Investigation on Elastic Properties of Bamboo and Behavior of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Beams

Research is being undertaken to find an alternate material to steel in reinforced concrete elements. Bamboo has emerged as a possible material, which can be used as an alternative to steel. Present research work involves both experimental and analytical studies. In experimental study, various physical and mechanical properties of bamboo were evaluated. A comparative study was conducted on bamboo reinforced concrete beam and steel reinforced concrete beam, in terms of flexural strength, shear strength and bond strength. In analytical study, finite element modelling of PC, RC and BRC beams were performed using commercially available finite element software, ABAQUS. Results obtained from experiments were used as input for modelling.