Guadua chacoensis in Bolivia -an investigation of mechanical properties of a

bamboo species

Maria Lindholm Sara Palm

December 5, 2007

Examiner: Stig-Inge Gustafsson Supervisor: Kenneth Bringzén

Department of Management and Engineering

Centre for Wood Technology & Design

LIU-IEI-TEK-A--07/00256--SE http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-10372

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Sammanfattning

Detta examensarbetete har gjorts vid CTD- Centrum för Träteknik och De-sign vid Linköpings universitet och har utförts i Santa Cruz de la Sierra iBolivia.

Syftet med detta examensarbete är att studera de mekaniska egenskapernaoch användningsområden för Guadua chacoensis, en boliviansk bambuart.Genom historien har bambu använts i en mängd olika applikationer såsomhus, verktyg, möbler, mat, bränsle, papper och land-rehabilitering. I de �estaasiatiska länder är bambu en viktig resurs för små- och medelstora företagvilket skapar arbetstillfällen och motverkar fattigdom. I Sydamerika �nnsmånga länder, däribland Bolivia, vilka har stora möjligheter att utnyttjabambu på samma sätt. En av huvudidéerna med detta examensarbete äratt kunna gynna den bolivianska välfärden genom att belysa denna, hittillsoutvecklade naturresurs.

Detta examensarbete är en Minor �eld study, delvis �nansierad av Sida,styrelsen för internationellt utvecklingssamarbete. Under fältarbetet genom-fördes teoretiska studier då internationell och inhemsk information om bambu,speciellt om Guadua chacoensis, samlades in. Olika områden där arten växerbesöktes och hållfasthetstekniska tester genomfördes vid UPSA- UniversidadPrivada de Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

Genom drag-, böj- och hårdhetsprovning har det påvisats att Guaduachacoensis är ett böjligt och medelhårt material med en draghållfasthet somär jämförbar med den för Europeisk ek. Detta gör att denna bambuartlämpar sig bland annat för konstruktioner, såsom hus och broar, samt mö-beltillverkning.

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Abstract

This Master thesis has been performed at CTD- the Centre for Wood Tech-nology and Design at the University of Linköping and has been carried outin Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia.

The objective of this thesis is to study the mechanical properties anduses of Guadua chacoensis, a bamboo native to Bolivia. Throughout history,bamboo has been used in many countries for a variety of purposes. In Asiabamboo is an important raw-material for buildings and furniture. It is alsoused for making paper and for land rehabilitation and fuel. In South Americamany countries, among them Bolivia, have great potential to use bamboo inthe same way. One of the key ideas with this Master thesis is to make acontribution to support the Bolivian economy and welfare by elucidate this,hitherto undeveloped, natural resource.

This thesis is a Minor �eld study partly �nanced by Sida- the SwedishInternational Development Cooperation Agency. During the �eld study the-oretical studies were made, collecting local and international informationabout bamboo and Guadua chacoensis in particular. Laboratory tests wereprepared and conducted at UPSA- the Private University of Santa Cruz dela Sierra and several localities of the plant were visited.

Through tensile-, bending- and hardness test it is found that Guaduachacoensis is a �exible, medium soft material and is comparable with Euro-pean oak when it comes to the tensile strength. This leads to the conclusionthat this bamboo species, among other �elds of applications, can be used forconstructions, like houses and bridges, and furniture manufacturing.

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Acknowledgements

The idea of doing this Master thesis was established in October 2006 whichmakes this a slightly more than one year long project. During this time sev-eral people have crossed our paths and contributed to our work in di�erentways.

We would like to thank our examiner Stig-Inge Gustafsson and our super-visor Kenneth Bringzén at the University of Linköping. We deeply appreciatetheir support and great interest in our work throughout the whole project.Furthermore we would like to thank Per Larsson and Stig Algstrand, alsoat the University of Linköping, for helping us to �nd the right contacts inBolivia and Kerstin Johansen at CTD, who proofread the thesis. Specialthanks is directed to Per Larsson that helped us arrange the �nancing of ourstay in Bolivia.

Our gratefulness also goes to Gabriella A. Pinaya Johannessen at Cadefor,Santa Cruz that at all times was ready to answer questions and supportedus during our stay in Bolivia. In addition, our thanks go to Gastón Mejia,Jorge Zeballos and Gustavo Quinteros at UPSA- the Private university ofSanta Cruz de la Sierra that helped us with the laboratory tests.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our fellow worker and dear friend Luis Fer-nando Ortiz, who's help in Santa Cruz was inestimable. His broad knowledgeof bamboo and his useful contacts were very valuable. Thanks to him ourwork and stay in Bolivia could not have been better. We will never forgetour investigation trips and the hanging-out together!

We would also like to thank Sida, Ansgarius-stiftelsen and Sparbanksstif-telsen Alfa whose scholarships �nanced our project. It would not have beenpossible to carry out the Master thesis in Bolivia without their economicsupport.

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Finally, we would like to thank everyone that made our time in Boliviato an enriching and moving stay. Our time in Bolivia was an adventure andwe will treasure the memories from this journey forever.

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Preface

During autumn 2006 the idea of going to Bolivia to do our Master thesis wasarised. The possibility to do a Minor �eld study in a developing country �-nanced by Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency,lead to the decision of realizing this idea. The Minor �eld study scholarship�nance the expenses during an eight week study in a developing countrywith the purpose to increase understanding of Swedish development work incountries all around the world. The fact that the University of Linköpingduring several years has been cooperating with UPSA- the Private Univer-sity of Santa Cruz de la Sierra lead to the choice to place our study in SantaCruz. Santa Cruz is Bolivia's biggest city located in the east of the country,in the Tropical Amazon region.

We hope that the readers will �nd the results of our endeavours, to gain alittle bit of knowledge about this remarkable plant, bamboo, interesting andthat the qualities of this versatile material will be appreciated.

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Contents

1 Introduction 11.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.2 Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.3 Thesis Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.4 Reading Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Bamboo -a Woody Grass 52.1 Brief Bamboo History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.2 The Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.2.1 Rhizomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.2.2 Groves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.2.3 Roots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.2.4 Culms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.2.5 Nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82.2.6 Branches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.2.7 Leaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102.2.8 Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112.2.9 Seedling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112.2.10 Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122.2.11 Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.3 World Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142.4 Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2.4.1 Sympodial Bamboos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162.4.2 Monopodial Bamboos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.5 Cultivation, Curing and Harvesting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172.5.1 Cultivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172.5.2 Curing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182.5.3 Harvesting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182.5.4 Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2.6 Anatomy and Mechanical Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202.6.1 Anatomical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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2.6.2 Mechanical Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212.7 Re�nement Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

2.7.1 Drying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232.7.2 Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242.7.3 Splitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242.7.4 Bending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252.7.5 Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252.7.6 Laminating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262.7.7 Surface Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

2.8 World Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282.9 Bamboo Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

2.9.1 Constructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282.9.2 Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302.9.3 Plybamboo, Laminate and Furniture . . . . . . . . . . 302.9.4 Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322.9.5 Ecomaterial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322.9.6 Other Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322.9.7 Recently Developed Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

3 Method and Performance 353.1 Research Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353.2 Pre-Study Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

3.2.1 Brainstorming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363.2.2 Mind Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

3.3 Evaluation of Possible Working Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383.4 Delimitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383.5 The Field Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393.6 Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393.7 The Quality of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

3.7.1 Validity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403.7.2 Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

4 Bamboo in Bolivia 414.1 Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414.2 Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424.3 Bamboo Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

4.3.1 Forestal Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444.4 Bamboo Uses in Bolivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

4.4.1 Historical Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444.4.2 Modern Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

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5 Guadua Chacoensis 495.1 The Spicies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 495.2 Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 495.3 Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505.4 Mechanical Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

6 Laboratory Tests of Guadua Chacoensis 536.1 Laboratory Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

6.1.1 Tensile test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 546.1.2 Bending test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556.1.3 Hardness test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556.1.4 Specimens Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

6.2 Results of the Mechanical Properties Tests . . . . . . . . . . . 566.2.1 Tensile Test Parallel to Fibre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566.2.2 Bending Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 576.2.3 Hardness Test Perpendicular to Fibre . . . . . . . . . . 57

7 Analysis 637.1 Laboratory Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

7.1.1 Tensile Test Parallel to Fibre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 637.1.2 Bending Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 657.1.3 Hardness Test Perpendicular to Fibres . . . . . . . . . 65

7.2 SWOT-Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 667.2.1 Strengths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 677.2.2 Weaknesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 687.2.3 Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 687.2.4 Threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

7.3 Possibilities for Guadua Chacoensis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

8 Conclusions and Recommendations 71

9 Re�ections 739.1 Planning of the Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 739.2 Final Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 739.3 Further Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

A Glossary 81

B German Abstract 85

C Spanish Abstract 87

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D Results Tensile test Parallel to Fiber 89D.1 Lower Parts of Culms - A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90D.2 Upper Parts of Culm - B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

E Results Bending Test 101

F Results Hardness Test Perpendicular to Fiber 107F.1 Lower Parts of Culm - A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108F.2 Upper Parts of Culm - B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

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List of Figures

2.1 Rhizomes of a sympodial bamboo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.2 Internode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82.3 Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.4 Branches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102.5 Mature culm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132.6 World distribution of bamboo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152.7 White, blue and black bamboo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162.8 Microscope picture of Guadua chacoensis . . . . . . . . . . . . 222.9 Drying bamboo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242.10 Bamboo joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262.11 Di�erent types of laminate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272.12 Bamboo fence in Bolivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292.13 Veranda made of bamboo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312.14 Ford and chrysler cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332.15 Eco-friendly laptop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332.16 Artek bamboo table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

3.1 Mind map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

4.1 Bolivia's main bamboo growing regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424.2 Reinforced housewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454.3 Sun protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464.4 Family house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474.5 Restaurant complex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

5.1 Culms of Guadua chacoensis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505.2 Transversal cut of Guadua chacoensis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505.3 Guadua chacoensis chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

6.1 Mechanical properties testing machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 546.2 Schematic �gure over the tested specimens . . . . . . . . . . . 556.3 Tensile test specimen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

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D.1 Diagram of tensile test 1A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90D.2 Diagram of tensile test 2A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91D.3 Diagram of tensile test 3A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92D.4 Diagram of tensile test 4A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93D.5 Diagram of tensile test 7A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94D.6 Diagram of tensile test 1B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95D.7 Diagram of tensile test 2B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96D.8 Diagram of tensile test 3B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97D.9 Diagram of tensile test 4B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98D.10 Diagram of tensile test 7B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

E.1 Diagram of bending test 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102E.2 Diagram of bending test 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103E.3 Diagram of bending test 10-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104E.4 Diagram of bending test 14-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105E.5 Diagram of bending test 18-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

F.1 Diagram of hardness test 1A I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108F.2 Diagram of hardness test 1A II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108F.3 Diagram of hardness test 2A I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110F.4 Diagram of hardness test 2A II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110F.5 Diagram of hardness test 3A I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112F.6 Diagram of hardness test 3A II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112F.7 Diagram of hardness test 4A I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114F.8 Diagram of hardness test 4A II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114F.9 Diagram of hardness test 7A I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116F.10 Diagram of hardness test 7A II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116F.11 Diagram of hardness test 1B I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118F.12 Diagram of hardness test 1B II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118F.13 Diagram of hardness test 2B I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120F.14 Diagram of hardness test 2B II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120F.15 Diagram of hardness test 3B I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122F.16 Diagram of hardness test 3B II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122F.17 Diagram of hardness test 4B I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124F.18 Diagram of hardness test 4B II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124F.19 Diagram of hardness test 7B I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126F.20 Diagram of hardness test 7B II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

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List of Tables

2.1 Mechanical properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

6.1 Result of tensile test part A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 596.2 Result of tensile test part B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 606.3 Results of bending test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616.4 Results of hardness test part A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 626.5 Results of hardness test part B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

7.1 Table for comparison of tensile properties. . . . . . . . . . . . 647.2 Table for comparison of bending properties. . . . . . . . . . . 657.3 Table for comparison of hardness properties. . . . . . . . . . . 667.4 SWOT-analysis of Guadua chacoensis in Bolivia. . . . . . . . . 67

D.1 Dimensions of specimens 1A tensile test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 90D.2 Result of tensile test 1A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90D.3 Dimensions of specimens 2A tensile test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 91D.4 Result of tensile test 2A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91D.5 Dimensions of specimens 3A tensile test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 92D.6 Result of tensile test 3A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92D.7 Dimensions of specimens 4A tensile test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 93D.8 Result of tensile test 4A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93D.9 Dimensions of specimens 7A tensile test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 94D.10 Result of tensile test 7A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94D.11 Dimensions of specimens 1B tensile test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 95D.12 Result of tensile test 1B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95D.13 Dimensions of specimens 2B tensile test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 96D.14 Result of tensile test 2B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96D.15 Dimensions of specimens 3B tensile test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 97D.16 Result of tensile test 3B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97D.17 Dimensions of specimens 4B tensile test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 98D.18 Result of tensile test 4B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98D.19 Dimensions of specimens 7B tensile test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

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D.20 Result of tensile test 7B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

E.1 Dimensions of specimens bending test 1-5. . . . . . . . . . . . 102E.2 Result of bending test 1-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102E.3 Dimensions of specimens bending test 6-9. . . . . . . . . . . . 103E.4 Result of bending test 6-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103E.5 Dimensions of specimens bending test 10-13. . . . . . . . . . . 104E.6 Result of bending test 10-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104E.7 Dimensions of specimens bending test 14-17. . . . . . . . . . . 105E.8 Result of bending test 14-17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105E.9 Dimensions of specimens bending test 18-21. . . . . . . . . . . 106E.10 Result of bending test 18-21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

F.1 Result of hardness test 1A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109F.2 Result of hardness test 2A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111F.3 Result of hardness test 3A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113F.4 Result of hardness test 4A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115F.5 Result of hardness test 7.A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117F.6 Result of hardness test 1B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119F.7 Result of hardness test 2B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121F.8 Result of hardness test 3B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123F.9 Result of hardness test 4B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125F.10 Result of hardness test 7B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

xviii

Chapter 1

Introduction

The following chapter introduces the reader to the Master thesis, its back-ground, objective and structure. Some advice for the reader is also given tofacilitate the reading of the thesis.

1.1 BackgroundThroughout history, bamboo has been used in many countries for a varietyof purposes. In Asia bamboo is an important raw-material for buildings andfurniture. It is also used for making paper and for land rehabilitation andfuel. In South America bamboo grows in abundance but the bamboo in-dustry in these countries is not as developed as in Asian countries. Hence,Bolivia has great possibilities to develop the country's bamboo industry. Oneof the key ideas with this Master thesis is to make a contribution to supportthe Bolivian economy and welfare by elucidate this, hitherto undeveloped,natural resource.

Innovation and research are leading to development of new modern useswith large potential markets for this environmentally friendly material. Anumber of new technologies have been developed that enable the substitutionof bamboo for wood in a large number of applications, one of those the man-ufacturing of bamboo laminates. The Bolivian wood industry is relativelywell developed but the re�nement of bamboo has been neglected which makesthis a potential business opportunity.

During several years the University of Linköping has been cooperatingwith UPSA and this opened a possibility to do the Master thesis in Bo-livia. During the �eld work in Santa Cruz the authors were stationed at

1

Cadefor- Amazonic Center for Sustainable Forest Enterprise, a service-basednon-pro�t organization. Hopefully this Master thesis will make a contribu-tion to the bamboo industry in Bolivia by means of illuminating the potentialbusiness opportunity of this versatile material.

1.2 ObjectiveThe objective of this thesis is to study the mechanical properties of Guaduachacoensis, one of the bamboo species that grows in Bolivia. The uses ofGuadua chacoensis will brie�y be studied to analyze the possibility to diver-sify the �elds of application of this bamboo in Bolivia. The Master thesis isintended to contribute to the development of the bamboo business area inBolivia, serving as an aid for the country's bamboo research-work and furtherexpansion of its bamboo industry.

1.3 Thesis StructurePresented below is the structure of the thesis and a brief description of thecontents in each chapter.

• Chapter one, Introduction, is a short description of the thesis and itsobjective.

• Chapter two, Bamboo -a Woody Grass, contains facts and theoriesconcerning bamboo. The chapter is divided into Brief History, ThePlant, Anatomy and Mechanical Properties, Re�nement Techniquesand Uses.

