Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to bamboo-based composite construction material. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure is directed towards a bamboo-based composite construction material and method of fabricating the same, wherein hollow engineered bamboo is reinforced with steel to improve structural performance in building and road construction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Construction materials are the backbone of infrastructure development, playing a vital role in shaping modern civilization. From roads that connect cities to buildings that shelter and inspire, these materials are carefully selected based on durability, strength, cost, and environmental considerations. The choice of materials significantly influences the performance and longevity of the structures they comprise. Road construction demands materials that provide strength, flexibility, and durability to withstand traffic loads, climatic conditions, and time. Roads are generally constructed in layers, including the subgrade, sub-base, base, and surface, each requiring specific materials. Further, building construction materials are chosen based on structural and aesthetic requirements, ranging from foundations to finishing. They ensure safety, functionality, and visual appeal.
[0003] While the conventional construction materials have proven their utility and durability, their widespread use poses several challenges. These issues span environmental, economic, and performance domains, raising concerns about the sustainability of traditional construction practices. Roads and buildings constructed with traditional materials such as asphalt, bitumen, and concrete are integral to connectivity and economic development. Asphalt production and concrete manufacturing involve energy-intensive processes that release significant amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. Further, bitumen, derived from petroleum, relies on finite fossil fuel reserves. Similarly, aggregates and sand extraction deplete natural resources. Asphalt absorbs and retains heat, exacerbating urban heat island effects, particularly in densely populated areas. Cement, a key component of concrete, is responsible for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions due to its energy-intensive production process. The extraction of raw materials like limestone, clay, and aggregates leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and soil erosion. Bricks and tiles often involve significant material wastage during production and construction. Their disposal contributes to landfill overflow. Therefore, embracing sustainable alternatives, improving recycling practices, and advancing material technologies are crucial in building a resilient and eco-friendly future.
[0004] Bamboo has long been acknowledged as a plentiful, renewable resource with enormous structural potential in building, especially in nations where environmental and sustainable factors are important. Natural bamboo does have certain drawbacks, too, such as unpredictable mechanical properties and susceptibility to environmental deterioration, despite its inherent strength. Recent breakthroughs in material engineering have led to the development of engineered bamboo, where natural bamboo is processed and treated to increase its mechanical qualities, making it a more homogeneous, durable, and adaptable material for construction applications. As the demand for sustainable construction materials rises, bamboo is emerging as a viable alternative to conventional materials like steel, concrete, and timber. Bamboo has an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, comparable to steel, and excellent flexibility, allowing it to withstand bending forces and earthquakes.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a bamboo-based composite construction material utilizing engineered bamboo that can provide enhanced strength, durability, and sustainable solution. The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above, and any other limitation associated with the conventional arts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0007] The present disclosure relates to a method of fabricating bamboo-based construction material. The method comprises preparing one or more hollow engineered bamboo pieces from naturally harvested bamboo; positioning a steel component inside a hollow engineered bamboo piece depending on the intended use, wherein the steel component is having a dimension proportionally compatible with inner dimension of the hollow engineered bamboo piece. The method further comprises the step of fabricating a composite material by rigidly integrating the steel component with the hollow engineered bamboo piece.
[0008] In one embodiment, the present disclosure also relates to a bamboo-based composite construction material. The material comprises a hollow engineered bamboo piece and a steel component rigidly integrated inside the hollow engineered bamboo piece. In one embodiment, the hollow engineered bamboo piece is fabricated from naturally harvested matured bamboo by performing chemical treatment, pressure treatment upon the naturally harvested bamboo; air-drying or kiln-drying the treated bamboo; and conducting required machining over the treated bamboo.
[0009] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a flow chart of a method of fabricating bamboo-based construction material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method of fabricating hollow engineered bamboo pieces, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 3 illustrates pictorial representation of the method of fabricating the bamboo-based construction material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0012] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.
