Approach to the Load Resistance in Two Kinds of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Slab
Steel reinforced concrete is generally used in houses structure elements. However bamboo strength properties similarly to the wood, make it an alternative concrete composite material. Load test were performed in two kinds of bamboo guadua concrete reinforced composite slabs. During the tests the slabs functioned as domestic roofing-flooring in standing houses, the slab systems tested were bamboo stem covered slab and stem free slab. Two different tests were designed to measure the deflection in the middle of the composite slab and along a single bamboo stem. In three different slab sizes and after replications, no deflection under the applied load was recorded. Therefore, bamboo composite slabs without steel reinforcing seem likely to be used in long lasting houses for middle and high class dwellings in Colombia.