• Chapter three, Method and Performance, describes the Research Ap-proach, the Pre-study Phase and the Field Study. The thesis limitationsare set and �nally the quality of the thesis is discussed.

• Chapter four, Bamboo in Bolivia, introduces the reader to bamboo inBolivia today; where it grows, species and uses.

• Chapter �ve, Guadua Chacoensis, contains facts about the species, forexample its distribution, mechanical properties and uses.

• Chapter six, Laboratory Tests of Guadua Chacoensis, describes the lab-oratory tests conducted at UPSA. The results of the tests are presentedto be further analyzed in Chapter seven.

2

• Chapter seven, Analysis, contains the analysis of the laboratory tests.The results given by the laboratorys are compared with correspondingfugures for some Swedish woods.

• Chapter eight, Conclusions and Recommendations, after the analysissome conclusions and recomendations regarding the mechanical prop-erties of Guadua chacoensis and its uses are given.

• Chapter nine, Re�ections, presents the authors re�ections about theresults, the �eld study and the thesis writing.

The nine chapters are followed by a Bibliography and Appendices.

1.4 Reading InstructionsTo facilitate the reading of the thesis report a glossary is attached in Ap-pendix A, which contains words and vocabulary used throughout the thesisreport. Mostly this is technical vocabulary concerning bamboo and its char-acteristics. In Appendices B and C the reader will �nd abstracts of the thesiscontent in German and Spanish.

For the reader who wants a quick overview of the thesis is the Abstractcombined with the Introduction and Conclusions and Recommendations sug-gested. The frame of reference in Chapter 2 is written to introduce the readerto the bamboo plant and can be disregarded by those readers already familiarto the plant. The work carried through in the studies of this Master thesisis described from Chapter 3 and forward.

In the bibliography, the references are sorted alphabetically in the follow-ing groups: reference number [1]-[6] are books, [7]-[19] academic articles, [20]-[23] master thesises, [24]-[26] technical reports, [27]-[42] electronical sourcesand [43]-[44] verbal sources. The references in the text are given in brackets;before the punctuation if it has reference to the single sentence and after thepunctuation if it concerns the whole section.

All tables and �gures without speci�c references are made by the authors.

3

4

Chapter 2

Bamboo -a Woody Grass

In the following chapter a frame of reference will be presented in order to cre-ate theoretical understanding of the bamboo plant and bamboo as a material.First an overview of the bamboo history is made to introduce the reader tothe principal subject of the thesis. After that, the chapter will describe thebamboo plant and its physical- and mechanical properties followed by re�ne-ment techniques and bamboo uses. The theories in this chapter are chosento cover many aspects of the subject �eld of this study. The authors havechosen a rather broad frame of references to be able to properly introducethis multifaceted plant and material to the reader.

2.1 Brief Bamboo HistoryNo bamboo fossils have been found and it is unknown for how long bamboohas been growing on the planet. The bamboo plant is one of the mostprimitive grasses and there are species that are believed to be more thansixty million years old. Bamboo has played an important role for humanityand will probably continuing doing so in the future. The name bamboo hasin di�erent countries shows the importance of the plant. Bamboo is namedthe "the wood of the poor" in India, "the friend of the people" in China and"the brother" in Vietnam.[3]

Bamboo is a plant that plays an important role in the daily lifeof about 2.2 billion people [41].

Many Asian cultures believe that humanity originate from a bamboostem. The Philippine creation myth tells that after a great battle between theelementary forces, the �rst man and women aroused from a bamboo culm.There is a similar legend in Malaysia, which tells about a man who sleeps

5

under a bamboo grove and has a dream about a beautiful woman. When theman wakes up and splits a bamboo culm he �nds the women from the dreaminside.[39]

Farelly[3], tells about one of the most amazing stories in the bamboohistory; when a grove of bamboo survived in the very epicenter of the �rstatomic bomb in the city of Hiroshima. This was the only living thing close tothe epicenter that held out the blast. Today a portion of this bamboo grovecan be seen in the Memorial Museum for Peace, which is built at the sameplace where the plants once grew.

2.2 The PlantBamboo is the general name for members of a particular group of large woodygrasses. There exists approximately 1 250 species of bamboo and those aredivided into 75 groups. Most bamboos are fast-growing and reach maturityin �ve years but �owers very seldom. There are species of dwarf bamboo thatcan be as small as 10 centimetres high, but tall species can reach up to 15-20metres. The largest known bamboo species Dendrocalamus giganteus is, fullymature, 40 metres high and has a culm diameter of 30 centimetres.[16]

2.2.1 RhizomesBamboo plants are divided into sympodial (tropical) and monopodial (tem-perate) species, depending on the type of root-system, also called rhizomes,they possess [3]. The rhizomes are very important in the bamboos since theycontrol when the culms develop and how they spread [17].

The sympodial bamboos have thick and short rhizomes, see Figure 2.1,and their culms grow in groups, which shape is decided from how the rhizomesspread under ground. The rhizomes of the monopodial bamboos are long withsymmetrical internodes that are longer then they are broad. The rhizomesproduce new culms and new rhizomes for up to ten years.[3] Thanks to theunderground growth of the rhizomes, and the system they create in the toplayer of the soil, bamboo is a great resource for soil preservation, erosioncontrol and protection against earthquakes [21]. A healthy and still fertilerhizome is yellow-ivory coloured and has nodes from which the culms ofthe plant rise from. In the nodes of the rhizome nutrients are stored to bedistributed to the most active part of new growth in the bamboo grove.[3]

6

Figure 2.1: Rhizomes of a sympodial bamboo [37].

2.2.2 GrovesEach individual bamboo culm is often referred to as a single isolated plant.The truth is that each culm is a branch of an underground system of growth.The culms grow up from the rhizomes and all culms in a grove are therebyconnected through the rhizomes. Each culm collects nutrient and liquidwhich is stored mutually in the rhizomes. The form of the bamboo grovedepends on how the rhizomes grow below ground. The monopodial speciesis characterized by free-standing culms while the sympodial bamboos growin thight clumps.[3]

2.2.3 RootsBamboo roots are the only part of the plant that do not grow in segmentsof nodes and internodes. The roots are thin and �brous with a cylindricalshape. The diameter of the roots does not change when the bamboo getsolder. The roots can be up to one meter long and one centimetre thick.[3]

Many bamboo species wear small roots on the culm, above ground. Theseroots are fading in the direction of the top of the plant. Those aerial rootsare predicting the possibility that the culm will be felled by a storm or otherfalling plants. If this would happen, the roots will establish new culms andrhizomes at the nodes of the fallen culm.[3]

2.2.4 CulmsDepending on the species, soil, age of stand and climate the growth of thebamboo culm varies very much. Larger species can grow between 7 to 40

7

centimetres a day. The documented growth-record is 120 centimetres inone 24-hour period and comes from Japan.[3] A mature culm can be fromten centimetres to 40 metres high [14]. The growth of the culm does notonly depend on the climate and the soil where the bamboo grows. Thematurity of the bamboo grove also in�uences. When a maximum statureand productivity for each species is reached, the culms do not grow taller orthicker. The normal lifetime of a culm is �ve to ten years but some speciesgrow culms with an age of twenty years. The bamboo culm is erect and veryoften the tip is nodding much or slightly.[3]

2.2.5 NodesThe node is the part of the culm from where the branches grow out [21].The nodes makes possible a greater �exibility and strength of the culm [20],and through their solid cross wall they provide the transversal connection,see Figure 2.2, between the internodes of the bamboo [6].

Figure 2.2: A split internode.

The nodes of the bamboo are very important for the growth and functionof the culm. The nodes enable the necessary cross-transport of water andnutrients in the plant. The nodal structure also a�ect the transportation

8

of liquid during drying and conservation and in�uence many physical andmechanical properties.[6]

The visible nodal ridge, see Figure 2.3, is created by cell di�erentiation bysome cells that are compressed when a new shoot of the bamboo is emerging.When a shoot is raising the cortex is compressed by the upper portion of thenew shoot and forced outwards. The morphology of the nodes varies greatlybetween di�erent species.[6]

Figure 2.3: A node from a young bamboo culm.

2.2.6 BranchesMost species are branching at all nodes when they are pre-mature. Variousspecies of Guadua, a South American bamboo, have thorns that can shredand cause severe damage to cloth or skin. When the culm is mature it doesnot wear branches at the lower nodes. Normally, the branches appear justabove the nodes at alternate sides of the culm, see Figure 2.4. Like the culmitself, the branches also have nodes and the branch nodes nearest the culmis often covered with small aerial roots.[3]

9

Figure 2.4: Bamboo branches.

2.2.7 LeavesThe size of the leaves of the bamboo plant varies greatly, from tiny to enor-mous [3]. According to Flores[20], there are two types of bamboo leaves:

Caulinary: These are the leaves that cover the culm from its birth untilit reaches maturity. They have a brownish colour and are provided with small�u� as a defense system. These leaves protect the culm during its growth,embracing it until they fall of when the culm has reached maturity and thebranches starts to grow out.

10

Ramifying: The coating of the ramifying leaves is ribbed and has vainsthat stretches out from the center of the leaf. These leaves are green and theamount of sunlight they absorb decide how much water the plant take up,when it �owers, when it matures and dries.

The leaf fall of many bamboo species often equals, in weight, the growth ofnew culms during the same year. The leaves of a bamboo fall o� progressivelyand are replaced by new fresh leaves.[3]

2.2.8 FlowersMost bamboos almost never �ower. The normal is once in a period from15 to 100 years [5]. The �owering cycle of bamboos is much disputed andvery mysterious since it is very hard to study [3]. The �owering pattern ofbamboos is gregarious, that is; all bamboos of the same species growing allover the planet, �ower at the same time [20]. Gregarious �owering can takeplace over small or enormous areas. Cases have been documented when theblooming started in one area and spread, taking a few years to cover theentire �owering zone. The Gregarious �owering can sometimes continue foras long as from �ve to �fteen years. Most species die after �owering.[3]

During �owering, the bamboo stops growing and all the energy of theplant is used for making tiny �owers [3]. The �ower is very small and lookslike an orchid. Its colour depends on the soil where the bamboo grows andit has a very short life, approximately 48 hours.[20]

Since the bamboos �ower so rarely, the phenomenon has been very poorlyresearched. In 1912 an investigation was carried out in Tokyo. Some seedswere sown but non of the bamboo plants, that emerged then, has �oweredyet.[3]

2.2.9 SeedlingA bamboo seed is very similar to a wheat grain in size and shape. Whengerminating, the seedling �rst develops a primary root and a primary culm.The root is the �rst to emerge and through cell division the culm follows.When cells grow longer in the zones of growth, the culm elongates like a tele-scope that opens up. When several culms have grown up, the rhizomes startto develop. When a seedling has developed a rhizome, it has the completestructure of a mature plant. The shape of the rhizome will transform duringthe maturation of the bamboo.[3]

11

2.2.10 GrowthThe largest reserve of bamboo grows in natural forests, which is the pri-mary habitat of bamboo. Bamboo also rise in plantations and homesteadsin many parts of the world.[5] The sympodial bamboos are quite sensitiveto frost since they are tropical species. The culms of the sympodial bam-boos normally grow from summer to autumn or at the beginning of the rainyseason. The increment of the plant is controlled by the levels of moisturein the soil. In warm areas with frequent rainfall during the whole year, thesympodial bamboo can continue to grow all year around. The monopodialspecies can su�er a colder climate than the sympodial ones. A monopodialbamboo can survive in temperatures around minus 20 degrees Celsius [12],and live in areas with mild winters without severe snowfall. The shootingof the monopodial species is controlled by temperature, which makes themsprout in springtime. After a bamboo has completed is growth, wich takes80 to 120 days for a sympodial bamboo and about 60 days for a monopo-dial one, the culm hardens and matures but the height and diameter of theculm do not change. Some species grow faster during night, sometimes up totwo to three times the growth by day, but other species grow faster duringdaytime.[3] According to Medrano[23], a Guadua bamboo can be said to havefour stages of maturity:

Young culm: This phase is initiated by the growth of both primary andsecondary branches. The culm is not yet so hard and has a clean surface.The coloring of the internodes is intense green and the nodes are white.

Premature culm: This stage of maturity is characterized by the fadingluster of the culm and the emerging presence of fungus on it. The culm hasnormally reached an age of two or three years at this stage and has a highlevel of resistance.

Mature culm: This is the maturity stage, see Figure 2.5, when thewhole culm is covered by fungus and the nodes in some places covered bymoss. The mature phase normally continues for one year and during thisperiod the culm starts to dry.

Over mature culm: The over mature bamboo has lost all its humidityand there is very little or non physiological activity in the culm, that at thisstage has turned yellow. The culm has lost up to 80 percent of its resistanceat this stage and starts to loose the protecting sheaths that covers the culmand branches.

12

Figure 2.5: Mature culm.

2.2.11 EnvironmentJanssen[5], writes about studies made 1990 by Billing and Gerger, who clas-si�ed the impacts of bamboo on the environment. The results of the studywere that the bamboo has many positive impacts on the environment, someof them are:

• Erosion. Bamboo grows fast, and in a short time developsan extended root system, supporting the soil and prevent-ing it from being washed away by heavy rains. The denseroof of branches and leaves protects the ground from forceful

13

tropical rains. Bamboo is a lightweight material, without aneed for heavy machinery for felling and transportation.

• Physical soil structure. The root system loosens up the soil,which was made hard and compact by exposure, machin-ery and cattle. The leaf roof protects the soil from furtherexposure.

• Ground water level. Bamboo consumes water, but this ismore than compensated by the reduced evaporation createdby the leaf roof, and by the layer of fallen leaves. Owingto the increased permeability of the soil, water run-o� is re-duced, allowing more water to penetrate the soil and therebymore water remain in the area.

• Soil fertility. This is improved by protecting the soil fromexposure and by the falling leaves providing organic mate-rial.

• Drainage by the root system and the layer of fallen leaves.• Micro and local climate. The bamboo plant is a helping

factor for stabilization of humidity and temperature.• Feeding area and habitat for fauna. Bamboo provides a rich

environment for insects, birds and some mammals.

In the study one minor negative impact was found:

• Bamboo Guadua is found to have a slight negative e�ect onthe pH-level.

2.3 World DistributionBamboo has a broad weather tolerance which leads to a rather extensivedistribution of the plant. Bamboo can live in areas with temperature rangesfrom minus 4 degrees Celsius to plus 47 degrees Celsius, rainfall extremesfrom 762 millimetres to 6 350 millimetres per year, from sea level to 3 658metres in altitude and from 46 degrees north and 47 degrees south in lati-tude, see Figure 2.6.[3]

Bamboo grows naturally in North and South America, Africa, Asia, Aus-tralia and has recently been introduced to Europe as well. Asia has an oldtradition to use and re�ne bamboo. The countries with the largest area,where bamboo is growing, are China, India, Bangladesh, Philippines and

14

Thailand. In 2003 the total world bamboo forest area was more than 22million hectares.[14]

Moisture is a determining factor for the growth of bamboo and the plantis mostly found along waterways, rice paddies or in the tropical forests andjungles and never in dry places.[3]

Figure 2.6: World distribution of bamboo [31].

2.4 SpeciesThe classi�cation of plants in genetic groups and families was made by Lin-naeus (1707-1778). The classi�cation is mainly based on the reproductivestructures of the plants, but since many bamboo species bloom so rarely,it is very di�cult to give an exact di�erentiation of its species. Bambooshave been treated as a separate family of plant by some botanists and as asubfamily of grasses by others. The correct classi�cation of the whole groupis therefore uncertain.

Since 1789, when the �rst bamboo genus, Bambusa, was described, seventy-�ve generic names and more than one thousand speci�c names have beenpublished. Each species has a need of a various type of soil and climate andhas di�erent physical properties. This makes di�erent species suitable for

15

di�erent �elds of applications.[3]

The size and colour varies broadly between the species. Most bamboospecies have green culms, but they can also be yellow, black, red, blue andwhite, see Figure 2.7. There are also canes with stripes. The blueness ofthe blue bamboo culms is often a product of new bloom powder on the newculms. When these culms come to maturity the blue colour may turn intodi�erent shades of green. An example of a white bamboo is Bambusa chungii.It got its name because the new shoots are covered in a lot of powder so thatthey appear white. One example of a black coloured bamboo is Bambusalako. It is a sympodial bamboo with an upright and vertical pro�le.[40]

Figure 2.7: White, blue and black bamboo [40].

