The Economics of Bamboo Construction: Cost-Effectiveness Vs. Traditional Materials

• Author(s): Adedokun A. ROBERTS ; Adekunle O. OGUNNAIKE
• Paper ID: 1709433
• Page: 1798-1808
• Published Date: 07-07-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 12 June-2025

Abstract

As the global construction sector seeks sustainable alternatives to environmentally intensive materials like concrete, steel, and timber, bamboo has emerged as a renewable, low-carbon option with growing interest. This study investigates the economic viability of bamboo construction by comparing cost-related perceptions and performance against conventional materials, while capturing real-world insights from key stakeholders. A structured questionnaire was administered to 60 respondents, including architects, engineers, builders, contractors, developers, and homeowners, all of whom had prior experience using bamboo in construction. Quantitative analysis revealed that 55% of respondents viewed bamboo as having lower long-term costs, while 70% considered it more durable than traditional materials. However, over 90% rated market acceptance as low, citing major barriers such as lack of awareness (70%), regulatory constraints (63%), and perceived durability issues (57%). Despite these challenges, 60% expressed willingness to reuse bamboo, underscoring a gap between personal confidence and broader industry skepticism. The study concludes that bamboo is economically promising, especially over the lifecycle of a building, but its widespread adoption hinges on policy reform, awareness-building, technical training, and investment in supply chain infrastructure. These findings contribute to bridging the gap between bamboo's environmental potential and its real-world economic competitiveness.

Keywords

Adoption Barriers, Bamboo Construction, Cost-Effectiveness, Durability, Sustainable Materials

Citations

IRE Journals:
Adedokun A. ROBERTS , Adekunle O. OGUNNAIKE "The Economics of Bamboo Construction: Cost-Effectiveness Vs. Traditional Materials" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 12 2025 Page 1798-1808

IEEE:
Adedokun A. ROBERTS , Adekunle O. OGUNNAIKE "The Economics of Bamboo Construction: Cost-Effectiveness Vs. Traditional Materials" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(12)