
separated from the main building. j) Fastening any two mutually perpendicular load
d) Roof overhangs be limited to 450 mm as they bearing members should be done in accordance
contribute to higher negative suction. Large with good practice of spacing the connecting bolts
overhangs should be properly tied back to wall with reference to load’s direction and the centre of
frame-work. stiffness. This will increase the moment-resisting
e) Roof structure shall be properly secured with capacity of the joint and prevent hinge formation.
vertical load-bearing members (wooden or A minimum of two bolts be provided to prevent
bamboo columns, brick piers or walling) for rotation of members at a joint.

30
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IS 15912 : 2018

ANNEX D
( Foreword )
COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
Building Construction Practices Sectional Committee, CED 13

Organization Representative(s)
In Personal Capacity (Flat No. 2061, Engineers Shri D. S. Sachdev (Chairman)
Apartments, Plot 11, Sector - 18A, Dwarka, New
Delhi 110078)
Ahluwalia Contracts (India) Limited, New Delhi Shri Shobhit Uppal
Shri Pradeep Kumar (Alternate)
Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (India), Shri A. N. Prakash
Bengaluru Shri Satish V. Salpekar (Alternate)
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai Shri K. Srinivas
Shri H. E. Iyer (Alternate)
Builders Association of India, New Delhi Shri Surojit Samanta
Shri Ram Avtar (Alternate)
Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council, Shri Chandi Nath Jha
New Delhi
Central Insecticides Board, Faridabad Additional PPA cum Secretary (CIB & RC)
Joint Director (Entomology) (Alternate)
Central Public Works Department, New Delhi Chief Engineer (CSQ)
Superintending Engineer (TAS) (Alternate)
Confederation of Construction Products and Services, Shri Deepak Gahlowt
New Delhi Shri Shashi Kant (Alternate)
CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee Shri S. K. Negi
Dr Ajay Chourasia (Alternate)
CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Representative
Jorhat
CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, Director
Chennai Dr P. Srinivasan (Alternate)
Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi Chief Engineer (SZ)
Superintending Engineer (P)-1 (Alternate)
Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, New Delhi Representative
Engineers India Limited, New Delhi Shri Rajanji Srivastava
Shri Ravindra Kumar (Alternate)
Forest Research Institute, Dehradun Dr Kishan Kumar V. S
Housing & Urban Development Corporation Limited, Representative
New Delhi
Indian Buildings Congress, New Delhi Shri S. C. Bhatia
Shri P. S. Chadha (Alternate)
Indian Pest Control Association, New Delhi Vice President
General Secretary (Alternate)
Indian Plywood Industries Research & Training Shri Amitava Sil
Institute, Bengaluru Shri Anand Nandanwar (Alternate)
Larsen & Toubro Limited, ECC Division, Chennai Shri Rajan Venkateswaran
Shri V. Sukumar Hebbar (Alternate)

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IS 15912 : 2018

Organization Representative(s)
Military Engineer Services, Engineer-in-Chief’s Jt DG (Architecture)
Branch, Integrated HQ of MoD, (Army),
New Delhi
NBCC (India) Limited, New Delhi Executive Director (Engg)
General Manager (Engg) (Alternate)
NTPC Ltd, New Delhi Shri R. L. Das
Shri Anil Kapoor (Alternate)
Pest Control (India) Pvt Ltd, Mumbai Shri Shankar M. Ghuge
Shri Nitin B. Jagtap (Alternate)
Public Works Department, Govt of Gujarat, Superintending Engineer, Design (R&D)
Gujarat
Public Works Department, Govt of NCT of Delhi, Representative
New Delhi
Research, Designs and Standards Organization, Director (Works)
Ministry of Railways, Lucknow ADE (Works) (Alternate)
School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi Prof Anil Dewan
Prof Jaya Kumar (Alternate)
The All India Glass Manufacturers’ Federation, Shri Sourabh Kankar
New Delhi Shri Rupinder Shelly (Alternate)
The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi Shri Sanjay Seth
Ms Megha Behal (Alternate)
The Indian Institute of Architects, Mumbai Shri Vijay Garg
Shri Shamit Manchanda (Alternate)
The Institution of Engineers (India), Kolkata Shri P. K. Adlakha
Shri Devendra Gill (Alternate)
In personal capacity (Pratap Nursery Lane Shri K. S. Pruthi
Near Gurudwara, Panditwari, Dehradun)
BIS Directorate General Shri Sanjay Pant, Scientist ‘F’ and Head (Civil Engineering)
[Representing Director General (Ex-officio)]

Member Secretary
Shri S Arun Kumar
Scientist ‘D’ (Civil Engineering), BIS

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(Continued from second cover)

With the standardization on design and construction aspects of bamboo, it is expected to ensure durable structures,
however, some specific guidelines are required in the event of tropical cyclones in the sub-continent and the
traditional non-engineered structures generally constructed. Keeping this in view, some recommendations are
given in Annex C which may be followed in addition to provisions given in the main text of this standard.
Similar to kiln dried timber, kiln drying of bamboo may be considered to ensure complete drying in a controlled
condition.
In the formulation of this standard, due weightage has been given to international coordination among the standards
and practices prevailing in different countries in addition to relating it to the practices in the field in this country.
This has been ensured by considering the provisions of ISO 22156 : 2004 ‘Bamboo — Structural design’.
The composition of the Committee responsible for the formulation of this standard is given in Annex D.
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the final value,
observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with
IS 2 : 1960 ‘Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised )’. The number of significant places retained in the
rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
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Bureau of Indian Standards

BIS is a statutory institution established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 to promote harmonious
development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and attending to
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Review of Indian Standards

Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also reviewed
periodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no changes are
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should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of
‘BIS Catalogue’ and ‘Standards: Monthly Additions’.
This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc No.: CED 13 (11987).

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue Text Affected

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