2.4.1 Sympodial BamboosThe bamboo species can, according to Farrelly[3], broadly be divided intosympodial (tropical) and monopodial (temperate) species.

Three well known sympodial bamboos are:

Bambusa vulgaris: The Bambusa vulgaris is the world's most widely dis-tributed bamboo and grows in many di�erent type of soil and can standvarious types of weather.[3]

Bambusa textiles: The Bambusa textiles has extremely strong �bres whichmakes it convenient for �ne splitting and weaving. This makes this species

16

very suitable for baskets, mats, ropes, hats and fences.[3]

Dendrocalamus strictus: Dendrocalamus strictus is the most broadly dis-tributed species of all Indian species and it is being used in a vast volume.Since it is the most distributed species it is also the most studied.[3]

2.4.2 Monopodial BamboosSome examples of monopodial (temperate) bamboos are:

Arundinaria amabilis: The Arundinaria amabilis is from southern Chinaand was the most traded and used bamboo from 1880 to 1930. The largeculms of this species were particularly used for �shing rods, for which thisspecies is ideal.[3]

Phyllostachys bambusoides: More than 60 percent of the bamboo harvestin Japan comes from this species. Considering that Japan has 662 speciesthis is remarkable. It is well adapted for constructions and other industrialuses and is also exceptional for erosion control.[3]

Phyllostachys nigra: This species is a native to China. In the end of its�rst season it turns into a solid black color. Thereby it got its name. Phyl-lostachys nigra is, thanks to its excellent culm wood, especially appreciatedfor cabinetwork and furniture.[3]

2.5 Cultivation, Curing and HarvestingNot many bamboo species are cultivated in a controlled way. The specieswhich are used for industrial purposes are tall growing ones whit large culmdiameters. For the use in gardens, a group of small species have beendomesticated.[12]

2.5.1 CultivationAlthough most of the bamboo stock in the world grow in natural forests, itcan also be seen in plantations in some parts of the world [5]. The bambooplant prefers a fertile, well drained soil that should not be to dry. Thanks tothe system of rhizomes that �rmly anchors the plant, the bamboo helps toprevent erosion on the slopes were it often grows. A bamboo growing in acold climate prefers facing south, while a bamboo in a warm or mild climate

17

faces north.[3]

The bamboo should be planted as small plants, cuttings or o�sets, atthe start of the rainy season or in the beginning of spring [3]. The distancebetween the plants should be approximately seven metres, which equals 225plants per hectare. For an individual farmer it is hard to grow bamboo asa crop, the cultivation of bamboo is an industrial and commercial activity.The existing plantations in the world today are owned by cooperatives orcompanies. A positive aspect of growing bamboo is that it can be planted atplaces that normally are not put to any good use. A strip of land by the sideof a road or railway can be an ideal place for growing bamboo.[5] A negativeaspect of planting bamboo is the plants tendency to spread out when therhizomes elongate fairly big distances [3].

2.5.2 CuringWhen starting up a bamboo plantation the selection of the site and thespecies that will be planted is crucial. A market survey can identify thefuture uses of the bamboo and thereby help select the appropriate species.When choosing the species the local climate is also an important factor.[5]

Before planting the unwanted vegetation on the site must be taken away.The small plants, cuttings or o�sets can be taken from a natural forest orplant nursery. Since the bamboo �owers gregariously it is advisable to useplanting material from various sources to avoid the possibility to lose theentire plantation at the same time, when the plants die after blooming.[5]According to Janssen[5], it is recommendable to use herbicides during the �rsttwo years. In the third year, the bamboo can struggle with other vegetationon its own.

2.5.3 HarvestingWhile timber may need more than 100 years rotation, bamboo can normallybe harvested after three to seven years [14]. The yield of a bamboo plan-tation varies depending on the location, grove management, species and thetime since the previous cutting. There is no standardisation of how the yield�gures should be given. Sometimes the �gures are for green weight of entireplants or culms and sometimes for dried bamboo. The weight given some-times is for mature culms only and sometimes for clear cutting of all bambooat the site.[3]

18

A bamboo management problem is the over-harvest of groves at forestedges. This is due to the fact that people often chose to harvest the culmsat the shortest distance from their village. A consequence of this is that theinner part of the bamboo groves grows so thick that it is impossible to reachmature culms, ready to be harvested. [5] Since sympodial bamboos grow inclumps, it is sometimes di�cult to harvest those species. The oldest culmsthat are ready to be harvested are often surrounded by younger culms thatare still growing. The solution is to cut into the grove from the directionwere the fewest young culms grow. In this way, a minimum amount of youngculms have to be sacri�ced.[3]

According to Flores[20], there is some important aspects that needs to beconsiderated while harvesting bamboo:

• Do not fell culm less then three years old.

• If possible, harvest in winter when the insects hibernate.

• Make the cut at a maximum height of 25-35 centimetres from groundlevel and always above the node. This is to avoid �uid gathering in theculm that would a�ect the rhizomes negatively.

• Do not harm the shots and small plants that surround the chosen culm.

• Before felling the culm, be aware of the age of it and its future use.

• Facilitate the drying of the culm by leaving it in a vertical position,leaning on its branches or towards a support, at the site of felling.

• Just cut the culms that has been chosen for use.

• When felling the culms, make sure to leave enough mature culms toprotect the smaller plants against wind and direct sunlight.

• Remove the felled culms in 10-15 days after felling.

• Store the felled culms vertically in a covered and protected place.

2.5.4 InsectsIf bamboo is not treated with wood preservatives or kept very dry, it is easilyattacked by insects [39]. There are various kinds of insects that can attackbamboo. The attacks reduce the vitality of the plant and prevent the in-crement. The insects that attack the bamboo have natural enemies, which

19

control the populations of these insects in natural stands of bamboo. Be-cause of this natural control of the insects, the attacks are not consideredserious in natural stand of bamboo that has a good biodiversity and stablepopulation. In Asia, more than 800 species of insects that attack bamboohas been recognized.[36]

In Asia, there exists more than 50 species of insects that can destroy �n-ished bamboo products or felled culms. This should be considered a seriousthreat to the Asian bamboo industry because the damages can have a bigeconomical impact, for example in big constructions.[36]

Unfortunately, in most cases the insect attacks are prevented with thehelp of non-environmentally friendly and poisonous products.

2.6 Anatomy and Mechanical PropertiesThe mechanical properties of a bamboo culm are determined by its anatom-ical structure [6]. Below, the anatomical structure of bamboo is brie�y de-scribed before its mechanical properties are presented.

2.6.1 Anatomical StructureAccording to the anatomic study of bamboo made by Liese[6], the variationbetween di�erent bamboo species can be seen as rather small. These dif-ferences between the species are of taxonomic value and they have in�uenceon properties and processing. Bamboo has no radial cells, like trees haverays, to transport liquids and nutrients. In the bamboo plant it is the nodethat provides the transportation of those substances. The outer part of theculm, the cortex, acts as a tissue protector and water blockader. The cellsare di�erent in di�erent part of the culm; they are vertically along the culmlength and transversally across the culm wall.[6]

Structure of the Internode

Most species possess hollow internodes where a culm wall is surrounding alarge cavity, but few species have solid internodes. A culm consists of approx-imately 52 percent parenchyma, 40 percent �bres and 8 percent conductingtissue. The outer third part of the culm contains about 50 percent of all the�bres of the stem.[6]

20

Structure of the NodeThe nodes of a bamboo culm are the repeated scars in the sheath that coversthe whole culm. A young bamboo has white nodes which can clearly be seenin contrast to the green internodes.

The cells in the nodal area di�er signi�cantly in size and form from thecells in the internodes [6]. The essential chemical components of bambooare cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin [10]. Hemicellulose and cellulose makeup more than 50 percent of the total chemical components in bamboo [7].Lignin is also an important chemical component which acts as a binder forthe cellulose �bres.[10]

The nodes have an immense in�uence on the mechanical strength of theculm. The shorter �bres and distorted vascular bundles of the node lead tohigher density, lower volume shrinkage and lower tensile strength than theinternodes.[6]

2.6.2 Mechanical PropertiesBamboo is an anisotropic material; the properties in the longitu-dinal direction are completely di�erent from those in transversaldirection. In the longitudinal direction there are the cellulose�bers, which are strong and sti�. In the transversal directionthere is lignin, which is soft and brittle. Therefore, bamboo isa unidirectionally reinforced composite with comparatively littletangential capacity.[5]

The density decide the mechanical properties of a culm [6]. According to thestudies of Liese[6], the density of the bamboo depends on the �bre content,�bre diameter and cell wall thickness. Therefore the mechanical propertiesvary signi�cantly within a culm and between species. The density varies ap-proximately between 0,5 and 0,9 g/cm3. The �bre distribution varies in theculm; the outer part of the culm has denser distribution of �bres than theinner part, see Figure 2.8, which means that the outer part has a far higherdensity than the inner part.[6]

The base is the hardest and most resistant part of the bamboo culm [13],and the bending strength is two to three times higher on outer parts thaninner parts. The density increases upward the culm, thanks to the thinnerculm wall with a higher compactness of vascular bundles. Older culms have

21

Figure 2.8: Microscope picture of Guadua chacoensis.

higher density than young culms.[6] In Table 2.1 some mechanical propertiesof bamboo can be seen.

Density [kg/m3] 600-800Young's modulus [MPa] 15 000-20 000Tensile strength [MPa] 160-320Compressive strength [MPa] 60-100Flexural strength (modulus of rupture) [MPa] 80-160Elongation [%] 2.88-3.52

Table 2.1: Mechanical properties of bamboo [33].

In spite of the fact that bamboo is a grass, it has many similarities towood. The cell construction and the properties of bamboo resemble thestructure of wood. Like earlier mentioned, the bamboo culm is harder on theouter parts then the inner. The wood has reverse structure with a hard cen-tre and is weaker in the outer parts. This is an advantage for bamboo, whichgrounds a more stable construction.[42] Another advantage is that bamboodoes not have rays liker woods. Rays are channels necessary for transporta-

22

tion of food, mainly sugar, but they weaken the material. This leads to thefact that bamboo often is stronger than wood.[5]

When bamboo is being compared with construction steel, one importantaspect is that constructing in steel needs 50 times more energy than bamboo.Bamboo is a good alternative to steel when it comes to tensile loading. Thisis due to the fact that bamboo has a six times higher quotient between tensilestrength and density than steel. When the humidity content increases thephysical and mechanical properties also increases.[11]

2.7 Re�nement TechniquesWhen it comes to the processes of re�ning bamboo, very few books andarticles are available. This is the result of that the knowledge about howto re�ne bamboo in traditional ways, has been passed on from father to sonfor centuries. The knowledge has not been transcribed to be published andspread to others. The following section gives a very brief overview of themost common re�nement techniques.

2.7.1 DryingDepending on the species, site of growth and felling, a green bamboo culmcan have very high moisture content. In comparison to wood, bamboo takelonger time to dry and since there is a risk of deformation a quick drying ispreferable.[28]

Kiln Drying: Whole culms that are kiln dried often shows cracking andtherefore kiln drying is not recommended in these cases. However, kiln dry-ing is usable for split bamboos.[28]

Air Drying: Depending on the initial moisture content in the culm andthe wall thickness, air drying takes approximately six to twelve weeks. Insome species non-uniform shrinkage and excessively shrinkage causes collapsethat makes the culm useless. Those problems are most often seen in dryingof young culms, hence it is recommended that only mature culms are used fordrying. Fewer problems are seen in drying of split bamboos. Split bambooscan even be dried in open sun-light without any problems. To acceleratethe drying of whole bamboos they can be dried in an upright position, seeFigure 2.9. Split bamboo can pro�tably also be dried placed in an uprightposition.[28]

23

Figure 2.9: Bamboo culms drying.

2.7.2 Cutting

The easiest way to cut bamboo in desired lengths is with a saw [3]. It is im-portant that the tools are sharp, since this prevent tearing and splitting [4].

A common belief in many countries where bamboo grows, is that thephase of the moon during which the bamboo is felled, is correlated with thepossibility to latter insect attacks. There is no scienti�c basis to this belief.[4]

2.7.3 Splitting

Di�erent splitting techniques have been developed in di�erent countries.Those are often very simple and depending on the thickness of the culmwall, di�erent tools are used.[4] The most common tool for splitting bamboois a sharp machete. The blade is forced through the culm to separate thepieces from each other. To be able to fasten the process of splitting bam-boo, techniques have been developed for dealing with large amounts of rawmaterial.[3]

24

2.7.4 BendingAccording to Farrelly[3], bamboo can be bent by heating it or by soakingit �rst. When heating the bamboo, the mortar holding the �bers becomes�exible and it is possible to bend the material to a desired shape. The shapeto which the bamboo is formed is preserved after cooling.

2.7.5 JointsThe best placements for joints are near nodes, since the internodes are hol-low and can therefore break relatively easy. Making joints in bamboo is nottrivial since the culm is hollow, not perfectly circular and has nodes at vary-ing distances. All these restrictions have to be considered while designing ajoint.[5] Typical jointing can be seen in Figure 2.10.

Janssen[5], arranges the di�erent joints into eight groups, depending onhow the jointed pieces are arranged in relation to each other, and if jointedfrom the inside or outside of the culm. In the groups, di�erent ways of puttingthe pieces together exists; lashes of di�erent types and pins of steel or wood.Four of the groups Janssen mentions are:

• Full cross section. This group is characterized by contact ofthe full cross-section of the bamboo culm. Mostly lashing isused to keep the bamboo culm in position.

• From inside to an element parallel. In most cases, the hollowof the bamboo is �lled with material like cement, mortar ora piece of timber, after which the jointing moves into thebetter known area of joints between steel bars or woodenpieces.

• From inside to an element perpendicular.• For split bamboo. This too is a modern development. Thin

pieces of galvanized steel fastened with nails. Used in prefab-ricated housing. Besides glue, nails or pieces of galvanizedsteel also can act as jointing material.

Janssen[5], further tells that sca�oldings made of jointed bamboo culms,are an extraordinary example of good jointing. The culms are jointed to-gether with lashes of bamboo and it is important to apply the strips wet, sothat the shrinkage leads to a perfect bonding.

25

Figure 2.10: Bamboo joints.

2.7.6 LaminatingIn general, laminated bamboo boards are manufactured from monopodialbamboos. The boards are close to wood when it comes to the qualitiesand appearance. Laminated bamboo is very suitable for �ooring and fur-niture and can replace wood in doors and window-frames and many otherapplications.[8]

The process of laminating bamboo begins with the translation of thebamboo culms into strips with a uniform rectangular shape. After dryingthe strips into the right moisture content an adhesive is applied on the sidesof each one. The strips are pressed together to get a good bonding. Whenlaminating, the strips can be placed against each other in two di�erent ways.

26

Depending on the position of the strips the laminate is denominated verticalor horizontal.[8] In Figure 2.11 vertical and horizontal laminates can be seen.

Figure 2.11: Vertical and horizontal laminates.

