Bamboo Reinforced Concrete: A Review of Thermal Expansion and Shrinkage Behaviour Under Temperature Variations

The following paper investigates the possibilities of bamboo use as a reinforcement material in concrete with a focus on the thermal characteristic of such a material and the restrictions of the use in the changing temperature. Rapidly renewable bamboo is becoming of interest as a sustainable material that can reinforce traditional products like bamboo because of its high tensile strength and low environmental costs. The differences in the thermal characteristics of bamboo and concrete do however pose difficulty in connection with thermal expansion, shrinkage and internal stresses. This review focuses on the mechanical and thermal performance and characteristics of bamboo-reinforced concrete, particularly on the performance of the material with respect to temperature changes such as the problem of cracking, delamination among others. Possible solutions that can be implemented to reduce such thermal stresses, and consequently, enhance long-term performance of bamboo-reinforced concrete buildings also are mentioned in the paper. With the discovery of how the properties of the bamboo and concrete interact in different environmental conditions, this review adds value by providing an insight into how it is possible to maximize the use of the bamboo to come up with sustainable, high-performance concrete materials in contemporary constructions.