[0013] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or process that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or process. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0014] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration-specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0015] The present invention proposes a construction material made of hollow engineered bamboo reinforced with steel, suited for application in building construction and road construction. The proposed material combines the inherent characteristics of bamboo, such as sustainability, flexibility, and light weight, with the superior strength and durability of steel. The hollow bamboo structure is reinforced with steel rods, mesh, or fibers within its cavity, generating a hybrid material that demonstrates increased structural performance. Comparative experiments conducted on key mechanical parameters, including shear stress, shear strain, tensile strength, and compressive strength, reveal the superior performance of the hollow designed bamboo with steel reinforcement compared to typical steel materials. The hybrid material exploits the unique qualities of both bamboo and steel, resulting in a composite that is more sustainable, cost-effective, and capable of carrying considerable structural stresses. The proposed bamboo-based composite construction material is particularly ideal for applications where a balance of strength, weight, and environmental sustainability is crucial. The proposed material offers a promising alternative to conventional materials like steel and concrete in modern building, particularly in regions where environmental impact and resource efficiency are essential factors. The invention also includes techniques for fabricating the material and applying it in both load-bearing structures and road infrastructure.
[0016] Bamboo is a naturally robust and abundant material, noted for its capacity to resist tensile and compressive stresses. However, its inherent qualities are prone to variable, and untreated bamboo can decay owing to environmental conditions such as moisture and insects. To solve these difficulties, engineered bamboo is created using a number of procedures, including chemical treatments, lamination, and controlled shape, to ensure consistent quality, uniformity, and better durability.
[0017] The bamboo utilized in the present invention is developed to have a hollow interior, which provides a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to solid bamboo or other materials. Hollow bamboo is commonly up to 50% lighter than solid bamboo and retains 90-95% of its compressive strength. Thus, it is highly effective in structural applications. In comparison, hollow bamboo beats steel, which has a strength-to-weight ratio of about 25 MPa/kg/m³, and concrete, which is approximately 3 – 4 MPa/kg/m³ compared to solid bamboo or other materials. The hollow form of the bamboo reduces the total weight while keeping its capacity to withstand compressive stresses. Such fabrication is vital in building applications where both load-bearing capabilities and material efficiency are important.
[0018] The originality of this material lies in the inclusion of steel reinforcement into the hollow hole of the designed bamboo. The steel may be in the shape of rods, mesh, or fibers, depending on the individual use. Steel boosts the mechanical qualities of the bamboo, particularly in areas such as tensile strength, where bamboo alone has limitations. The steel reinforcement is fixed within the hollow structure of the bamboo by bonding techniques such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or thermal treatments, generating a composite material that works as a unitary structural element.
[0019] The combination of steel and bamboo results in a material that can endure substantial stresses in many directions. Tensile strength is substantially improved due to the steel’s great resistance to pulling forces, while compressive strength is augmented by the bamboo’s capacity to absorb and distribute compressive stresses, further strengthened by the steel reinforcement.
[0020] In one embodiment, the harvested bamboo is treated to strengthen its resistance to environmental degradation, such as moisture, insects, and fungi. the hollow designed bamboo is chemically treated or laminated to maintain uniformity and structural consistency over its length.
[0021] Laminated bamboo has significantly increased tensile strength (up to 250 MPa) and compressive strength (50–90 MPa) compared to raw bamboo. Reduction of inherent imperfections (e.g., knots, cracks) during lamination enables constant performance under load. Chemical treatments and protective coatings boost resilience to pests, rot, and weathering, making it acceptable for outdoor use. Further, the hollow bamboo structure reinforced with steel boosts structural performance, notably in load-bearing applications like buildings and road construction. Engineered bamboo offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it easier to transport and install. Bamboo is a renewable resource with a low carbon footprint, and mixing it with steel generates a hybrid material with lower environmental effect compared to pure steel or concrete reinforcements. Steel reinforcement boosts the bamboo’s modulus of elasticity and flexural strength, allowing it to tolerate higher loads.