When manufacturing bamboo laminates, the wall thickness and the di-ameter of the culm have in�uence on the manufacturing process and the endresult. These two parameters limit the size of the bamboo strips which areglued together when making laminates. According to Bansal et.al [8], thecolour of the laminate can be darkened by steaming the bamboo strips be-fore drying them. The temperature of the steam and the time of steamingdecide the nuance developed. A higher temperature and a longer steamingtime gives a darker colour.[8]

2.7.7 Surface Treatment

The �nishing method depends on the end-use of the bamboo and also thespeci�c product. Some possible surface treatments are smoking, lacqueringand painting.[4]

27

2.8 World MarketThe bamboo world market had in 2003 reached a level of 10 billion US dollarsand is growing, thanks to the increasing demand of environmentally friendlygreen bamboo products. Today the bamboo industry has an important rolein providing food, housing and income generation for about 2.2 billion peoplein the world.[19]

The world population and economy are growing at the same time as thedemand for wood and wood products are increasing and the world forestsare shrinking. One possible solution to this problem is broader exploitationand use of wood substitutes.[14] Bamboo has an immense potential as woodsubstitute as it is fast growing. In this area, as wood substitute, bamboo'spotential is strengthen by the fact that it is a wide spread, low cost andenvironmental friendly plant.[19] Suitable areas for further development andpenetration are �ooring, furniture, buildings, constructions, panels, paperand bamboo for plywood.[12]

2.9 Bamboo UsesIn terms of diversity, distribution and uses, bamboo is the unri-valled leader in the world of plants. There are over 1 500 docu-mented uses for bamboo, and more are being discovered by mod-ern science and technology.[6]

Bamboo can be re�ned in small craft based companies at village levelbut also in more modern high technological industries. Bamboo and bamboo�bre can be used in a wide range of applications, from simple handicrafts tomore advanced �bre-based products.[19]

2.9.1 ConstructionsBamboo products are hard and durable, which makes the material a suit-able substitute for wood in many �elds of application. One example isconstructions.[12]

Bridges: In China and Asia there are bamboo bridges of many designs.Cables of bamboo �bres were the �rst material used for suspension bridges.Five centimetres thick bamboo cables can be spanned up to 76 metres andmanage to support four tons without central support.[3]

28

Waterstorage: Cement tanks reinforced with bamboo have been usedas an alternative to aluminium tanks. The cement tanks proved to be fourtimes cheaper than galvanized steel tanks of equal size. Other uses are wa-terwheels, water pipes and water systems.[3]

Fences: Farrelly[3], gives examples of how bamboo can be used in thegarden; functional walls around properties, fences for animals and decora-tion. In Figure 2.12 a typical fence for animals can be seen.

Figure 2.12: A fence of bamboo in Bolivia.

Sca�olding: In many countries in Asia is bamboo used for constructionof sca�oldings. In comparison to steel sca�olding, the sca�olding made outof bamboo are well known for its low costs and ability to resists hurricanes.[5]

Cases are known wherein bamboo sca�olds survived hurricanesthat blew away steel ones as if they were matchsticks.[5]

In spite of these advantages, bamboo sca�olding faces strong competitionfrom steel sca�olding. If bamboo sca�olding is going to be spread to otherparts of the world it is very important with a standardized system.[5]

29

2.9.2 BuildingsSince hundreds of years, bamboo is used for constructions like houses, build-ings and other structures [15].

Housing: The qualities and distribution of bamboo make it an excel-lent material for easy built and cheap houses. Like earlier mentioned, it is alightweight material with a strength that is large in relation to its weight.[5]Today approximately one billion people in the world live in bamboo houses[9]. One negative aspect is that the bamboo should not be in contact withwet soil, see Figure 2.13. Therefore the bamboo culms need to be extendedat the lower end, for example with concrete, to prevent decomposition.[5]

In many parts of the world bamboo is still considered as the poor manstimber and Janssen[5], writes about examples were people have made theirbamboo houses look like concrete houses. These processes, mixing bamboowith concrete, weaken the structure of the houses and expose the lives ofthe people living there to danger. The problem is the bonding between thebamboo and the concrete. The bamboo wants to absorb water when theconcrete is poured around it. When the concrete dries and gets harder, thebamboo also dries and shrinks.

Janssen[5], gives an example of a calculation that has been made. It iscalculated that 70 hectare of bamboo plantation is su�cient to build 1 000bamboo houses per year. If these houses were built with timber instead, 600hectare of natural forest would have been devastated each year.

Storerooms: One also important area that Farrelly[3], writes about ishow bamboo is being used for building simple, low-cost, small-scale systemsfor storage and preservation of crops. These storerooms are important forenlarging the supply of food and make it more available to people.

Temporary Shelter: Bamboo is also a well suited material for buildingtemporary shelter that can be put up in only a few hours.[3]

2.9.3 Plybamboo, Laminate and FurniturePlybamboo: Plybamboo is plywood made of bamboo. A positive aspect isthat the process of manufacturing plybamboo can start at village level andend up in a modern factory.[5]

30

Figure 2.13: A bamboo veranda.

Laminate: A future possible large �eld of application is laminate. Newtechniques of lamination can be of importance to modern industrial design.[3]Examples of applications for bamboo laminate are furniture and �ooring.

Furniture: Bamboo has since a long time been used for furniture, oftenit is the straight culm that is used. Furniture is a good example of a productthat can be made with simple tools at village level.[5]

31

2.9.4 PaperPaper made out of bamboo has a nearly two thousand year long tradition inAsian countries. The �rst seventeen hundred years the paper was made byhand. The following centuries new methods and processes for paper makingwere developed, and today India leads the bamboo paper production.[3]

Bamboo matures very fast in comparison with woods. This leads to thefact that bamboo can provide two to six times as much cellulose per areacompared to pine. It is predicted that the quantity of bamboo pulp willincrease dramatically because of the advantages bamboo has.[3]

2.9.5 EcomaterialBamboo has several important ecological roles such as �ood tamer, soilbinder, windbreaker and earthquake neutralizer. It can also be used forfuel production and as carbon dioxide converter.

Fuel: Farrelly[3], explains that bamboo is an environmental friendly ma-terial and that the harvesting does not disturb the soil, which makes it wellsuited for fuel production. Another positive aspect is that bamboo is a re-newable energy source with an annual increase of 10 to 30 percent.

Carbon dioxide converter: Bamboo consists of cellulose and ligninthat both contain much carbon. This means that bamboo needs a lot of car-bon to grow. Bamboo acts as a carbon dioxide converter that absorb carbonfrom the air and store it in a process called carbon sequestration.[5]

Bamboo generates up to 35 percent more oxygen then the same amountof trees [30]. In a project run by the Environmental Bamboo Foundation,individuals are given a way to balance their personal carbon dioxide outputby buying a share of a bamboo forest.[29]

2.9.6 Other UsesBecause of bamboo's rich amount of �elds of application all uses can notbe mentioned. But some other uses of bamboo worth mentioning are: food,health products, medicines, decoration and utensils.

32

2.9.7 Recently Developed UsesFord Motor Company has recently presented a concept car, see Figure 2.14,with a futuristic combination of materials: bamboo, aluminium and carbon-�bre. On the Tokyo motor show 2005 the car company Chrysler presentedan idea of a future car, see Figure 2.14, with interior in recyclable materialand bamboo �ooring.

Figure 2.14: Ford concept car [32], and Chrysler future car [35].

The computer hardware company Asus has developed an eco-friendly lap-top, see Figure 2.15. The laptop case is covered in bamboo and all the plasticin it is labelled and recyclable. There are no paints or sprays used on its com-ponents and the upgrading of components has been made easier.

Figure 2.15: Asus eco-friendly laptop with a bamboo case [38].

The Finish furniture company Artek has recently released a collection ofbamboo furniture, consisting of tables and chairs, see Figure 2.16.

For spring 2007, the clothing �rm Northface added new bamboo clothesto their ecoCloth Collection. The cloths consists of cotton and bamboo �bres.

33

Figure 2.16: Artek bamboo table [27].

34

Chapter 3

Method and Performance

The following chapter describes the method and performance of the Masterthesis. The delimitations of the thesis are also presented.

3.1 Research ApproachBamboo is probably the fastest-growing and highest yielding nat-ural resource and construction material available to mankind [18].

In spite of the statement above, bamboo has not yet reached its fully po-tential in Europe. Just recently, European engineers and designers have dis-covered this multifunctional highly environmentally friendly material. Bothauthors of this Master thesis are students of Industrial Engineering, spe-cialised in Wood Technology. Although bamboo is a grass, this material ishighly interesting to anyone working with wood and wood-products. Duringautumn 2006 the authors of this report read several articles about the intro-duction of bamboo products on the Swedish market, mostly �ooring, hencethe interest of studying bamboo for the Master thesis. The fact that bam-boo does not grow in Sweden and the co-operation beteween the Universityof Linköping and UPSA led to the choice of going to Bolivia to learn moreabout bamboo.

3.2 Pre-Study PhaseThe Pre-study phase began in Sweden in January 2007 at the University ofLinköping. During spring, litterature studies were carried out to obtain moreknowledge about bamboo. Both books and a large number of academicalarticles were reviewed. Preliminary contacts in Bolivia were established to

35

be able to visit forest communities and companies working with bamboo inthe Santa Cruz region. In April the same year the authors attended to acourse in Gothenburg, which was arranged by Sida, to get information abouthow it is to live and work in a developing country.

3.2.1 BrainstormingOnce in Santa Cruz the research objective of the Master thesis was to bedecided. The authors brainstormed about possible areas to work within to beable to determine the course of the study. The brainstorming was carried outtogether with Mr. Luis Fernando Ortiz, an Industrial Engineering studentat UPSA, also doing his Master thesis on the subject of bamboo.

3.2.2 Mind MapThe brainstorming process was summarized in a mind map, see Figure 3.1,to give an overview of the conceivable areas of the study. The subhead-ings are listed without any relative order. Some areas discussed during thebrainstorming process are not included in the mind map due to their vaguerelevance for the thesis's outcome.

36

Figure 3.1: Possible working areas summarised in a Mind map.

37

3.3 Evaluation of Possible Working Areas

After summarizing the possible working areas in the mind map, an evalua-tion of each category was made. This evaluation was conducted verbally bythe authors together with Mr. Luis Fernando Ortiz. The possible workingareas were discussed and evaluated with consideration for the relevancy andthe accessible resources, both monetary ones and those concerning the spaceof time, for the Master thesis. Furthermore, the authors personal interestswere taken into account when choosing the working area of the thesis.

The country's lack of information about the mechanical properties ofnative bamboos lead to the choice of studying this area. After the discussionand evaluation of possible working areas the objective in Section 1.2 wasformulated.

3.4 Delimitations

The thesis's frame of reference, in Chapter 2, is deliberately extensive to get awide-ranged knowledge about bamboo. This makes it necessary to delimitatethe research to a speci�c objective hence many interesting areas described inthe frame of reference are not further investigated. The total amount of timeaccessible to carry out the Master thesis is 20 weeks, 13 of those consists ofthe �eld study in Santa Cruz. The restricted time-frame and the availableequipment constitute themselves in important limitations for the researchwork.

The authors chose to study the mechanical properties of Guadua chacoen-sis, a bamboo species native to Bolivia. A brief study of the uses of Guaduachacoensis will be carried out. No market research will be made concerningbamboo. The market of bamboo products will only be brie�y discussed.

There are no existing standards about how to conduct mechanical propertiestest of bamboo. Therefore the authors used standards for wood as a guid-ance. Due to the limited time and resources the number of specimens testedhad to be limited. For the same reasons the mechanical tests were limitedto; tensile test parallel to �bre, bending test and hardness test perpendicularto �bre.

38

3.5 The Field StudyBetween 4th of July and 19th of September 2007 the authors were stationedin Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to carry through the �eld study. Cadefor o�eredthe possibility to a working place at their head quarter o�ce in Santa Cruzand the knowledge and experience of the employees was available during thewhole stay. UPSA made laboratory equipment available to facilitate themechanical properties tests supervised by Gastón Mejia, Jorge Zeballos andGustavo Quinteros. The contacts in Santa Cruz, made by the Universityof Linköping, and intermediated by Stig Algstrand, were used to get usefulinformation about bamboo in Bolivia.

During the �eld study theoretical studies were made, collecting local andinternational information about bamboo and Guadua chacoensis in particu-lar. The laboratory tests were prepared and conducted during a period ofnine weeks. To get a deeper understanding of the material and its originseveral localities of the plant were visited, among them Buena Vista andAscención de Guarayos.

3.6 AnalysisThe results of the mechanical properties tests were analysed through compar-ison with corresponding mechanical properties of oak, birch, ash, beech andpine. To give further references to the reader some comparison with steel andaluminium alloys were made. Steel and aluminium are common constructionmaterials and are also used in many other applications that are the sameas for bambu. Since there exist many di�erent steels and aluminium alloysthe comparison was made with the types that have uses similar to those forbamboo.

To be able to analyse the future possibilities of Guadua chacoensis in Bo-livia a SWOT-analysis was made followed by brainstorming, where di�erent�elds of application were discussed.

3.7 The Quality of the StudyTo be able to utilize the results given by this Master thesis in a suitable way,it is important to do an analysis of the quality of the study. The validity andthe reliability of the thesis are discussed in the following section.

39

3.7.1 ValidityIn spite of the fact that bamboo grows in abundance in Bolivia, very fewinvestigations of the material and its possibilities have been made. No in-vestigations about the mechanical properties of Guadua chacoensis has beenpublished. Due to this fact this Master thesis can be valuable as a �rst initia-tive to further investigation of the bamboo species native to Bolivia. Throughampli�ed knowledge of bamboo, the potentials of the Bolivian bamboo indus-try can be illuminated and thereby more sources of income can be created.

3.7.2 ReliabilityDue to lack of resources, as for example precise carpentry equipment, thespecimens could not be given exactly the same dimensions and the moisturecontent could not be explicitly measured. The �ve culms tested, all camefrom the same location, they are believed to be representative to the speciesbut this can not be con�rmed.

40

Chapter 4

Bamboo in Bolivia

Approximately 44 percent of the surface of Bolivia consists of forests. Theforested area of Bolivia constitute in seven percent of the total Tropical Ama-zon, which makes Bolivia number six of the worlds countries with tropicalforests. Historically Bolivia has, in comparison to the volume of the resource,not taken advantage of its forest resources.[21]

In South America the value of the bamboo plant and its variety of useshave been appreciated since the time of the Incas. Bamboo has been used inthe majority of all the prehispanic cultures since more then 5000 years ago.It has been used for trade, housing and fences, alimentation, weapons, musicinstruments and medicine among many other fundamental functions.[2]

4.1 DistributionNo �gures of how much bamboo that grows in Bolivia exist. The majorityof the areas where bamboo grows in abundance are indigenous territories,where the native Indians use the resource for a variety of domestic purposes.In some areas the bamboo forests are converted into agricultural land andpastures by large landowners. The area with the biggest stock of bamboo isthe department of Santa Cruz.[24]

The main bamboo growing areas in Bolivia can be seen in Figure 4.1. Thenumbers in the �gure relate to areas where di�erent species grow. Numberthree is for Guadua chacoensis.

41

Figure 4.1: Bolivia's main bamboo growing regions are marked [24].

4.2 SpeciesThe �rst taxonomy study of bamboo in Bolivia was made in 2004. In spiteof this study, the number of bamboo species in the country is still veryuncertain. Di�erent sources give di�erent answers according to the questionabout the number of bamboo species in Bolivia. Some quantities mentionedare 23-27 species [44], 24 species [25] and 42 species [43].

42

4.3 Bamboo IndustryThe bamboo sector in Bolivia is still in its infancy. The �rst bamboo investi-gations in Bolivia were not initialised until the 21th century. The knowledgeof the geographic distribution of bamboo and the taxonomy of the species inthe country was insigni�cant until 2004.[20]

There are no existing bamboo plantations in Bolivia, with the exceptionof some small plantations in central Bolivia, in the province of Florida. Inthis region, bamboo shoots are produced by locals with Japanese origin andused only for consumption.[24]

To be able to o�cially exploit bamboo, and other forest products, a per-mit from the Bolivian forest department in each provincial capital is needed.Since it is very costly and complicated to obtain this permit, many of theones who exploit and transport bamboo in Bolivia, does this illegally.[24]

In Bolivia there is a big lack of awareness on the multi-functionality ofthe bamboo and often the resources is wasted through burning and slashmethods. Bamboo is often perceived as a weed that is invading the land andis considered a problem for agricultural production. This view has lead todevastation and waste of bamboo resources that could be valuable to manypeople.[24]

The existing capacity of the bamboo industry is considered low, comparedto the resource available in the country. The Bolivian forest raw material arefound in the provinces of Santa Cruz, Beni and Pando and the wood indus-try, which is a very active sector of the economy, is located in the vicinitiesof Santa Cruz, La Paz and Cochabamba. The number of companies workingwith forest products is not clear, but there exists around 1 100 companiesthat are legally known.[22]

Janssen[5], presents results from studies that shows how the bamboo in-dustry can make a contribution to alleviate poverty through counteractingunemployment:

One ton of bamboo in the craft sector can generate an averageof 150 working days. This means that two tons of bamboo isenough to employ one person for one year. One hectare of bambooplantation can easily yield 20 tons per year, thus providing jobsfor 10 people in the community.

