The Institute of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-Gh), has taken notice of the increasing interest in the use of bamboo as a reinforcement material in concrete, as well as its adoption as a construction material.

According to IET-Gh, this recent trend, which it has not endorsed, fails to recognize the need for careful consideration and further research on the potential benefits of bamboo in its raw state.

“The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), has taken note of the increasing interest in the use of bamboo as a reinforcement material in concrete, which has been circulating across various social media channels nationwide. Additionally, some clients have adopted this material in construction, mistakenly believing it has been endorsed without seeking expert guidance.

“It is important to clarify that while the IET-GH, particularly its Civil Engineering Division, recognizes the potential benefits of bamboo in its raw state, as a laminate, and as a composite material, the use of bamboo as a direct replacement for steel reinforcement in concrete requires careful consideration and further research. Bamboo is a natural composite polymeric material, composed of a lignin matrix with fibrous elements, which are naturally bound together as an organic composite. However, bamboo is a carbon-based material from the grass family, and if not adequately treated, it can decompose over time, particularly in alkaline or acidic environments,” IET-Gh stated in a statement dated Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

The institute listed some benefits of bamboo, including economic, environmental, and cost-effective mechanical properties, as well as historical use, but further outlined some shortfalls in its use and thus emphasized the need for further research.

“The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana, recognizes the potential of bamboo as a reinforcement material in concrete. However, in the absence of established treatments and standards by the Ghana Standards Authority and Engineering Council, the use of untreated bamboo is NOT endorsed. Therefore, IET-GH advises caution and recommends avoiding the adoption of bamboo as reinforcement at this time,” the statement said.

Read the full statement below:





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