[0022] Engineered bamboo reinforced with steel can carry large loads, making it excellent for beams, columns, and bridge decking. Treated and coated bamboo withstands extreme climatic conditions, ensuring long-term performance in outdoor applications. Steel-reinforced bamboo is resistant to shearing forces and flexural deformations, which are frequent in road and building structures.
[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a flow chart of a method of fabricating bamboo-based construction material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] As depicted in Figure 1, the method 100 includes a series of steps 102 through 106 for fabricating bamboo-based construction material. The details of the method 100 have been explained below in forthcoming paragraphs. The order in which the method steps are described below is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method steps can be combined in any appropriate order to execute the method or an alternative method. The method 100 begins from a start block and starts execution of operations at step 102, as shown in Figure 1. The method 100 mixes bamboo’s natural strength with advanced treatment procedures to make environmentally friendly, durable composite material ideal for many uses.
[0025] At step 102, the method 100 comprises preparing hollow engineered bamboo piece. In one embodiment, one or more hollow engineered bamboo pieces are prepared from naturally harvested bamboo. Such pieces are designed to meet the demands of contemporary construction, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials like steel, concrete, and timber.
[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method of fabricating hollow engineered bamboo pieces, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted in Figure 2, the method 102 includes a series of steps 122 through 134 for fabricating hollow engineered bamboo pieces. The details of the method 102 have been explained below in forthcoming paragraphs. The order in which the method steps are described below is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method steps can be combined in any appropriate order to execute the method or an alternative method. The method 102 begins from a start block and starts execution of operations at step 122, as shown in Figure 2.
[0027] At step 122, the method 102 comprises harvesting matured bamboo of age 3 years to 5 years. In one embodiment, matured bamboo aged 3 years to 5 years are harvested for attaining enhanced strength and rigidity. Matured bamboo aged 3 to 5 years is widely recognized as the optimal harvest age for achieving enhanced strength, rigidity, and durability in construction and industrial applications. This age range allows the bamboo to develop its full structural potential while maintaining its sustainable harvesting cycle. By the third year, bamboo's lignin content, which contributes to its rigidity and hardness, reaches an optimal level. The cellular structure becomes denser, enhancing the bamboo's compressive and tensile strength. In an example, premium Bambusa tulda bamboo is harvested for its superior tensile strength, rapid growth, and natural abundance.
[0028] At step 124, the method 102 comprises performing chemical treatment over the harvested bamboo. In an embodiment, chemical treatment is performed over the harvested bamboo by emerging the harvested bamboo in boron solutions for bug protection. Chemical treatment of harvested bamboo is a crucial step to enhance its durability and resistance to pests, particularly borers, fungi, and termites. One common and effective method involves immersing the bamboo in a boron-based solution. This treatment not only extends the lifespan of bamboo but also makes it suitable for construction and long-term applications.
[0029] At step 126, the method 102 comprises performing pressure treatment over the harvested bamboo. In an embodiment, subsequently pressure treatment is performed over the harvested bamboo using preservatives such as copper compounds or silane-based repellents. In an example, the copper-based compounds can be Copper-Chrome-Arsenate (CCA), Copper Azole (CA), or Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ), which provide long-term resistance to fungi, termites, and borers, particularly for outdoor and structural bamboo. Further, silane-based repellents enhance bamboo's resistance to water, decay, and insect damage by creating a hydrophobic barrier. Silane treatments are particularly useful for bamboo exposed to high humidity or direct water contact. Pressure treatment is an advanced method for preserving bamboo, ensuring its longevity and resistance to pests, fungi, and environmental degradation. Unlike traditional immersion methods, pressure treatment uses mechanical pressure to force preservatives deep into the bamboo’s cellular structure. Such process is particularly effective for large-scale applications and for bamboo that will be exposed to harsh conditions.