43

4.3.1 Forestal CommunitiesBamboo is an important traditional product for many indigenous communi-ties in Bolivia. For other communities, which are not using bamboo today,it could be an alternative to crop and an alternative income source. Uncon-trolled burning of the land and expansion of big cattle pastures is a greatmenace to the bamboo forests. Although new applications of the plant arefound, this is still a very big threat to the natural resource. Ranchers burnthe bamboo before the rain season, to kill insects and parasites and encouragenew growth, which serves as food for the cattle.[24]

4.4 Bamboo Uses in BoliviaDi�erent species are suitable for di�erent purposes, depending on their tech-nical properties. In Bolivia, bamboo has traditionally been used by the na-tive Indians for manufacturing of musical instruments, like �utes and violins,fences and baskets.[24]

It is very hard to �nd any statistics or �gures about the utilization, com-mercialization and exportation of bamboo in Bolivia. One of the biggestreasons for this fact is that the governmental institutions, national non-governmental organizations and external organizations does not appreciatethis natural resource or give it any special attention. As a consequence ofthis lack of awareness, no policies or plans have been developed for the use,re�nement or conservation of the natural bamboo forests.[24]

In some areas the bamboo can be seen used in di�erent types of construc-tion works, but in most regions the bamboo is re�ned with old techniquesand inadequate methods. However, more industrial manufacturing methodsare being used in some areas for the production of furniture and handicraftswhich are sold on the market.[24] Figure 4.2 shows an example of how bam-boo is used in constructions. The wall in the �gure is reinforced with bambooculms.

4.4.1 Historical UsesMany Indians living in the Andes fabricate music instruments of bamboo.Those instruments are manufactured with the purpose of use in culturalevents, like traditional celebrations, or for the tourist industry and exportmarket. The Bolivian musical instruments made of bamboo plays an impor-

44

Figure 4.2: A housewall reinforced with bamboo culms.

tant role for the identity and cultural expression of the native people.[24]

Other not so common uses of the bamboo in Bolivia is the use in construc-tions, see Figure 4.3, housing, see Figure 4.4, fencing, land rehabilitation,soil conservation, water systems, tools, baskets and in the manufacturing ofhandicrafts. In areas where bamboo grow in abundance and there is a lackof �rewood, the plant is used as fuel for heating houses and cooking.[24]

45

Figure 4.3: Overhanging roof for sun protection.

4.4.2 Modern UsesSeveral species of bamboo are increasingly used for ornamental purposes, andfor the manufacturing of furniture and bigger constructions such as gardensheds or houses, see Figure 4.5.[24]

46

Figure 4.4: Family house constructed with bamboo.

47

Figure 4.5: Restaurant complex and childrens playing area.

48

Chapter 5

Guadua Chacoensis

Guadua chacoensis is together with Guadua angustifolia, believed to be themost frequent bamboo species in Bolivia. The species is native to SouthAmerica and grows in large quantities.

5.1 The SpiciesGuadua chacoensis, see Figure 5.1, is a sympodial species. Its culms can beup to 20 meters high and have a diameter of 10-12 centimetres. The culm isstraight but inclines at the top and has hollow internodes. The leaves have alenght of 10-13 centimetres and a width of 5-8 millimetres.[26] A transversalcut of Guadua chacoensis can be seen in Figure 5.2.

Family: Gramineae (Poaceae)Subfamily: BambusoideaeSpecies: Guadua chacoensisNative names: Tacuara, Tacuarembó, Bambú, Guadua

5.2 DistributionGuadua chacoensis grows in tropical forests, most commonly near rivers.The plant prefers clayed and sandy soil. In Bolivia it is distributed in areassituated in altitudes between 260 and 400 metres above mean sea level, inthe provinces of Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. In the province of Santa Cruzit grows in the areas of Ichilo and Guarayos, in Cochabamba in the area ofCarrasco.[26]

49

Figure 5.1: Culms of Guadua chacoensis.

Figure 5.2: Transversal cut of Guadua chacoensis.

5.3 UsesAs already mentioned in Chapter 4, no o�cial information about the useof bamboo and Guadua chacoensis in Bolivia exists. According to Gorena

50

[21], the species is used for baskets, carpets, constructions, furniture, handi-crafts and fences. The authors of this thesis have observed the use of Guaduachacoensis for constructions, furniture, see Figure 5.3, handicrafts and fences.

Figure 5.3: A chair made of Guadua chacoensis.

5.4 Mechanical PropertiesPrior to this Master thesis no investigations about the mechanical propertiesof Guadua chacoensis have been published. See Chapter 6 and Chapter 7 forthe results of the mechanical properties tests.

51

52

Chapter 6

Laboratory Tests of GuaduaChacoensis

The objective of this Master thesis is to study the mechanical properties ofGuadua chacoensis. This was accomplished by examine the tensile strength,bending strength and the hardness of the species. The authors carried out thetests at UPSA. Below the procedure and reults of the mechanical propertiestests are presented.

6.1 Laboratory StandardsThere are no existing standards describing how to carry through tests ofthe mechanical properties of bamboo. An ISO standard is currently beingdeveloped but has not yet been approved by ISO, the International Organisa-tion for Standardisation. The lack of a bamboo-testing standard submittedthe authors to use a standard for wood. While conducting the mechanicalproperties tests of bamboo, the authors used the following South-Americanstandards as a guidance:

Tension: Copant 742Bending: Copant 555Hardness: Copant 465

Some adjustments of the size of the specimens were made due to the hol-low characteristics of the bamboo culm, that limits the dimensions of thespecimens. The tests were carried out using a mechanical properties testingmachine, see Figure 6.1.

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Figure 6.1: Mechanical properties testing machine.

6.1.1 Tensile testThrough a tensile test the force required to break a specimen can be mea-sured. The Young's modulus can be determined and the data can be used toanalyse the tensile strength of the material. The specimen is placed verticallyin the grips of a tensile test machine and a pulling force is applied until thespecimen breaks.

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6.1.2 Bending testIn a three point bending test the specimen is placed lying on top of twoholders with a predetermined distance between them. A compressive load isapplied at half the distance between the holders, in other words in the middleof the specimens length. While the load is applied the modulus of elasticityis measured together with the �exural stress and strain.

6.1.3 Hardness testThe hardness is tested by forcing a steel ball, with a known diameter, intothe material. The diameter of the indentation in the specimen is measuredand the Brinell hardness can be calculated when the applied load is known.

6.1.4 Specimens PreparationThe specimens were prepared from �ve di�erent bamboo culms felled in thesame grove. The culms were felled between 25th and 30th of June 2007 in SanPablito, 250 kilometers from Santa Cruz. The �ve culms were all betweenthree and four years old and were randomly chosen. Each culm, with a lengthof three meters, was divided in two pieces with equal length, see Figure 6.2.

Figure 6.2: Schematic �gure over the tested specimens.

Directly after dividing the culms the end of the pieces were painted, toprevent humidity to disappear through the ends and make the culms dryhomogeneously. After painting the ends, the culms were brought to Santa

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Cruz to be sawed into thin specimens and air-dried during a period of eightto twelve weeks. For each test, specimens from the lower part of the culmand the upper part of the culm was prepared. When the specimens wereprepared, no consideration was taken regarding the location of the nodesat each specimen. The specimens from the lower part was marked withan A, and the specimens from the upper part was marked with a B. Allspecimens were labeled according to the following pattern: XYPrZ, wereX is the number of the culm and Y is the part of the culm. Pr stands forProbeta which means specimen in Spanish and consequently Z is the specimennumber. For example, the �rst tested specimen from part B of culm number2 was labled 2BPr1.

6.2 Results of the Mechanical Properties TestsIn this section, the results of the mechanical properties tests are presentedin a comprehensive format. In the bottom of each table the mean, mini-mum and maximum value can be seen. The complete results can be seen inAppendices D, E and F.

6.2.1 Tensile Test Parallel to FibreFor the tensile test 40 specimens was tested; 20 from part A of the culm and20 from part B. The specimen, which had a rectangular shape with a waist,see Figure 6.3, had the following dimensions [mm]:

Width: 9.2-11.9Thickness: 5.2-7.5Length: 247-263

The specimens were placed in the machine and load was applied until theybroke. The maximum load, the tensile stress at maximum load, the extensionat maximum load and the Young's modulus were measured.

The complete results of the tensile test is presented in Appendix D and

Figure 6.3: Tensile test specimen.

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a summary of those are presented in Table 6.1 and Table 6.2. The averageof the Young's modulus for the tensile test is 11 185 MPa and the average ofthe tensile stress at maximum load is 94 MPa.

6.2.2 Bending TestFor the bending test 21 randomly chosen specimens, from both part A andpart B and from all culms, were tested. The specimens were of rectangularshape with following dimensions [mm]:

Width: 25Thickness: 6-8Length: 360

The specimens were placed in the machine and load was applied until theybroke. The maximum compressive load, the extension at maximum compres-sive load, load at break, compressive extension at break and the modulus ofrupture were measured. The complete results of the bending test are pre-sented in Appendix E and a summary of those are presented in Table 6.3.The average of the load at break is 144 N and the average of the modulus ofrupture for the bending test is 19 MPa.

6.2.3 Hardness Test Perpendicular to FibreFor the hardness test 40 specimens were tested; 20 from part A of the culmand 20 from part B. Both sides of each specimen were tested, the �rst sidewas labeled I and the second side II. The label of each side is randomly givenand has nothing to do with inner and outer part of the culm. The specimenshad a rectangular shape with the following dimensions [mm]:

Part A Part BWidth: 25 Width: 25Thickness: 8 Thickness: 5Length: 100 Length: 100

The specimens were placed in the machine and a load was applied corre-sponding to an impression of three millimetres for the specimens from partA, and one millimetre for the specimen from part B. The di�erence in depthof impression was due to the di�erent thicknesses of the specimens, depend-ing on if they were from part A or B, which is a consequence of the hollow

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characteristics of the bamboo culm and that the wall thickness of the culmdecreases with the height of the culm. The maximum possible thickness forthe specimens from part B was �ve millimetres. The maximum load and themaximum compressive extension were measured. The hardness according toBrinell was calculated using the following formula:

HB =2P

πD(D −√D2 − d2)

HB is the Brinell hardness, P the maximum load, D the diameter of thesteel ball and d the diameter of the impression.

P was the output from each test, D was 11.5 millimetres and d was calculatedusing simple geometrics knowing the maximum compressive extension.

The complete results of the hardness test are presented in Appendix Fand a summary of those are presented in Table 6.4 and Table 6.5. In thetables, the mean values of the Brinell hardness of each culm are presented.The average of the hardness is 1.85 HB.

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Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Young'sat max at max modulus

[N] load [MPa] load [mm] [MPa]1APr1 8518 132 7.4 166731APr2 4919 75 6.6 123681APr3 6249 101 4.1 182151APr4 2457 38 1.0 11358

2APr1 4579 73 5.9 95802APr2 7432 116 8.5 88612APr3 7111 111 7.7 87252APr4 3972 64 3.8 8379

3APr1 4583 71 2.8 109493APr2 5954 92 7.1 84973APr3 5733 88 5.3 105663APr4 5655 91 4.5 11390

4APr1 4208 68 4.0 105804APr2 3232 49 2.0 80164APr3 4105 65 6.7 73294APr4 5354 84 8.6 7582

7APr1 4181 66 3.1 98687APr2 2959 47 1.8 98427APr3 4190 66 3.7 95597APr4 4287 68 5.5 8955StatisticsMean 4984 78 5.0 10365Min 2457 38 1.0 7329Max 8518 132 7.4 18215

Table 6.1: Result of tensile test part A.

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Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Young'sat max at max modulus

[N] load [MPa] load [mm] [MPa]1BPr2 6489 85 10.9 33571BPr4 8349 111 12.1 5818

2BPr1 6691 105 8.1 84952BPr2 6650 104 8.7 68602BPr3 7946 95 13.4 3602

3BPr2 4061 64 8.5 69633BPr3 9712 133 4.7 203593BPr4 5926 87 9.7 12683

4BPr1 6634 99 4.3 154094BPr2 5970 90 10.1 149984BPr4 8232 131 6.4 17913

7BPr2 9774 183 10.8 199847BPr3 10127 159 8.5 198837BPr4 4350 92 1.2 20660StatisticsMean 7208 110 8.4 12642Min 4061 64 1.2 3357Max 10127 183 13.4 20660

Table 6.2: Result of tensile test part B.

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Specimen Load at Compressive Modulusbreak extension at of rupture[N] break [mm] [MPa]

Pr1 156 92.7 0.40Pr2 79 53.0 1.07Pr3 70 62.6 1.07Pr4 70 57.5 0.60Pr5 123 71.9 0.46Pr6 216 31.0 32Pr7 323 32.1 34Pr8 71 55.8 20Pr9 70 55.8 18Pr10 71 28.5 26Pr11 254 28.6 25Pr12 70 35.4 17Pr13 168 35.2 22Pr14 116 47.9 32Pr15 268 28.4 33Pr16 97 53.4 12Pr17 70 40.2 18Pr18 292 37.5 42Pr19 274 47.2 28Pr20 71 25.4 25Pr21 88 45.6 11StatisticsMean 144 46.0 19Min 70 25.4 0.40Max 323 92.7 42

Table 6.3: Results of bending test.

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Culm HardnessBrinell [HB]

1A 2.42A 2.73A 2.44A 1.67A 2.3StatisticsMean 2.3Minimum 1.6Maximum 2.7

Table 6.4: Results of hardness test part A.

Culm HardnessBrinell [HB]

1B 1,02B 1,93B 1,74B 1,17B 1,4StatisticsMean 1,4Minimum 1,0Maximum 1,9

Table 6.5: Results of hardness test part B.

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Chapter 7

Analysis

This chapter contains the analysis of the results from the laboratory tests, aSWOT-analysis of Guadua chacoensis in Bolivia and some suggestions andpossibilities concerning the Bolivian bamboo industry.

7.1 Laboratory TestsEach test is analysed separately and the mean value of the results given bythe mechanical properties tests are compared with the corresponding �gures,from reference [1] and [33], of European oak (Quercus robur), European birch(Betula), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), beech (Fagus silvatica) and pine (Pinussilvestris) together with aluminium and steel. For the tensile test the �guresfor the Young's modulus and the tensile strength are analysed. The �guresfor the modulus of rupture and the Brinell hardness are analysed in thebending respectively hardness test.

7.1.1 Tensile Test Parallel to FibreThe most distinct observation made during the tensile tests is the fact that,with very few exceptions, all specimens broke at the node. This clear obser-vation shows that the node is the weakest part of the bamboo culm. The bigrange of the test results depends partly of the specimens di�erent locationsof the nodes.

The range of the Young's modulus is 3 357-20 660 MPa. Of 34 testedspecimens 22 (65%) have a modulus that lies between 6 500 and 13 000 MPa.Three specimens have a modulus under 6 500 MPa and nine specimens havea modulus over 13 000 MPa. Four reached a modulus around 20 000 MPa.

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The specimens from the upper part of the culm, part B, have a slightlyhigher mean value of the Young's modulus than the specimens from the lowerpart, part A. This is due to the fact that the �bre content and thereby thedensity is higher in the upper part of the culm.

The modulus for Guadua chacoensis is in the same range as the Young'smodulus for all the comparing woods, see Table 7.1. This bamboo specieshas a modulus a little bit higher than the modulus for pine and ash and iscomparable with oak.

The range of the tensile strength is 38-183 MPa. Of 34 tested specimens26 (76%) have a tensile strength that lies between 60 and 120 MPa. Threespecimens have a tensile strength under 60 MPa and �ve specimens have atensile strength over 120 MPa. The highest measured value of the tensilestrength is 183 MPa.

The specimens from the upper part of the culm, part B, have in general ahigher value of the tensile strength than the specimens from the lower part,part A. This is related to the variation in modulus in the di�erent parts ofthe culm.

The tensile strength of Guadua chacoensis is higher than the tensilestrength for oak and pine, but lower than for ash, birch and beech. Thespecies has a tensile strength similar to some aluminium alloys.

