FLEXURAL PERFORMANCE OF BAMBOO-

REINFORCED RECYCLED AGGREGATE

COMPOSITES
Project Phase-1 report submitted to
Sreenidhi Institute of science and Technology
In partial fulfillment of requirement for the award of degree of

Bachelor of Technology
By

1) G. MADHAN (21311A0109)
2) A. KIRAN ADITHYA (21311A0120)
3) S. SAI KRISHNA (22315A0103)
Under the Guidance of

Dr. G.V.PRAVEEN

Department of Civil Engineering

Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology (Autonomous)
(Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad)
Approved by AICTE
Hyderabad- 501301 (India)
December 2024

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 SREENIDHI INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(AUTONOMOUS)
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

DECLARATION

We hereby declare that the Project report titled “FLEXURAL PERFORMANCE OF BAMBOO-
REINFORCED RECYCLED AGGREGATE COMPOSITES” submitted herein to the Department of
Civil Engineering of Sreenidhi Instituteof Science and Technology, Hyderabad for the partial fulfillment of
award of Degree of Bachelor of Technology, represents our own ideas and in places where others’ ideas
have been included, we have provided necessary citation and reference to the original source. The work is
original and has not been submitted earlier as a whole or in part for the award of any degree / diploma at
this or any other Institution / University.

Date:
Place: Hyderabad
1. G.MADHAN (21311A0109)
2. A.KIRAN ADITHYA (21311A0120)
3.S.SAI KRISHNA (22315A0103)

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 SREENIDHI INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(AUTONOMOUS)
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE
The Project report titled “FLEXURAL PERFORMANCE OF BAMBOO-REINFORCED
RECYCLED AGGREGATE COMPOSITES” submitted by MADHAN (21311A0109), A. KIRAN
ADITYA (21311A0120), G. S.SAI KRISHNA (22315A0103) for the partial fulfilment of award of degree
of Bachelor of Technology, has been carried under my supervision at the department of Civil Engineering
of Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology, Hyderabad. The work is comprehensive, complete and
fit for evaluation.

Guided & Forwarded by: -

Dr. G.V Praveen

Professor and Head,
Department of Civil Engineering,
SNIST, Hyderabad.

External Examiner

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We take this rare opportunity to express our sincere regards and deepest gratitude to our Guide
Dr.G.V. Praveen, Civil Engineering Department, SNIST, Hyderabad., for his valuable guidance
right from the start to the successful completion of this Project. It is only due to his, positive
guidance constant supervision, encouragement and appraisal that, we are able to cover the various
aspects of this Project work in time.

We express our sincere thanks Dr.T.CH Shiva Reddy, Principal, SNIST, for his valuable support
and cooperation extended to usin all respects during our project work.

We express our sincere thanks to Dr. G.V. Praveen, HOD, for his valuable help, support and
constant encouragement, cooperation extended to us in all respects during our Project work.

This Project work could not be made without the tremendous background information made
available by various research workers and authors of excellent books and articles, which have been
referred to and are listed at the end of this thesis. We are thankful to them.

We are also thankful to all the Laboratory staff without whose help this work would not have been
completed.

1. G. MADHAN (21311A0109)
2. A. KIRAN ADITHYA (21311A0120)
3.S. SAIKRISHNA (22315A0103)

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 ABSTRACT

The increase of Indian population is in drastic manner, and it is essential to fulfil their basic needs
such as food and shelter. It demands more amount of construction materials and further, it causes
depletion of resources. In this context, it is necessary to identify new alternative materials against
conventional materials to maintain sustainability of resources. Traditionally steel is used as
reinforcement in concrete structures but because of cost and availability, replacement of steel with
some other suitable material as reinforcement is now a major concern. The construction industry is
the main consumer of energy and materials in most of the countries. Since Bamboo is a natural,
ecologically friendly, cheap and also readily available material. So, we can use as alternative for steel
in the construction.

In the study undertaken, an attempt is made to reduce the cost of construction by developing the
flexural test samples by replacing conventional Coarse aggregate with recycled coarse aggregate and
incorporating bamboo as reinforcement.

In this we adopted a custom concrete mix of M23 grade, which has a flexural strength of 3.35N/mm2.
The Mix ratio of M23 is 1:1.2:2.4. Here 25% of aggregate is replaced with recycled aggregate by
referring from various past journals. Total 12 flexural samples are casted and tested under flexural
testing machine. The strength of recycled aggregate samples is compared with conventional mix
samples. The main objective of this project is to analyze, that the recycled aggerate is useful for
construction or not. Also, to compare the strength difference between the samples.

