Evaluating Bamboo Against Steel for Enhanced Physical and Mechanical Performance for Sustainable Construction in Nigeria
Abstract
Global climate change, characterized by increased flooding and extreme heat, is exacerbated by the construction industry’s heavy reliance on high-carbon materials like steel and concrete. While bamboo (Bambusa Vulgaris Schrad) offers a low-carbon, thermally efficient alternative, its structural adoption in Nigeria remains limited. This study evaluates the potential of Bambusa vulgaris sourced from Abuja, Nigeria, as a resilient and sustainable building material to mitigate the environmental impact of the local construction sector. The research employed standardized laboratory testing to characterize the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of both fresh and dry bamboo specimens. Specific parameters investigated included water absorption capacity, moisture content, and ultimate strength under tensile and compressive loading. These tests were designed to simulate performance under diverse environmental conditions typical of the Nigerian climate. Laboratory analysis revealed that dry bamboo specimens exhibited superior mechanical performance, with an average tensile strength of 84.8 MPa and a compressive strength of 16.6 MPa (compared to 13.7 MPa for fresh samples). Physical testing showed average moisture contents of 17.7% for dry and 28.0% for fresh samples, with corresponding water absorption rates of 19.1% and 16.0%, respectively. The quantitative findings demonstrate that Bambusa vulgaris possesses the structural integrity and durability required for eco-friendly construction. Its favorable strength-to-weight ratio and low carbon footprint position it as a viable alternative to conventional materials. These results provide a technical foundation for the formulation of national building codes and standards, encouraging the integration of bamboo into sustainable architectural practices in Nigeria to combat climate-related vulnerabilities.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Abraham Osezuah Orianegbena "Evaluating Bamboo Against Steel for Enhanced Physical and Mechanical Performance for Sustainable Construction in Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 8 2026 Page 803-813 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714289
IEEE:
Abraham Osezuah Orianegbena
"Evaluating Bamboo Against Steel for Enhanced Physical and Mechanical Performance for Sustainable Construction in Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(8) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714289
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