A study on bamboo reinforced concrete slabs

Polymers synthesized with synthetic fibers are more advantageous as Compared to conventional construction materials. In spite of the widespread use there is a tendency to decline because of its costs and environmental impacts. On the other hand natural fibers are less costly, light weight, and easily recyclable. Among multiple fibers bamboo is one such fibers, because of its low cost, and weight, with it short growth cycle. In this work three different compositions of bamboo reinforced polymer composites (40, 30 and 25% of bamboo reinforcement volume) are prepared with the use of epoxy and hardener. From the testing results it clearly revealed 25% of bamboo reinforcement composite had higher tensile strength among all the three. Simultaneously the bamboo is reinforced in concrete cement slab instead of steel rod with the standard size. The steel reinforced concrete slab is slightly superior to the bamboo reinforced concrete slab. At the same time deflection of both slabs are same at 40KN load. Hence the bamboo as a structural material in the minimal loading applications like kitchen slabs, books slabs can be served.