Construction of a Sustainable Multi-Level Bamboo Structure

This paper describes an innovative construction technology used in the construction of a multi-level bamboo structure built in New Delhi, India. It will demonstrate the capability of building three storey structures with bamboo without using nut and bolt components. A total of 1400 bamboo poles are used in the course of construction of this structure. The structure has four levels comprising over 70m(2), including a third floor as a terrace. The structure is built on a bamboo beam and column network which is integrated with non-load bearing bamboo wall panels. All the upper floors and walls are built using bamboo and then finished with cement mortar internally for walls and a concrete screed for flooring. It is then finished externally with a weather-proof coating and internally with paints. This paper describes the complete construction process undertaken during the building of the structure. The fact that these bamboo components sequestrate an estimated 12 tons of CO2 further demonstrates the necessity for systematically researching bamboo as one of nature's structural gifts to utilize it for all possible rural, urban and agricultural infrastructures.