[0030] At step 128, the method 102 comprises air-drying or kiln-drying the treated bamboo. In an embodiment, the chemically treated bamboo is air-dried or kiln-dried in order to decrease the moisture content below 15%. After chemical treatment and pressure treatment, the harvested bamboo is dried to lower its moisture content below 15%. Such step is crucial to enhance its stability, durability, and resistance to shrinkage, warping, or cracking. Drying also helps the preservative agents bind more effectively within the bamboo fibers, improving its overall performance. In the process of air-drying, treated bamboo is stacked in a shaded, well-ventilated area to allow natural air circulation, and bamboo culms are arranged with spacers between them to ensure uniform airflow. Further, in kiln-drying process, bamboo is placed in a kiln or drying chamber where heat and humidity are controlled. The temperature is gradually increased to remove moisture while preventing cracks or splits. A final stabilization phase ensures the moisture content reaches the desired level below 15%.
[0031] At step 130, the method 102 comprises splitting the treated and dried bamboo into thin strips. In an embodiment, the treated and dried bamboo is spitted into thin strips, and outer skins and interior nodes of the treated and dried bamboo are removed. Such thin strips are essential for creating uniform, high-quality bamboo strips suitable for manufacturing and construction purposes. In the process of splitting the treated and dried bamboo, the bamboo culms are cut to the desired length and then split longitudinally into thin strips using specialized splitting tools or machines. Manual tools, such as machetes or knives, are used in smaller operations, while larger setups use hydraulic or mechanical splitters for precision and efficiency. Splitting creates manageable strips that can be further processed for structural or aesthetic applications. Thin strips are preferred for creating laminated bamboo products, flooring, panels, and furniture. Further, removal of skin and removal of interior nodes enhance adhesion for subsequent lamination or finishing processes, and also removes any residues, such as silica or wax, that might hinder further treatment or coating. Such technique ensures the material's uniformity, enhance its mechanical properties, and broaden its usability.
[0032] At step 132, the method 102 comprises binding the thin strips. In an embodiment, the thin strips are bound using high-strength adhesives under heat and pressure. The thin bamboo strips, prepared through splitting and processing, are bonded together using high-strength adhesives under controlled heat and pressure to create durable and engineered bamboo products. This process transforms natural bamboo into high-performance materials suitable for structural, industrial, and aesthetic applications. The strips are arranged in a specific pattern depending on the desired final product. Adhesives are applied uniformly to the strips using rollers or spray systems to ensure an even layer. Adhesives may include but not limited to Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF), Urea-Formaldehyde (UF), and Epoxy or Polyurethane Adhesives. The adhesive-coated strips are placed in a hydraulic press, where heat and pressure are applied simultaneously. In an example, the typical condition for heat and pressure is temperature of 120°C to 180°C (depending on the adhesive type), pressure of 1 to 1.5 MPa (megapascals), and duration of 20 to 60 minutes. Heat activates the adhesive, accelerating the curing process. Pressure ensures that the strips are tightly bound, eliminating gaps and creating a dense, solid material.
[0033] At step 134, the method 102 comprises machining the bound thin strips to make hollow section. In an embodiment, the bound thin strips are machined to make hollow section and the hollow section is optimized for steel component insertion. After thin bamboo strips are bound together using high-strength adhesives under heat and pressure, the composite material is further processed to create hollow sections. These hollow sections are meticulously machined and optimized to accommodate steel components, enhancing their structural capacity and expanding their applications in construction and engineering. In an example, the bound bamboo blocks are cut into predetermined lengths and widths using saws or CNC machines. Dimensions are customized based on the design specifications for the final hollow section. Advanced machining tools, such as CNC routers or drills, are used to create hollow sections within the bamboo structure. The hollow section geometry (e.g., circular, rectangular, or custom shapes) is optimized for specific load-bearing requirements.
[0034] In another embodiment, the bound thin strips is laminated so as to ensure consistency and removing natural abnormalities like knots and fiber alignment difficulties.
