TITLE:
Application of Bamboo as the Reinforcement for Walls Made Using 3D Printed Clay-Hemp Mixture
AUTHORS:
Eden Binega, Ali M. Memari
KEYWORDS:
Bamboo Reinforcement, Cobcrete Structures, Pull-Out Test, Sustainable and Green Infrastructure, Automation in Construction
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Civil Engineering,
Vol.15 No.1,
March
4,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study explores the innovative application of bamboo as reinforcement in walls constructed using a 3D printed clay-hemp mixture. This experimental study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of using bamboo as reinforcement for walls constructed from a 3D printed clay-hemp mixture. Through a comprehensive literature review, the tensile strength and various reinforcement methods of bamboo are explored, including epoxying onto plastic pipes, taping, and inserting steel rods with hose clamping. The experimental setup involves creating 3D printed clay-hemp specimens reinforced with bamboo and conducting pull-out tests to evaluate the bond strength and overall structural integrity. Three reinforcement techniques are systematically compared to identify the most effective method which are two, one, and no hose clamp attached to the embedded bamboo. Each method’s impact on the mechanical properties of the composite material is carefully analyzed. The results indicate that the method involving the extended steel rod with hose clamping is the most effective, yielding a tensile strength of 9504 psi (66 MPa). In addition to experimental findings, the study discusses the broader implications of using bamboo as a reinforcement material in sustainable construction. Bamboo’s natural strength, rapid growth, and renewability make it an ideal candidate for eco-friendly building practices. By combining bamboo with 3D printed clay-hemp mixtures, the research demonstrates a viable approach to developing durable and sustainable construction materials. This study contributes to the growing field of eco-friendly building technologies, presenting bamboo-reinforced clay-hemp walls as a promising solution for future construction projects.