Young's modulus Tensile strength[MPa] [MPa]

Guadua chacoensis 11 185 94European oak 10 000 - 13 000 90European birch 13 000 - 15 000 137Ash 8 300 - 13 400 165Beech 10 000 - 16 000 135Pine 10 000 - 12 000 60 - 73Aluminium alloys 68 000 - 82 000 58 - 550Steel 165 000 - 217 000 345 - 1 760

Table 7.1: Table for comparison of modulus and tensile strength.

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7.1.2 Bending TestThe bending test was conducted at two separate occasions. Specimen num-ber one to �ve were tested �rst, and a few days later the test was completedby testing specimen number six to twentyone. Due to the big di�erences inthe test results, especially in the modulus of rupture, depending on whichday the specimens were tested, it is likely that the �gures for specimen num-ber one to �ve are not reliable. Hence, new overall mean values have beencalculated, excluding specimen number one to �ve.

The new overall mean value of the load at break is 157 N and the overallmean value of the modulus of rupture for the bending test is 25 MPa. Theold values were 144 N and 19 MPa.

The mean value of the modulus of rupture for Guadua chacoensis is muchlower than the one for all the compared woods, see Table 7.2. This meansthat it is very �exible. Some aluminium alloys can reach values close to theone for Guadua chacoensis but steel is much less �exible.

Flexural strength(Modulus of rupture) [MPa]

Guadua chacoensis 25European oak 112 - 137European birch 119 - 145Ash 78 - 96Beech 93 - 113Pine 65 - 79Aluminium alloys 33 - 326Steel 330 - 1 900

Table 7.2: Table for comparison of bending properties.

7.1.3 Hardness Test Perpendicular to FibresThe mean value of the hardness of Guadua chacoensis, 1.85 HB, is similar tothe one for pine and slightly lower than the hardness of the other comparedwoods, see Table 7.3. Neither bamboo or any of the compairing woods canbeat aluminium alloys and steel when it comes to hardness. Aluminium al-loys have a hardness that is more than �ve times bigger than the hardness ofbamboo and steel is more than twenty times harder. The di�erence between

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the hardness of the lower part of the culm, part A, and the upper part of theculm, part B, is signi�cant. The lower part of the culm is harder than theupper part. This con�rms the earlier mentioned fact, in Chapter 2, that thebase of the bamboo culm is the hardest part. The lower part of the culm,with a top value of 2.7 HB, has a hardness similar to birch.

Hardness Brinell [HB]Guadua chacoensis 1.85European oak 3.4-4.1European birch 2.2-2.7Ash 3.0-4.1Beech 2.7-4.0Pine 1.9Aluminium alloys 10-140Steel 100-200

Table 7.3: Table for comparison of hardness properties.

Due to the hollow characteristics of the bamboo culm the thickness of thespecimens for the hardness test was limited. To be able to test the hardness ofthese thin specimens the Brinell test had to be modi�ed to suit this purpose.Normally, testing the Brinell hardness is made by pressing a steel ball witha �xed force into the surface of the material. Since the bamboo specimenswere so thin, it was only possible to press the steel ball 1-3 millimetres intothe surface. In the test conducted the impression of the steel ball was �xedinstead of the force. This change should not have had any in�uence on thetest result but it is important to know that the hardness test did not followthe normal procedure.

7.2 SWOT-AnalysisThe following section contains a SWOT-analysis, see Table 7.4, which showsthe strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for Guadua chacoensisand its possibilities in Bolivia.

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Strengths WeaknessesGrows in abundance Non homogeneous culm structureFast growing Hollow culmGood carrying capacities Lack of scienti�c knowledgeTraditionally used by natives Lack of technical knowledge andBig ratio of strength/density standardsCan be used for landrehabilitation

Opportunities ThreatsGrowing demand Forest devastation and burningExportation Lack of regulations and plansBig range of applications Poor felling and transportationJobcreation possibilitiesExisting knowledge in Asia Lack of understanding for the valueNew re�nement techniques of the plantPlantations

Table 7.4: SWOT-analysis of Guadua chacoensis in Bolivia.

7.2.1 StrengthsOne important aspect of Guadua chacoensis in Bolivia is that it grows inabundance in several areas in the country. It is a fast growing plant and it ispossible to harvest every fourth to seventh year. Bamboo has traditionallybeen used in many di�erent applications by the native indigenous people,which is a good foundation for an increasing use. The hollow culm of thebamboo plant makes it a good construction material since the shape hasgood carrying capacities. The hollowness also makes the raw material lightand easy to transport and handle. The ratio of strength to density is bigwhich makes the material very competitive to other construction materials,for example steel. An environmental strength of this bamboo is that, asall other bamboos, it is an eco-friendly material as it can be used for landrehabilitation and erosion control.

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7.2.2 WeaknessesThe non homogeneous structure of the culm, with its nodes placed at inter-vals, makes it di�cult to re�ne the material and can sometimes limitate theuses of the plant. One example is the problem concerning joining togetherculms with each other or with other materials. The nodes are also the limi-tation when it comes to the strength properties of bamboo. The hollownessof the culm makes it di�cult to use bamboo in some applications. For exam-ple nails can not be used with bamboo. The process of laminating bamboocan generate big amounts of waste material, due to the round shape andhollowness of the culm. The big lack of scienti�c and technical knowledge ofbamboo in Bolivia constitute in the biggest weakness of all. The fact thatalmost no investigations of bamboo in Boliva have been carried out and pub-lished shows the big lack of knowledge and information about how to handle,re�ne, use and take advantage of this natural resource. Adequate equipment,like machines and tools for felling and re�nement, is non existent togetherwith standards over how to examine and handle bamboo.

7.2.3 OpportunitiesThe growing local and international demand of bamboo raw material andproducts is a great opportunity for Bolivia. The exportation possibilities toother South American countries, North America and Europe can be signif-icant for a future bamboo industry. Guadua chacoensis have a big rangeof di�erent possible application �elds. In general, today it is only used forsome construction work, small-scale furniture manufacturing and handicrafts.Bamboo plantations and new re�nement techniques are other possibilities tostrengthen the bamboo industry in Bolivia and thereby create employment.Bolivia has the possibility to take advantage of the great existing knowl-edge of bamboo that exists in Asia. If knowledge about cultivation, harvestand re�nement of bamboo would be brought from Asia, this would make itpossible to avoid the most common mistakes, when developing this hithertoundeveloped industry.

7.2.4 ThreatsForest devastation and burning for conversion of forest into pastures is a bigthreat to the bamboo industry. Today farmers burn, according to tradition,the land to create more pasturage. This is done without knowing the longterm consequences, like impoverishing the soil. This burning kills all the nat-ural growing vegetation including the bamboo. Like mentioned in Chapter 4,

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hardly any of the government institutions, national non-governmental orga-nizations or external organizations involved in the use and management ofnatural resources, have paid special attention to bamboo. This has lead to abig lack of regulations and plans according to the use and cultivation of thisplant. The lack of understanding of the value of bamboo is a threat since thisprevents the possibilities to take advantage of this natural resource. Today,the transportation possibilities are very poor. Bad roads or no roads at allmakes it very di�cult to fell and transport raw-material from the jungle.

7.3 Possibilities for Guadua ChacoensisBelow, some thoughts discussed during a brainstorming about the Bolivianbamboo industry are presented.

The prospects for developing the bamboo industry in Bolivia are good.To be able to make business out of Guadua chacoensis in Bolivia there aresome important aspects, that are recommeded by the authors. For examplethe location of the company is very important due to the poor infrastructureand transportation possibilities. Another very important aspect is the choiceof products which will be produced. Since there are very little technicalknowledge and experiences concerning production of bamboo products it isimportant to start with rather simple products. This will create a technicalknowledge about how to work the material and gradually more advancedproducts can be manufactured. Suitable products to start with are health-care products and products for educational purposes, since there is alwaysan existing demand of these kinds of products.

The possibility to export bamboo products to other South American coun-tries, North America or Europe is signi�cant. In the case of exportation itis extremely important that the products have a high quality which is com-petitive with existing products on the market. In consequence, the qualitymanagement and quality control of �nished products must be highly pri-oritised. A standardisation of each product should be made to be able toguarantee that all products of the same type are equally good.

A good organisation, with motivated employees and structured produc-tion processes, is the foundation of a successfully company and must be astriving. When a new industry is developed it is important to learn from ex-isting knowledge, in this case from Asia. It is also a good idea that companiesworking with bamboo in Bolivia, share information and knowledge with each

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other. This is something that in a long run will favour the whole industryand thereby the country. Long-term planning is important to create healthycompanies that can survive recessions and be competitive, both nationallyand internationally.

Below, the above mentioned suggestions are summarised:

• Suitable location of the company.

• Careful choice of products.

• Start with simple products.

• Export to other countries.

• Structured organisation of the company.

• Learn from existing knowledge.

• Share information within the country.

• Make long-term planning.

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Chapter 8

Conclusions andRecommendations

Through tensile-, bending- and hardness tests it was found that Guaduachacoensis is a �exible, medium soft material and is comparable with Euro-pean oak when it comes to the tensile strength. This leads to the conclusionthat the species can be used for some type of constructions, like houses andbridges, and for furniture.

It is recommended that Bolivia invests in developing the bamboo industryin the country. The bamboo business has great potential and can lead to anew income-source for low-income takers. Furthermore, scienti�c investiga-tions ought to be carried out and know-how, concerning bamboo, should bebrought from Asia. If this can be done, the value of the bamboo plant willbe illuminated and the country will be able to take advantage of this naturalresource in a more suitable way.

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Chapter 9

Re�ections

The following chapter contains the authors' re�ections about the planningof the work and the �nal results. Suggestions for future work on the subjectare presented.

9.1 Planning of the WorkAlready in October 2006, the authors started the planning of this Masterthesis. To start this early was shown to be valuable since the authors werewell prepared arriving in Santa Cruz. Once in Santa Cruz the objective ofthe thesis could be decided rather fast and the work could start immediately.Although the work was well prepared the laboratory tests were delayed onemonth. This delay was due to circumstances the authors could not in�uence,for example the access to the laboratory equipment and the preparation ofthe specimens that was made by a local carpentry. Besides this delay of thelaboratory tests, the work proceeded very smoothly.

9.2 Final ResultsThe specimens tested were taken from one single geographic area. It wouldhave been interesting to test culms from other areas and compare the results.The soil, climate and growth circumstances might in�uence the mechanicalproperties. It would have been desirable to carry through other mechanicalproperties tests as well. For example compression test and bending test withwhole culms.

The lack of a laboratory standard for bamboo investigations was a prob-lem when conducting the tests. This also makes it di�cult to compare the

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test results with those from earlier studies of bamboo. An ISO-standard iscurrently being developed and when this standard is available it will be easierto carry through investigations of bamboo.

9.3 Further WorkThere is a big lack of available information and knowledge in Bolivia aboutbamboo and a lot needs to be done in this area. All work that can be done toincrease the knowledge and illuminate the potential of this material is of greatvalue for the country. Today there only exist small scale businesses workingwith bamboo, mainly based on handicrafts and constructions. The tradeand production of bamboo products is likely to be considerable and haveexport prospects. A developed bamboo industry could make a contributionto the welfare of the country and help to reduce the country's high level ofunemployment.

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[30] Environmental Bamboo Foundation. Why bamboo?, [www]<http://www.bamboocentral.org/shareinrepair/whybamboo.htm>,Downloaded 2007-08-23

[31] FAO. Proceedings of training of national correspondents on assessingand monitoring of forest land use and changes, [www]<http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/j1974e/J1974E35.htm>,Downloaded 2007-10-16

[32] Ford Motor Company. Ford MA concept unveiled at J Mays museumexhibit opening , [www] <http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=13738>, Downloaded 2007-10-16

[33] Granta Design Ltd. CES Edupack, [CD], 2007

[34] Heatheravan. Bamboo sca�olding, [www]<http://www.travelpod.com/travel-photo/heatheravan/2005/1135077360/dsc05588.jpg/tpod.html>, Downloaded 2007-10-16

[35] Meredith, Mike. Chrysler Debuts Akino Concept inTokyo, [www] <http://autos.msn.com/as/minishow/article.aspx?contentID=4023520&s=Tokyo2005>, Downloaded 2007-10-16

[36] International Network for Bamboo and Rattan. Introduction, [www]<http://www.inbar.int/publication/txt/tr13/INTRODUCTION.htm>,Downloaded 2007-08-20

[37] New England bamboo company. All about bamboo, [www]<http://www.newengbamboo.com/nebc/care.htm>,Downloaded 2007-10-16

[38] Treehugger. Asus Bamboo Ecobook Computer, [www]<http://www.treehugger.com/�les/2007/03/asus_bamboo_eco.php>,Downloaded 2007-10-16

[39] Wikipedia. Bamboo, [www] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo>,Downloaded 2007-08-20

[40] Quindembo Bamboo. Bamboo color, [www]<http://www.bamboonursery.com/bamboo_color.htm>,Downloaded 2007-08-20

78

[41] Bamboo for Europe, [www]<http://ec.europa.eu/research/agro/fair/en/pt1747.html>,Downloaded 2007-08-20

[42] Mechanical properties of bamboo, [www]<http://bambus.rwth-aachen.de/eng/PDF-Files/Mechanical%20properties%20of%20bamboo.pdf>,Downloaded 2007-09-11

[43] Juarez, Inner, International Center for Tropical Agriculture. 2007-08-10,Santa Cruz, Bolivia

[44] Magariños Saavedra, Edwin, Superintendencia Forestal. 2007-08, SantaCruz, Bolivia

79

80

Appendix A

Glossary

Bending strengthThe limit state of the stress leading to �exion of a physical body.

CadeforAmazonic Center for Sustainable Forest Enterprise.

Compressive loadThe load leading to compression of a physical body.

CortexThe bark or barque of a plant or tree.

CulmThe trunk or stem of the bamboo plant.

DensityMass per unit volume.

DiaphragmThe solid cross-wall between two hollow internodes.

Gregarious �oweringAll bamboo of the same species �owers at the same time and the leavs stopsgrowing.

InbarInternational Network for Bamboo and Rattan

81

InternodeThe part of the culm or rhizome that lies between two nodes.

LacunaThe inner space of a hollow internode [6].

Minor �eld studyA scholarship founded by Sida and aimed for university students. The schol-arship �nances a �eld study in a developing country during eight to ten weekswith the purpose to create knowledge about developing issues.

Modulus of ruptureThe maximum stress at break.

MonopodialA type of rhizome that is long and has symmetrical internodes more longthan broad.

NodeThe piece of the culm or rhizome from were branches or roots orginates. Atthe node a cross-section devides the culm.

ParenchymaCells that store and distribute food materials [6].

ProtoxylemThe �rst-formed primary xylem cells, formed as a part of the vascular bundle[6].

RhizomeThe under ground growing system of stems of a bamboo plant. Two types;Monopodial and Sympodial.

Root primordiaThe �rst visible trace of a root.

SDStandard deviation.

Sheat scarThe mark on the culm were the sheat is interupted and the node is situated.

82

SidaSwedish International Development Cooperation Agency, <http://www.sida.se/>.

Speci�c weightThe weight per unit volume, in other words the density multiplied with thegravity constant.

StrainThe deformation caused by stress on a physical body.

SympodialA type of rhizome that is thick and short with asymmetrical internodes morebroad than long.

Tensile strengthThe limit state of the tensile stress.

Tensile stressThe stress state leading to elongation.

UPSAPrivate University of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.

Vascular bundlesConsists of vessels, protoxylem and phloem surrounded by �bre sheaths andin sympodial bamboos accompanied by �bre bundles [6].

VesselsLarge cells arranged in axial series for water conduction [6].

Young's modulusThe ratio, for small strains, of the rate of change of stress with strain.

83

84

Appendix B

German Abstract

Diese Diplomarbeit wurde durch das CTD- Zentrum für Holztechnik undDesign an der Universität Linköping betreut und in Santa Cruz de la Sierrain Bolivien durchgeführt.

Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es die mechanische Beanspruchung und dieAnwendungen von Guadua chacoensis , einer bolivischen Bambusart, zu un-tersuchen. Bambus wurde in der Vergangenheit in vielen Ländern für dieunterschiedlichsten Anwendungen wie zum Beispiel Häuser, Werkzeug, Mö-bel, Lebensmittel, Treibsto� und Papier verwendet.