[0035] At step 104, the method 100 comprises positioning a steel component inside the hollow engineered bamboo piece. In an embodiment, a steel component is positioned inside the hollow engineered bamboo piece depending on the intended use. The steel component is having a dimension proportionally compatible with inner dimension of the hollow engineered bamboo piece. The hybridization of bamboo with steel components involves positioning steel elements within hollow engineered bamboo sections. This combination leverages the natural flexibility and sustainability of bamboo with the strength and durability of steel. The placement of the steel component is tailored based on the intended application, ensuring optimal performance for structural, mechanical, or aesthetic purposes. The size, shape, and positioning of the steel component are determined based on the bamboo's intended use, such as load-bearing, mechanical support, or aesthetic design. Factors like stress distribution, load paths, and environmental exposure are considered during the design phase. Steel inserts are fabricated or selected to fit precisely within the hollow section of the bamboo. The components may include rods, tubes, plates, or custom shapes tailored to the bamboo's geometry.
[0036] At step 106, the method 100 comprises fabricating a composite material by rigidly integrating the steel component with the hollow engineered bamboo piece. In one embodiment, a composite material is fabricated by rigidly integrating the steel component with the hollow engineered bamboo piece. The steel component is rigidly integrated with the hollow engineered bamboo piece by one of bonding techniques such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners or thermal treatments in order to provide a unitary structure to the composite material. In another embodiment, coatings such as polymer resins or elastomeric compounds are applied to the composite material to protect the composite material against UV deterioration, water absorption, and physical wear.
[0037] Figure 3 illustrates a pictorial representation of the method of fabricating the bamboo-based construction material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] In experiments, the mechanical properties of the reinforced bamboo are analyzed with respect to the conventional natural bamboo, wherein such mechanical properties are presented in Table 1.
Property Bambusa Tulda (Natural) Reinforced Bamboo
Tensile Strength 120-190 MPa 250-350 MPa
Compressive Strength 50-65 MPa 100-150 MPa
Shear Strength 5-8 MPa 15-25 MPa
Elastic Modulus 10-15 MPa 20-30 MPa
Strain at Failure 2-4% 1.5-3%
Table 1
[0039] In an example, a mid-size structural beam fabricated from the bamboo-based composite material is having the following dimension.
• Bamboo Outer Diameter (OD): 100 mm
• Wall Thickness: 12 mm
• Hollow Core Diameter (ID): 76 mm
• Steel Rod Diameter: 40 mm
• Length: 3.0 meters
[0040] Further, in exemplary applications, the application-specific dimensions are illustrated as following:
• Road Construction Beams: Larger bamboo diameters (120 mm OD) and steel rods (50–60 mm).
• Building Columns: Medium bamboo diameters (100 mm OD) with steel rods (40–50 mm).
• Trusses or Roof Beams: Lightweight bamboo (70 mm OD) with smaller steel rods (30–40 mm).
[0041] The proposed bamboo-based construction material can be employed in a range of structural applications, including beams, columns, trusses, and frameworks. The lightweight nature of the bamboo-based construction material decreases the stress on foundations and support structures, but its increased tensile and compressive qualities ensure the material can sustain considerable structural loads. Additionally, the bamboo-based composite construction material can be used for partition walls and roofing systems where both strength and visual appeal are required.
[0042] The bamboo-based composite construction material can also be exploited in road building, particularly in regions where flexibility and durability are crucial. Hollow designed bamboo reinforced with steel gives enhanced resilience to the dynamic loads induced by vehicle traffic. Natural flexibility of the bamboo-based composite construction material helps in absorbing vibrations and shocks, lowering the likelihood of cracking or deformation in road surfaces. Additionally, the bamboo-based composite construction material can be included into bridge construction or as part of reinforced roadbeds for increased load distribution and endurance.
[0043] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[0044] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0045] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiment will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Advantages of the present disclosure:
[0046] The proposed composite material offers significant environmental advantages over typical construction materials. Bamboo is a renewable material that grows swiftly and can be collected sustainably, decreasing the ecological footprint of construction projects. By adding steel, a recyclable resource, the composite material provides better structural performance without losing environmental sustainability.
