In the article, “An Architect’s Guide to
Building with Bamboo”, Vadot (n.d) states that bamboo is “resonated as a
reliable and sustainable material for the future of construction”. He finds
that bamboo flourishes well across the world with little maintenance and can be
harvested in various locations across the world. He also mentions that bamboo
is a lightweight material and cannot be overlooked in the construction industry
for its ability to complete stable, weight-bearing structures. In addition, he
added that bamboo is cheap to procure and transport in areas it grows. He
remarks that although bamboo is “often referred to as a fit alternative to
steel”, it is feeble and “requires treatment and protection from natural
circumstances”. He observes that because of its adaptive nature across the
world, it encompasses over 1200 species and evolves uniquely. Furthermore, it
is impossible to classify and standardise in the “words and functions of a
civil building code”.
While Vadot (n.d) mentions the advantages and
sustainable use of bamboo, and touches on its disadvantages, he fails to mention
in detail how bamboo is prone to degradation, shrinking and swelling as the
environment changes. He also does not mention that bamboo is not easily
classified by grades.
One area that Vadot (n.d) does not mention is bamboo
is prone to degradation. In the article, “The Pros and Cons of Bamboo in Green
Building”, Element Green (n.d) reports that bamboo contains high starch
content, and will be “vulnerable to natural elements”, if it is not treated
correctly. It also notes that “harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde and
arsenic” can be used by manufacturers to treat it. In my opinion, with such
chemicals being used to ensure that the bamboo does not degrade over time, it
does not outweigh bamboo as a sustainable material. In another article, “8 Advantages and
Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring”, ConnectUS (n.d) reports that “The process of
shredding and slicing the bamboo grass plant, including the adhesion of pieces
back together with the use of heat and a resin-based adhesive and pressure
could cause the emission of VOCs.” With this report, bamboo is not sustainable
because it must be treated before using and can lead to adverse health effects
and harm the environment in the process of procuring it.
Another area that Vadot (n.d) does not mention
is bamboo is susceptible to shrinking and swelling as the environment changes.
In the article, “General Properties of Bamboo and Maintenance Tips”, Bamboo
Imports (n.d) reports that bamboo will absorb or expel moisture according to
the environment. It also details that “Splits and cracks may then occur due to
stress caused by sudden drying and direct exposure to the sun.” In fact, it
shows that structures built with bamboo are susceptible to breaking apart over
time, with the repetitive shrinking and swelling.
Lastly, Vadot (n.d) does not sufficiently
explain that bamboo is not easily classified by grades. In the article, “Bamboo
Flooring Pros & Cons”, Urban Customs (n.d) reports bamboo do not have a fix
grading system in determining the quality of the bamboo, instead, “retailers
often sort them into grades, but it is just an arbitrary system”. With this
being reported, it would mean that bamboo does not have a system in place to
determines its quality but instead judged based on its appearance.
Although Vadot (n.d) did mention the advantages
and sustainable use of bamboo as a construction material, it was not sufficient
in determining the viability and feasibility of using bamboo. He should have
reported the disadvantages. With the disadvantages mentioned, the article will
allow better idea on the suitability of bamboo as a construction material.
References
Vadot, C. (n.d.). An
Architect’s Guide to Building With Bamboo. Architizer.
https://architizer.com/blog/practice/details/how-to-bamboo/
Elemental.Green. (n.d.).
The Pros and Cons of Bamboo in Green Building.
https://elemental.green/the-pros-and-cons-of-bamboo-in-green-building/
8 Advantages and
Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring. (2016, August 14). ConnectUS.
https://connectusfund.org/8-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-bamboo-flooring
Urban Customs. (n.d.).
Bamboo Flooring Pros & Cons | Advantages & Disadvantages.
https://urbancustomsaz.com/pros-cons-bamboo-flooring/
Bamboo Import Europe.
(n.d.). General Properties of Bamboo and Maintenance Tips.
https://www.bambooimport.com/en/properties-of-bamboo-and-maintenance-tips
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