In meisten asiatischen Ländern ist Bambus ein wichtiger Rohsto� fürkleine und mittlere Unternehmen. Damit werden Arbeitsplätze geschaf-fen, was der Bevölkerung hilft die Armutsgrenze zu überwinden. Auch inLateinamerika haben viele Länder, wie zum Beispiel Bolivien, die ChanceBambus in der gleichen Weise zu nutzen. Ein zentraler Gedanke dieser Ar-beit ist es daher eine Grundlage für die bolivische Wirtschaft zu scha�endamit dieser bislang kaum entwickelte Rohsto� genutzt werden kann.

Diese Arbeit wurde von Sida- der Schwedischen Internationalen Entwick-lungsorganisation, teilweise �nanziell unterstützt. Im Rahmen der durchge-führten Studie wurden sowohl theoretische Aspekte betrachtet, als auch Ver-suche im Labor der privaten Universität von Santa Cruz de la Sierra durchge-führt. Des Weiteren wurden verschiedene Arten des Bambus in der Naturuntersucht.

Biege- Streck- und Festigkeitsversuche haben gezeigt, dass Guadua cha-coensis ein �exibles und weiches Material ist. Von den Streckeigenschaftenist es mit europäischer Eiche zu vergleichen. Diese Ergebnisse führen zu der

85

Schlussfolgerung, dass Guadua chacoensis für die Konstruktion von Häusernund Brücken, für die Herstellung von Möbeln und andere ähnliche Anwen-dungen eingesetzt werden kann.

86

Appendix C

Spanish Abstract

Esta tesis ha sido realizada en el Centro de Ciencia de Madera y Diseño-CTD de la Universidad de Linköping y ha sido llevada a cabo en la ciudadde Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.

El objetivo de la tesis es estudiar los propiedades mecánicas y usos de laGuadua chacoensis, un bambú nativo de Bolivia. A lo largo de la historia,el bambú ha sido utilizado en muchas localidades del mundo en distintasaplicaciones, vale mencionar: viviendas, herramientas, muebles, alimentos,combustible, papel y para rehabilitación de la tierra. En casi todos los paísesAsiáticos el bambú es un recurso importante para empresas de tamaño pe-queño y mediano, proporcionando empleo y contrarrestando la pobreza.

En América Latina muchos países, incluyendo Bolivia, tienen potencialpara aprovechar el bambú del mismo modo. Una de las ideas más impor-tantes de la tesis es hacer una contribución para apoyar a la economía deBolivia, la cual, hasta ahora, ha desarrollado muy poco este recurso natural.

La tesis es un Minor �eld study parcialmente �nanciado por Asdi- laAgencia Sueca de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo. Durante elMinor �eld study estudios teóricos fueron realizados, acumulando informa-ción nacional e internacional sobre bambú y Guadua chacoensis en particular.Para examinar los propiedades mecánicos de la Guadua chacoensis, pruebasde laboratorio fueron preparadas y efectuadas en la Universidad Privada deSanta Cruz de la Sierra. Asimismo, muchas áreas con bosques naturalesdonde crece la especie fueron visitadas.

A través de pruebas de laboratorio de tracción, �exión y dureza ha sidodemostrado que la Guadua chacoensis es un material �exible y de dureza

87

media, comparable con el roble europeo cuando se trata de la fuerza detracción. Eso tiene como resultado que la Guadua chacoensis, entre otroscampos de aplicación, puede ser usada para construcciones, como casas ypuentes, y para la manufacturación de muebles.

88

Appendix D

Results Tensile test Parallel toFiber

Date: 24th-29th of August 2007Name and location of laboratory: UPSA, Santa Cruz, BoliviaVelocity: 1.00 mm/minRelative humidity: 43 percentTemperature: 25 Celcius degrees

Botanical name of species: Guadua chacoensisAir-dried during eight weeks.

89

D.1 Lower Parts of Culms - ACulm 1

Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm]1APr1 11.3 5.71APr2 11.9 5.51APr3 11.3 5.51APr4 11.6 5.6StatisticsMean +1SD 11.81223 5.67074Mean -1SD 11.23777 5.47926Mean 11.52500 5.57500Min 11.3 5.5Range 0.6 0.2Max 11.9 5.7

Table D.1: Dimensions of specimens 1A tensile test.

Figure D.1: Diagram of tensile test 1A. All specimens broke at node.

Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Area Length Young'sat max load at max load modulus

[N] [MPa] [mm] [cm2] [mm] [MPa]1APr1 8517.70 132.24194 7.38352 0.64410 260 16672.943871APr2 4918.50 75.14891 6.64949 0.65450 261 12367.760461APr3 6248.65 100.54143 4.05797 0.62150 260 18214.993521APr4 2456.95 37.82253 1.01451 0.64960 260 11358.42524StatisticsMean+1SD 8069.24 126.38790 7.66160 0.65701 260.75Mean-1SD 3001.66 46.48951 1.89115 0.62784 259.75Mean 5535.45 86.43870 4.77637 0.64242 260.25 14653.53077Min 2456.95 37.82253 1.01451 0.62150 260.00 11358.42524Range 6060.75 94.41941 6.36902 0.03300 1.00 6856.56828Max 8517.70 132.24194 7.38352 0.65450 261.00 18214.99352

Table D.2: Result of tensile test 1A.

90

Culm 2Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm]2APr1 11.4 5.52APr2 11.6 5.52APr3 11.6 5.52APr4 11.9 5.2StatisticsMean +1SD 11.83116 5.57500Mean -1SD 11.41884 5.27500Mean 11.62500 5.42500Min 11.4 5.2Range 0.5 0.3Max 11.9 5.5

Table D.3: Dimensions of specimens 2A tensile test.

Figure D.2: Diagram of tensile test 2A. All specimens broke at node.

Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Area Length Young'sat max load at max load modulus

[N] [MPa] [mm] [cm2] [mm] [MPa]2APr1 4579.30 73.03503 5.93638 0.62700 261 9579.794682APr2 7432.13 116.49100 8.46763 0.63800 260 8860.515742APr3 7110.84 111.45518 7.73192 0.63800 263 8724.882082APr4 3971.78 64.18513 3.82701 0.61880 260 8379.05950StatisticsMean+1SD 7525.83 117.80977 8.56047 0.63979 262.41 9391.02113Mean-1SD 4021.19 64.77340 4.42100 0.62111 259.59 8381.10487Mean 5773.51 91.29159 6.49073 0.63045 261 8886.06300Min 3971.78 64.18513 3.82701 0.61880 260 8379.05950Range 3460.35 52.30587 4.64062 0.01920 3 1200.73518Max 7432.13 116.49100 8.46763 0.63800 263 9579.79468

Table D.4: Result of tensile test 2A.

91

Culm 3Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm]3APr1 11.8 5.53APr2 11.8 5.53APr3 11.8 5.53APr4 11.3 5.5StatisticsMean +1SD 11.92500 5.50000Mean -1SD 11.42500 5.50000Mean 11.67500 5.50000Min 11.3 5.5Range 0.5 0Max 11.8 5.5

Table D.5: Dimensions of specimens 3A tensile test.

Figure D.3: Diagram of tensile test 3A. All specimens broke at node.

Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Area Length Young'sat max load at max load modulus

[N] [MPa] [mm] [cm2] [mm] [MPa]3APr1 4582.91 70.61499 2.80245 0.64900 247 10949.365703APr2 5953.65 91.73576 7.07142 0.64900 248 8496.725143APr3 5732.63 88.33026 5.26339 0.64900 248 10565.773003APr4 5654.89 90.98769 4.47991 0.62150 248 11390.34366StatisticsMean+1SD 6092.99 95.39291 6.67660 0.65588 248.25 11631.53309Mean-1SD 4869.05 75.44144 3.13198 0.62837 247.25 9069.57066Mean 5481.02 85.41718 4.90429 0.64213 247.75 10350.55188Min 4582.91 70.61499 2.80245 0.62150 247 8496.72514Range 1370.74 21.12077 4.26897 0.02750 1 2893.61852Max 5953.65 91.73576 7.07142 0.64900 248 11390.34366

Table D.6: Result of tensile test 3A.

92

Culm 4Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm]4APr1 11.3 5.54APr2 11.9 5.54APr3 11.4 5.54APr4 11.6 5.5StatisticsMean +1SD 11.81458 5.50000Mean -1SD 11.28542 5.50000Mean 11.55000 5.50000Min 11.3 5.5Range 0.6 0Max 11.9 5.5

Table D.7: Dimensions of specimens 4A tensile test.

Figure D.4: Diagram of tensile test 4A. All specimens broke at node.

Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Area Length Young'sat max load at max load modulus

[N] [MPa] [mm] [cm2] [mm] [MPa]4APr1 4208.09 67.70863 4.02790 0.62150 248 10579.600314APr2 3231.78 49.37780 2.01897 0.65450 248 8015.674444APr3 4104.83 65.46783 6.73995 0.62700 247 7328.861194APr4 5354.22 83.92194 8.64843 0.63800 248 7581.62289StatisticsMean+1SD 5095.81 80.75132 8.28314 0.64980 248.25 9872.34777Mean-1SD 3353.65 52.48678 2.43449 0.62070 247.25 6880.53165Mean 4224.73 66.61905 5.35881 0.63525 247.75 8376.43971Min 3231.78 49.37780 2.01897 0.62150 247 7328.86119Range 2122.44 34.54414 6.62946 0.03300 1.00 3250.73913Max 5354.22 83.92194 8.64843 0.65450 248 10579.60031

Table D.8: Result of tensile test 4A.

93

Culm 7Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm]7APr1 11.5 5.57APr2 11.5 5.57APr3 11.3 5.67APr4 11.5 5.5StatisticsMean +1SD 11.55000 5.57500Mean -1SD 11.35000 5.47500Mean 11.45000 5.52500Min 11.3 5.5Range 0.2 0.1Max 11.5 5.6

Table D.9: Dimensions of specimens 7A tensile test.

Figure D.5: Diagram of tensile test 7A. All specimens broke at node.

Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Area Length Young'sat max load at max load modulus

[N] [MPa] [mm] [cm2] [mm] [MPa]7APr1 4180.84 66.10021 3.06361 0.63250 250 9868.107107APr2 2959.29 46.78724 1.84821 0.63250 248 9841.704727APr3 4190.14 66.21579 3.73660 0.63280 248 9559.27007APr4 4287.10 67.78021 5.49441 0.63250 248 8955.27084StatisticsMean+1SD 4536.20 71.70605 5.05749 0.63272 249.5 9980.32247Mean-1SD 3272.48 51.73568 2.01394 0.63243 257.5 9131.85388Mean 3904.34 61.72086 3.53571 0.63258 248.5 9556.08817Min 2959.29 46.78724 1.84821 0.63250 248 8955.27084Range 1327.81 20.99297 3.64620 0.00030 2 912.83625Max 4287.10 67.78021 5.49441 0.63280 250 9868.10710

Table D.10: Result of tensile test 7A.

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D.2 Upper Parts of Culm - BCulm 1

Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm]1BPr2 10.2 7.51BPr4 10.7 7.0StatisticsMean +1SD 10.66056 7.48426Mean -1SD 9.93944 6.58241Mean 10.30000 7.03333Min 10.0 6.6Range 0.7 0.9Max 10.7 7.5Mean 10.45000 7.25000Min 10.2 7.0Range 0.5 0.5Max 10.7 7.5

Table D.11: Dimensions of specimens 1B tensile test.

Figure D.6: Diagram of tensile test 1B. Specimen two and four broke at nodeand specimen one and three were discontinued.

Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Area Length Young'sat max load at max load modulus

[N] [MPa] [mm] [cm2] [mm] [MPa]1BPr2 6488.89 84.82208 10.91744 0.76500 247 3356.512871BPr4 8349.29 111.47245 12.12698 0.74900 261 5817.51831StatisticsMean 7419.09 98.14727 11.52221 0.75700 254 4587.01559Min 6488.89 84.82208 10.91744 0.74900 247 3356.51287Range 1860.40 26.65037 1.20954 0.01600 14 2461.00544Max 8349.29 111.47245 12.12698 0.76500 261 5817.51831

Table D.12: Result of tensile test 1B.

95

Culm 2Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm]2BPr1 9.2 6.92BPr2 10.8 5.92BPr3 11.1 7.5StatisticsMean +1SD 11.38810 7.57496Mean -1SD 9.34523 5.95838Mean 10.36667 6.76667Min 9.2 7.5Range 1.9 1.6Max 11.1 7.5

Table D.13: Dimensions of specimens 2B tensile test.

Figure D.7: Diagram of tensile test 2B. All specimes broke at node. Specimenfour was not tested due to poor sample.

Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Area Length Young'sat max load at max load modulus

[N] [MPa] [mm] [cm2] [mm] [MPa]2BPr1 6691.06 105.40430 8.05239 0.63480 260 8495.331292BPr2 6650.45 104.36997 8.74882 0.63720 260 6859.842702BPr3 7945.68 95.44366 13.37479 0.83250 256 3601.63308StatisticsMean+1SD 7832.09 107.21598 12.95155 0.81496 260.98 8810.22167Mean-1SD 6359.38 96.26264 7.16578 0.58804 256.36 3827.64971Mean 7095.73 101.73931 10.05866 0.70150 258.67 6318.93569Min 6650.45 95.44366 8.05239 0.63480 256 3601.63308Range 1295.23 9.96064 5.32240 0.19770 4 4893.69821Max 7945.68 105.40430 13.37479 0.83250 260 8495.33129

Table D.14: Result of tensile test 2B.

96

Culm 3Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm]3BPr2 9.5 6.73BPr3 10.9 6.73BPr4 9.9 6.9StatisticsMean +1SD 10.82111 6.88214Mean -1SD 9.37889 6.65120Mean 10.10000 6.76667Min 9.5 6.7Range 1.4 0.2Max 10.9 6.9

Table D.15: Dimensions of specimens 3B tensile test.

Figure D.8: Diagram of tensile test 3B. All specimens broke at node. Speci-men one was not tested due to poor sample.

Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Area Length Young'sat max load at max load modulus

[N] [MPa] [mm] [cm2] [mm] [MPa]3BPr2 4060.53 63.79463 8.48772 0.63650 257 6962.579813BPr3 9711.61 132.98109 4.71494 0.73030 261 20359.305613BPr4 5925.72 86.74753 9.70312 0.68310 261 12683.04792StatisticsMean+1SD 9445.38 129.74775 10.23631 0.73020 261.98Mean-1SD 3686.53 59.26775 5.03420 0.63640 257.36Mean 6565.95 94.50775 7.63526 0.68330 259.67 13334.97778Min 4060.53 63.79463 4.71494 0.63650 257 6962.57981Range 5651.08 69.18646 4.98818 0.09380 4 13396.72580Max 9711.61 132.98109 9.70312 0.73030 261 20359.30561

Table D.16: Result of tensile test 3B.

97

Culm 4Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm]4BPr1 11.6 5.84BPr2 10.0 6.64BPr4 11.0 5.7StatisticsMean +1SD 11.67496 6.52662Mean -1SD 10.05838 5.54005Mean 10.86667 6.03333Min 10.0 5.7Range 1.6 0.9Max 11.6 6.6

Table D.17: Dimensions of specimens 4B tensile test.

Figure D.9: Diagram of tensile test 4B. Specimen two and four broke at node.Specimen three was not tested due to poor sample.

Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Area Length Young'sat max load at max load modulus

[N] [MPa] [mm] [cm2] [mm] [MPa]4BPr1 6634.16 98.60520 4.26897 0.67280 261 15409.020304BPr2 5969.64 90.44917 10.05641 0.66000 260 14998.250984BPr4 8231.92 131.29060 6.42701 0.62700 260 17913.20459StatisticsMean+1SD 8108.02 128.39523 9.84219 0.67690 260.91Mean-1SD 5782.46 85.16808 3.99274 0.62964 259.76Mean 6945.24 106.78166 6.91746 0.65327 260.33 16106.82529Min 5969.64 90.44917 4.26897 0.62700 260 14998.25098Range 2262.28 40.84144 5.78744 0.04580 1 2914.95361Max 8231.92 131.29060 10.05641 0.67280 261 17913.20459

Table D.18: Result of tensile test 4B.

98

Culm 7Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm]7BPr2 10.7 5.07BPr3 11.6 5.57BPr4 9.5 5.0StatisticsMean +1SD 11.65357 5.45534Mean -1SD 9.54643 4.87799Mean 10.60000 5.16667Min 9.5 5.0Range 2.1 0.5Max 11.6 5.5

Table D.19: Dimensions of specimens 7B tensile test.