[0047] In terms of economic benefits, the hybrid bamboo-steel material offers cost-efficiency in manufacture and shipping due to its lightweight nature and cheaper material prices compared to steel or concrete. Additionally, the greater durability and load-bearing characteristics of the material lower maintenance and replacement costs in long-term building applications.
[0048] The creation of hollow engineered bamboo reinforced with steel provides an innovative, sustainable, and high-performance construction material for both building and road applications. Its outstanding mechanical properties – particularly in shear stress, shear strain, tensile strength, and compressive strength – make it a viable alternative to conventional construction materials, giving both structural integrity and environmental sustainability. This breakthrough has the potential to transform construction procedures by cutting material prices, enhancing performance, and limiting environmental effect.
[0049] In the detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A method (100) of fabricating bamboo-based composite construction material, the method comprises:
preparing (102) one or more hollow engineered bamboo pieces from naturally harvested bamboo;
positioning (104) a steel component inside a hollow engineered bamboo piece depending on the intended use, wherein the steel component is having a dimension proportionally compatible with inner dimension of the hollow engineered bamboo piece; and
fabricating (106) a composite material by rigidly integrating the steel component with the hollow engineered bamboo piece.
2. The method (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow engineered bamboo pieces are prepared by the steps of:
harvesting (122) matured bamboo aged 3 years to 5 years for attaining enhanced strength and rigidity;
performing (124) chemical treatment over the harvested bamboo by emerging the harvested bamboo in boron solutions for bug protection;
subsequently performing (126) pressure treatment using preservatives such as copper compounds or silane-based repellents;
air-drying or kiln-drying (128) the chemically treated bamboo in order to decrease the moisture content below 15%;
splitting (130) the treated and dried bamboo into thin strips, and removing outer skins and interior nodes of the treated and dried bamboo;
binding (132) the thin strips using high-strength adhesives under heat and pressure; and
machining (134) the bound thin strips to make hollow section and optimizing the hollow section for steel component insertion.
3. The method (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the method further comprises the step of:
laminating the bound thin strips so as to ensure consistency and removing natural abnormalities like knots and fiber alignment difficulties.
4. The method (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of:
applying coatings such as polymer resins or elastomeric compounds to protect the composite material against UV deterioration, water absorption, and physical wear.
5. The method (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steel component is rigidly integrated with the hollow engineered bamboo piece by one of bonding techniques such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners or thermal treatments in order to provide a unitary structure to the composite material.
6. A bamboo-based composite construction material, the material comprises:
a hollow engineered bamboo piece; and
a steel component rigidly integrated inside the hollow engineered bamboo piece,
wherein, the hollow engineered bamboo piece is fabricated from naturally harvested matured bamboo by performing chemical treatment, pressure treatment upon the naturally harvested bamboo; air-drying or kiln-drying the tretaed bamboo; and conducting required machining over the treated bamboo.
7. The bamboo-based composite construction material as claimed in claim 6, wherein the hollow engineered bamboo piece comprises a set of thin strips that are split out of the dried and treated bamboo, bonded together using high-strength adhesives under heat and pressure, and machined over the bonded thin strips so as to provide desired optimized hollow section inside the treated bamboo.
8. The bamboo-based composite construction material as claimed in claim 6, wherein the hollow engineered bamboo piece is laminated so as to ensure consistency and removal natural abnormalities like knots and fiber alignment difficulties, and the bamboo-based composite construction material is coated with polymer resins or elastomeric compounds to protect the composite material against UV deterioration, water absorption, and physical wear.
9. The bamboo-based composite construction material as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bamboo-based composite construction material is having a tensile strength up to 350 MPa, a compressive strength up to 150 MPa, a shear strength up to 25 MPa, and elastic modulus up to 30 GPa.
10. The bamboo-based composite construction material as claimed in claim 6, wherein the steel component is rigidly integrated with the hollow engineered bamboo piece by one of bonding techniques such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners or thermal treatments in order to provide a unitary structure to the composite material.