Seismic performance of single family dwellings constructed using bamboo-mortar composite

The use of bamboo as a structural construction material is gaining traction primarily because (i) it is a rapidly growing material and thus sustainable, and (ii) it has many positive engineering attributes such as its high strength-to-weight ratio in tension. One area of recent development has been the use of bamboo-based construction in seismically active regions of India. In this paper the seismic behaviour of one type of bamboo-based construction is examined and validated by calibrating a non-linear numerical model to wall panel experimental results, and then performing multi-record incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) on the full system level model. The response was very reasonable due, in part, to the relatively light weight of the bamboo roof system. Most importantly, the damage to the bamboo-mortar walls during testing, and particularly the eventual failure mechanisms, were consistent with modern engineered materials thus confirming that this type of construction is a viable alternative for seismic regions, particular in developing countries.