Figure D.10: Diagram of tensile test 7B. Specimen three and four broke atnode. Specimen one was not tested due to poor sample.

Specimen Max load Tensile stess Extension Area Length Young'sat max load at max load modulus

[N] [MPa] [mm] [cm2] [mm] [MPa]7BPr2 9774.46 182.71881 10.78507 0.53500 248 19984.220707BPr3 10126.65 158.72493 8.49854 0.63800 247 19883.457287BPr4 4349.83 91.57534 1.19531 0.47500 248 20660.27855StatisticsMean+1SD 11323.61 191.58358 11.83511 0.63177 248.24Mean-1SD 4845.35 97.09581 1.81750 0.46689 247.09Mean 8083.98 144.33969 6.82631 0.54933 247.67 20175.98551Min 4349.83 91.57534 1.19531 0.47500 247 19883.45728Range 5776.82 91.14347 9.58976 0.16300 1 776.82127Max 10126.65 182.71881 10.78507 0.63800 248 20660.27855

Table D.20: Result of tensile test 7B.

99

100

Appendix E

Results Bending Test

Date: 13th and 18th of September 2007Name and location of laboratory: UPSA, Santa Cruz, BoliviaVelocity: 5.0 mm/minRelative humidity: 47 percent and 40 percentTemperature: 22 Celcius degrees and 23 Celcius degrees

Botanical name of species: Guadua chacoensisMoisture quotient: 17 percent, air-dried during a period of twelve weeks.

101

Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm] Length [mm]Pr1 25 8 360Pr2 25 8 360Pr3 25 8 360Pr4 25 6 360Pr5 25 6 360

Table E.1: Dimensions of specimens bending test 1-5.

Figure E.1: Diagram of bending test 1-5.

Specimen Max compres- Extension at Load at Compressive Modulussive load max compres- break extension at of rupture

[N] sive load [mm] [N] break [mm] [MPa]Pr1 216.32 56.37 156.15153 92.68 0.40Pr2 425.73 21.75 79.39923 52.98 1.07Pr3 381.78 22.77 69.96184 62.61 1.07Pr4 248.41 24.65 69.97135 57.54 0.60Pr5 209.19 28.53 122.70779 71.85 0.46StatisticsMean 296.29 30.81 99.63835 67.53 0.72SD 100.41986 14.51672 38.39397 15.70800 0.32785Min 216.32 21.75 69.96184 52.98 0.40Range 216.54 34.62 86.18968 39.70 0.67Max 425.73 56.73 156.15153 92.68 1.07

Table E.2: Result of bending test 1-5.

102

Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm] Length [mm]Pr6 25 8 360Pr7 25 8 360Pr8 25 6 360Pr9 25 6 360

Table E.3: Dimensions of specimens bending test 6-9.

Figure E.2: Diagram of bending test 6-9.

Specimen Max compres- Extension at Load at Compressive Modulussive load max compres- break extension at of rupture

[N] sive load [mm] [N] break [mm] [MPa]Pr6 248.79 25.87 216.16959 30.95 32.25Pr7 418.62 29.73 323.10907 32.13 33.62Pr8 256.01 28.40 70.71493 55.83 19.86Pr9 268.06 40.02 70.33463 55.83 18.02StatisticsMean 297.87 31.00 170.08206 37.24 25.94SD 80.88987 6.21864 122.96978 12.42379 8.13542Min 248.79 25.87 70.33463 30.05 18.02Range 169.83 6.21864 252.77444 25.78 15.60Max 418.62 40.02 323.10907 55.83 33.62

Table E.4: Result of bending test 6-9.

103

Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm] Length [mm]Pr10 25 8 360Pr11 25 8 360Pr12 25 6 360Pr13 25 6 360

Table E.5: Dimensions of specimens bending test 10-13.

Figure E.3: Diagram of bending test 10-13.

Specimen Max compres- Extension at Load at Compressive Modulussive load max compres- break extension at of rupture

[N] sive load [mm] [N] break [mm] [MPa]Pr10 293.35 26.07 71.15418 28.52 25.61Pr11 291.51 26.17 254.18093 28.60 25.36Pr12 228.69 35.13 69.92128 35.41 16.76Pr13 279.42 30.15 167.58405 35.23 21.85StatisticsMean 273.24 29.38 140.71011 31.94 22.39SD 30.33637 4.28167 88.40611 3.90969 4.13034Min 228.69 26.07 69.92128 28.52 16.76Range 64.66 9.07 184.25966 6.90 8.85Max 293.35 35.13 254.18093 35.41 25.61

Table E.6: Result of bending test 10-13.

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Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm] Length [mm]Pr14 25 8 360Pr15 25 8 360Pr16 25 6 360Pr17 25 6 360

Table E.7: Dimensions of specimens bending test 14-17.

Figure E.4: Diagram of bending test 14-17.

Specimen Max compres- Extension at Load at Compressive Modulussive load max compres- break extension at of rupture

[N] sive load [mm] [N] break [mm] [MPa]Pr14 253.91 15.73 115.52852 47.93 32.26Pr15 354.64 25.50 268.42335 28.40 33.47Pr16 220.45 51.47 96.66248 53.43 11.84Pr17 178.33 21.78 69.95977 40.16 18.25StatisticsMean 251.83 28.62 137.64353 42.48 23.95SD 75.19349 15.75345 89.16833 10.84990 10.62664Min 178.33 15.73 69.95977 28.40 11.84Range 176.32 35.73 198.46358 25.03 21.62Max 354.64 51.47 268.42335 53.43 33.47

Table E.8: Result of bending test 14-17.

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Specimen Width [mm] Thickness [mm] Length [mm]Pr18 25 8 360Pr19 25 8 360Pr20 25 6 360Pr21 25 6 360

Table E.9: Dimensions of specimens bending test 18-21.

Figure E.5: Diagram of bending test 18-21.

Specimen Max compres- Extension at Load at Compressive Modulussive load max compres- break extension at of rupture

[N] sive load [mm] [N] break [mm] [MPa]Pr18 484.40 28.03 291.89677 37.48 42.48Pr19 386.39 43.35 274.38228 47.22 27.95Pr20 272.36 24.35 70.82636 25.40 24.84Pr21 181.41 44.45 88.45882 45.63 11.09StatisticsMean 331.14 35.05 181.39106 38.93 26.59SD 132.18432 10.34367 117.92630 9.97913 12.88067Min 181.41 24.35 70.82636 25.40 11.09Range 303.00 20.10 221.07041 21.82 31.39Max 484.40 44.45 291.89677 47.22 42.48

Table E.10: Result of bending test 18-21.

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Appendix F

Results Hardness TestPerpendicular to Fiber

Date: 3rd and 6th of September 2007Name and location of laboratory: UPSA, Santa Cruz, BoliviaVelocity: 6.0 mm/minDiameter of steel ball: 11.5 mmRelative humidity: 54 percent and 66 percentTemerature: 22 Celcius degrees

Botanical name of species: Guadua chacoensisAir-dried during nine weeks.

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F.1 Lower Parts of Culm - ACulm 1

Figure F.1: Diagram of hardness test 1A I.

Figure F.2: Diagram of hardness test 1A II.

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Specimen Max load Max compressive Diameter of Hardness Brinellextension impression

[N] [mm] [mm] [HB]1APr1 I 1850.98 3.02 10.12119 1.730211APr1 II 3459.18 3.01 10.11037 3.244221APr2 I 3566.02 3.04 10.14266 3.311421APr2 II 3102.35 3.03 10.11037 2.909561APr3 I 2149.79 3.03 10.13195 2.002891APr3 II 1517.97 3.02 10.12119 1.418931APr4 I 2390.89 3.01 10.11037 2.242311APr4 II 2536.71 3.03 10.13195 2.36337StatisticsMean 2571.735 3.025 10.12251 2.40286Min 1517.97 3.01 10.11037 1.41893Max 3566.02 3.04 10.14266 3.31142

Table F.1: Result of hardness test 1A.

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Culm 2

Figure F.3: Diagram of hardness test 2A I.

Figure F.4: Diagram of hardness test 2A II.

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Specimen Max load Max compressive Diameter of Hardness Brinellextension impression

[N] [mm] [mm] [HB]2APr1 I 2751.99 3.02 10.121186 2.572432APr1 II 2708.84 3.02 10.121186 2.532092APr2 I 3064.21 3.04 10.14266 2.845432APr2 II 2945.04 3.01 10.11037 2.762032APr3 I 2983.25 3.01 10.11037 2.797862APr3 II 2988.36 3.03 10.13195 2.784162APr4 I 2933.54 3.01 10.11037 2.751242APr4 II 2799.98 3.02 10.12119 2.61729StatisticsMean 2896.905 3.02 10.12116 2.70782Min 2708.84 3.01 10.11037 2.53209Max 3064.21 3.04 10.14266 2.84543

Table F.2: Result of hardness test 2A.

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Culm 3

Figure F.5: Diagram of hardness test 3A I.

Figure F.6: Diagram of hardness test 3A II.

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Specimen Max load Max compressive Diameter of Hardness Brinellextension impression

[N] [mm] [mm] [HB]3APr1 I 2435.25 3.02 10.12119 2.276363APr1 II 2077.06 3.02 10.12119 1.941543APr2 I 3059.74 3.02 10.12119 2.860103APr2 II 2873.23 3.01 10.11037 2.694683APr3 I 2230.41 3.04 10.14266 2.071163APr3 II 1945.19 3.02 10.12119 1.818273APr4 I 2864.06 3.04 10.14266 2.659573APr4 II 3031.18 3.03 10.13195 2.82405StatisticsMean 2564.515 3.025 10.12655 2.39322Min 1945.19 3.01 10.11037 1.81827Max 3059.74 3.04 10.14266 2.86010

Table F.3: Result of hardness test 3A.

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Culm 4

Figure F.7: Diagram of hardness test 4A I.

Figure F.8: Diagram of hardness test 4A II.

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Specimen Max load Max compressive Diameter of Hardness Brinellextension impression

[N] [mm] [mm] [HB]4APr1 I 2043.31 3.04 10.14266 1.897424APr1 II 1345.96 3.04 10.14266 1.249864APr2 I 1487.09 3.01 10.11037 1.394684APr2 II 1133.69 3.01 10.11037 1.063244APr3 I 1684.17 3.04 10.14266 1.563924APr3 II 2024.60 3.03 10.13195 1.886254APr4 I 2086.34 3.01 10.11037 1.956694APr4 II 1885.20 3.04 10.14266 1.75060StatisticsMean 1711.29 3.025 10.12921 1.59533Min 1133.69 3.01 10.11037 1.06324Max 2086.34 3.04 10.14266 1.95669

Table F.4: Result of hardness test 4A.

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Culm 7

Figure F.9: Diagram of hardness test 7A I.

Figure F.10: Diagram of hardness test 7A II.

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Specimen Max load Max compressive Diameter of Hardness Brinellextension impression

[N] [mm] [mm] [HB]7APr1 I 2107.30 3.04 10.14266 1.956847APr1 II 2369.11 3.03 10.13195 2.207227APr2 I 1795.27 3.04 10.14266 1.667107APr2 II 2764.05 3.03 10.13195 2.575187APr3 I 2154.01 3.03 10.13195 2.006827APr3 II 3196.13 3.02 10.12119 2.987597APr4 I 2792.16 3.01 10.11037 2.618657APr4 II 2740.50 3.02 10.12119 2.56169StatisticsMean 2489.815 3.03 10.12924 2.32264Min 1795.27 3.01 10.11037 1.66710Max 3196.13 3.04 10.14266 2.98759

Table F.5: Result of hardness test 7.A

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F.2 Upper Parts of Culm - BCulm 1

Figure F.11: Diagram of hardness test 1B I.

Figure F.12: Diagram of hardness test 1B II.

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Specimen Max load Max compressive Diameter of Hardness Brinellextension impression

[N] [mm] [mm] [HB]1BPr1 I 464.21 1.04 6.59648 1.260041BPr1 II 299.19 1.03 6.56783 0.820001BPr2 I 336.84 1.01 6.50996 0.941471BPr2 II 616.31 1.03 6.56783 1.689141BPr3 I 425.19 1.03 6.56783 1.165331BPr3 II 298.15 1.02 6.53899 0.825161BPr4 I 339.99 1.02 6.53899 0.940961BPr4 II 237.44 1.02 6.53899 0.65714StatisticsMean 377.165 1.025 6.55336 1.03740Min 237.44 1.01 6.50996 0.65714Max 616.31 1.04 6.59648 1.68914

Table F.6: Result of hardness test 1B.

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Culm 2

Figure F.13: Diagram of hardness test 2B I.

Figure F.14: Diagram of hardness test 2B II.

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Specimen Max load Max compressive Diameter of Hardness Brinellextension impression

[N] [mm] [mm] [HB]2BPr1 I 703.72 1.04 6.59648 1.910162BPr1 II 315.42 1.04 6.59648 0.856172BPr2 I 1017.08 1.02 6.53899 2.814872BPr2 II 907.74 1.04 6.59648 2.463952BPr3 I 990.11 1.02 6.53899 2.740232BPr3 II 473.33 1.03 6.56783 1.297272BPr4 I 719.52 1.02 6.53899 1.991342BPr4 II 536.79 1.04 6.59648 1.45705StatisticsMean 707.965 1.03 6.57134 1.94138Min 315.42 1.02 6.53899 0.85617Max 1017.08 1.04 6.59648 2.81487

Table F.7: Result of hardness test 2B.

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Culm 3

Figure F.15: Diagram of hardness test 3B I. Specimen four was not testeddue to poor sample.

Figure F.16: Diagram of hardness test 3B II. Specimen four was not testeddue to poor sample.

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Specimen Max load Max compressive Diameter of Hardness Brinellextension impression

[N] [mm] [mm] [HB]3BPr1 I 591.00 1.04 6.59648 1.604203BPr1 II 836.32 1.04 6.59648 2.270093BPr2 I 570.63 1.01 6.50996 1.594913BPr2 II 520.75 1.02 6.53899 1.441233BPr3 I 675.40 1.03 6.56783 1.851093BPr3 II 612.14 1.04 6.59648 1.66158StatisticsMean 634.37 1.025 6.56771 1.73718Min 520.75 1.01 6.50996 1.44123Max 836.32 1.04 6.59648 2.27009

Table F.8: Result of hardness test 3B.

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Culm 4

Figure F.17: Diagram of hardness test 4B I.

Figure F.18: Diagram of hardness test 4B II.

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Specimen Max load Max compressive Diameter of Hardness Brinellextension impression

[N] [mm] [mm] [HB]4BPr1 I 552.29 1.02 6.53899 1.528524BPr1 II 324.19 1.01 6.50996 0.906114BPr2 I 393.93 1.01 6.50996 1.101044BPr2 II 183.65 1.02 6.53899 0.508274BPr3 I 434.62 1.04 6.59648 1.179724BPr3 II 435.43 1.03 6.56783 1.193404BPr4 I 564.26 1.02 6.53899 1.561654BPr4 II 229.75 1.03 6.56783 0.62968StatisticsMean 389.765 1.02 6.54613 1.07605Min 183.65 1.01 6.50996 0.50827Max 564.26 1.04 6.59648 1.56165

Table F.9: Result of hardness test 4B.

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Culm 7

Figure F.19: Diagram of hardness test 7B I.

Figure F.20: Diagram of hardness test 7B II.

126

Specimen Max load Max compressive Diameter of Hardness Brinellextension impression

[N] [mm] [mm] [HB]7BPr1 I 676.70 1.04 6.59648 1.836827BPr1 II 290.71 1.04 6.59648 0.789107BPr2 I 530.28 1.02 6.53899 1.467607BPr2 II 476.25 1.04 6.59648 1.292727BPr3 I 781.50 1.04 6.59648 2.121297BPr3 II 505.69 1.01 6.50996 1.413407BPr4 I 621.08 1.01 6.50996 1.735927BPr4 II 196.04 1.03 6.56783 0.53729StatisticsMean 509.780 1.03 6.56409 1.39927Min 196.04 1.01 6.50996 0.53729Max 781.50 1.04 6.59648 2.12129

Table F.10: Result of hardness test 7B.

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