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Reader Response “Building with Bamboo” 3rd Draft


In the article “Building with Bamboo”, Ghavami and García (2017) state that bamboo provides various benefits when used in the construction industry. Bamboo is environmentally friendly as it grows in abundance. The article states that the structural strength of bamboo is comparable to steel; laminated bamboo has similar properties to timber and glue-laminated timber. The article further mentions about corrugated bamboo being effective when used in concrete. However, the article also states that bamboo poses challenges when used in construction as there are variables that are inherent; bamboo has geometrical irregularities and “high-water absorption and susceptibility to fungal and insect attack." The writers hope that multinational enterprises will emphasize in reducing global warming by investing in developing more economical and environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo. While the usage of bamboo in construction is being encouraged, there are still further studies and development required to understand the behavior of bamboo. While the authors did mention the advantages and disadvantages of bamboo as a potential construction material in the construction industry, their advantages and disadvantages are not well elaborated with figures and examples to illustrate their points.


The description is not well explained with figures and examples. In the article, Ghavami and Garcia (2017) did mention about bamboo being environmentally friendly in the environment but they did not support with reason on this idea. In the article, “5 benefits of building a home with bamboo”, Kirei (2017) states a greater detail about bamboo being environmentally friendly at home. He states “Bamboo forests are very friendly to the environment. They reduce pollution by producing oxygen, more than 35 percent more than trees do. Their roots create a water barrier that helps control soil erosion. Bamboo also consumes high quantities of nitrogen, which helps reduce water pollution.” From his viewpoint, it strengthens the idea of bamboo as a potential construction material in construction as it is environmentally friendly in the environment.


 This description is also not well elaborated with examples and figures. In the article did not well elaborated was the usage of bamboo, Ghavami, and Garcia (2017) stated about the advantages of using bamboo in construction as compared to steel and timber. In the article “Environmental impacts of bamboo as a substitute constructional material in Nigeria” Russell (2015) further explains the reason on why bamboo is the best construction material as compared to steel and timber. He states “In 1992, Cost Rica was hit by an earthquake which registered 7.5 in magnitude on the Ritcher scale. The only buildings which survived were homes built of bamboo construction.” Therefore, it reinforces the idea that bamboo is the strongest construction material in construction as compared to steel and timber.


 Lastly, In the article, they have missed out greater detail about the disadvantage of bamboo. Ghavami and Garcia (2017) have also discussed bamboo disadvantages; such as susceptibility to fungal and insect attack. In the article “Building Construction Advantages of Building with Bamboo,” Schröder (2008) states the reason about why bamboo is being likely to be attacked by fungal and insect. He states “Once cut, insects may attack bamboo or wood. For that reason, it is highly recommendable that bamboo once cut go immediately through a special immunization and drying process.” Therefore, with this explanation, it gives us a clearer and concise idea of why bamboo is a not suitable construction material in construction.


In conclusion, Ghavami and Garcia (2017) did effectively the advantages and disadvantages of bamboo. However, the explanation of it is not clear and concise toward why bamboo is a construction material in construction.

References

Ghavami.K & García.J.J. (2017, March 30): Building with Bamboo.

Retrieved February 08, 2018


Schröder.S (2008, January 17):  Bamboo Construction Advantages of Building with Bamboo

Retrieved February 08, 2018


Kirei.Z.W (2017, May 31): 5 benefits of building a home with bamboo

Retrieved February 09, 2018


Atanda.J (2015, June 19): Environmental impacts of bamboo as a substitute constructional material in Nigeria

Retrieved February 09, 2018





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