Journals Proceedings

Abstract

Bamboo is a very old traditional natural building material which can be used in various engineering applications. Especially in wall, use of bamboo in different pattern is widely diversified across the globe. In wall, use of bamboo along with mud has been used since ancient times, but it is ignored due to its regular maintenance and regarded as poor man’s tag. Bamboo concrete panel (Ekra wall) is a significant innovation for sustainable construction compared to conventional masonry and RCC wall. Different types of bamboo walls used and its improvement with age are discussed in this paper. This paper also illustrates the use and characteristics of different types of bamboo walls and a 40 years old bamboo concrete wall house in Guwahati, Assam. The properties of wall panels of this house were studied. This demonstrates that bamboo can survive without problem for a long time as long as it is properly plastered. Bamboo concrete wall is beneficial for use as non-load bearing wall compared to other types of modern wall system. It is eco-friendly and respond well to earthquakes. Bamcrete wall can therefore ensures a sustainable construction.