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 INDEX

Pg. No :
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ……………………………………………………………….………. 4
ABSTRACT …………………………………………………….................................................. 5
CONTENTS ……………………………………………………………………………….…… 5
LIST OF FIGURES ……………………………………….………………...…………….…… 7
LIST OF TABLES ………………………………………..……….............................................. 7

CONTENTS
Pg. No :
CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the project ……………………………………………………………….…..9
1.2 Bamboo reinforcement ……………………………………...…………………………….…9
1.2.1 Benefits of Bamboo…………………………………………………………….………....10
1.2.2 Applications in construction……… ………………………………………….………. …12
1.3 Recycled Aggregates ……………………………………………………..…….……….…..12
1.3.1 Types of recycled Aggregates………………………………………………………….….12
1.3.2 Benefits of Recycled Aggregates ……………………………………………………….…12
1.3.3 Applications in construction ………………………………………..…………………..…13
1.4 Steel Reinforcement ………………………………………………………………..…….….13
1.4.1 Benefits of Steel Reinforcement……………………..………………………………….…13
1.5 Objectives of the project………………………..……………………………………………14
CHAPTER – 2 LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................. 15
CHAPTER – 3 MATERIALS USED
3.1 Cement ................................................................................................................................ 16
3.2 Fine aggregate ...................................................................................................................... 17
3.3 Coarse aggregate ................................................................................................................. 18
3.4 bamboo.................................................................................................................................. 18
3.5 Water .................................................................................................................................... 18

3.6 Steel .................................................................................................................................... 18

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 CHAPTER – 4 CALCULATIONS ....................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER – 5 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................... 20

5.1 MATERIAL SELECTION………………………….…………………………………………...20

5.2 MATERIAL PREPARATION…………………………………………………………………...21

5.3 CONCRETE MIXING ………………………………………….……………………………….22

5.4 CASTING OF BEAMS………………………………………………...………………………...23

5.5 CURING…………………………………………………………………………........................25

5.6 TESTING AND RESULTS……………………………………………….………….………….26

CHAPTER – 6 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ....................................................................

6.1 Test results of Moulds………………………………………………..…………………………..27
6.2 Flexural Strength Calculations …………………………………………………………………..28
DISCUSSIONS………………………………………………………………………...…………….33
CHAPTER – 7 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................. 34
CHAPTER – 8 REFERENCES .............................................................................................. 35

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1 : Cement .................................................................................................................................. 16

Figure 3.2 : Fine aggregate ..................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 3.3 : Coarse aggregate ................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 3. 4 : Bamboo .............................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 3.6 : Steel bars ............................................................................................................................. 18
Figure 5.1 : Methodology of the project .................................................................................................. 20
Figure 5.2 : Bamboo Meshes ................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 5.2.1 Steel cutting and steel reinforcement .................................................................................... 22
Figure 5.2.2 Extracting RCA from construction Waste .......................................................................... 22
Figure 5.3 mixing of concrete ................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 5.4 Casting of beams ..................................................................................................................... 25

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Figure 5.5 Curing of blocks………………………………………………………………………………25
Figure 5.6 Testing Beams under Flexural Testing machine……………………………..……………….26
Figure 6.2 Types of Failures of beams………………………………………...…………………………28
Figure 6.1 4- point Flexural Testing machine………………………………………………...………….29
Figure 6.3 Graph showing Flexural Strength of different samples……………..………………….…….32

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1: Properties of bamboo ............................................................................................................. 11
Table 1.4: Properties of Steel ................................................................................................................... 12
Table 4.1: Quantities of materials used .................................................................................................... 19
Table 5.4: Scheduling of curing and Testing of blocks ……………………………………………….…24
Table 6.1: Dail gauge readings……………………………………………………...……………………27

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 CHAPTER – 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

The construction industry is facing significant challenges in balancing economic growth with
environmental sustainability. The depletion of natural resources and the increasing volume of
construction and demolition waste have prompted researchers to explore alternative materials that
can minimize the environmental footprint of construction activities. Bamboo, a fast-growing and
renewable resource, has gained attention as a potential substitute for conventional reinforcement due
to its high tensile strength, lightweight nature, and widespread availability. Similarly, recycled
aggregates derived from construction and demolition waste have emerged as a viable alternative to
natural aggregates, contributing to the reduction of landfill waste and resource depletion.

Combining bamboo and recycled aggregates offers a promising pathway to create innovative, eco-
friendly construction materials. Bamboo’s unique properties, such as its ability to absorb tensile
stresses, complement the compressive strength of concrete, while recycled aggregates provide a
sustainable solution for replacing virgin aggregates without compromising performance. Despite
these advantages, the structural behaviour of composites using bamboo and recycled aggregates
remains an area requiring detailed investigation, particularly with respect to their flexural
performance.

Flexural strength, a critical parameter in structural design, determines a material's ability to resist
bending and withstand loads. Understanding the flexural behaviour of bamboo-reinforced recycled
aggregate composites (BRRAC) is essential for assessing their feasibility and reliability in practical
applications. This study aims to evaluate the flexural properties of these composites, focusing on the
effects of varying bamboo reinforcement ratios and recycled aggregate content.

By conducting a series of laboratory experiments and analysing the results, this research seeks to
provide insights into the mechanical performance of BRRAC and their potential as sustainable
alternatives to traditional construction materials. The findings will contribute to advancing green
construction practices and promoting the integration of renewable and recycled materials in modern
engineering.

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1.3 BAMBOO REINFORCEMENT:-

Bamboo reinforcement is an innovative and sustainable alternative to steel reinforcement used in

concrete structures. Bamboo, a naturally strong and fast-growing material, is gaining attention for
its potential in construction, particularly in regions where bamboo is available. When used as
reinforcement, bamboo can offer both environmental and mechanical benefits, making it an
attractive choice for eco-friendly building structures.

1.2.1 Benefits of Bamboo

Bamboo offers a wide range of benefits due to its unique combination of mechanical properties,
renewability, and sustainability. Its advantages make it a valuable material in construction and
various other industries. The key benefits of bamboo:

➢ High Strength and Durability

• Bamboo has excellent tensile strength, comparable to steel in certain cases, making it suitable for
structural applications. Tensile Strength is 100–400 MPa (varies by bamboo species and treatment)
• The flexural strength is 100–200 MPa (depends on bamboo species and the form of reinforcement)
• The compressive strength is 40–70 MPa (depends on species and orientation of fibres)

➢ Renewable and Sustainable

• Bamboo grows rapidly, with some species maturing within 3–5 years, making it a highly renewable
resource.
• It regenerates naturally after harvesting, without the need for replanting, reducing the depletion of
natural resources.

➢ Eco-Friendly

• Bamboo is a carbon-neutral material, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide and releasing
oxygen during its growth.
• The use of bamboo in construction reduces the reliance on energy-intensive materials like steel and
concrete, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

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 ➢ Contribution to Rural Economies

• Bamboo cultivation and processing provide employment opportunities in rural areas, supporting
local economies.
• It serves as a low-cost construction material for affordable housing, especially in developing
regions.

➢ Cost-Effective

• Bamboo is widely available in many regions and is often more affordable than conventional
construction materials.
• Its lightweight nature reduces transportation and labour costs during construction.

Table 1.1: - properties of Bamboo

PROPERTIES VALUES/DESCRIPTION
Tensile Strength 100–400 MPa (varies by bamboo species and treatment)

Compressive Strength 40–70 MPa (depends on species and orientation of fibers)

Elastic Modulus 10,000–20,000 MPa (varies with species and treatment)

Density 600–900 kg/m³ (varies based on species and moisture content)

Moisture Content 10–20% (depending on climate and processing conditions)

Flexural Strength 100–200 MPa (depends on bamboo species and the form of reinforcement)

Durability Medium to high (can be enhanced with treatment to resist pests and fungi

Corrosion Resistance Low (bamboo is susceptible to decay and pests unless treated with preservatives)

Coefficient of 4–6 x 10⁻⁶ /°C (lower than steel but higher than concrete)
Thermal Expansion

Workability High (can be cut, drilled, and shaped easily, similar to wood)

Flexibility High (bamboo has high flexibility, especially compared to traditional

materials like steel)

Bending Strength 150–300 MPa (varies based on bamboo species and cross-sectional form)

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1.2.2 Applications in Construction

• Reducing the environmental impact of construction.

• Offering a sustainable alternative to steel reinforcement.

1.3 RECYCLED AGGREGATES

Recycled aggregates are construction materials that are produced by processing and reusing waste
materials from demolition or construction waste. These aggregates are an environmentally friendly
and sustainable alternative to virgin materials.

1.3.1 Types of Recycled Aggregates:

❖ Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA): Crushed and processed concrete waste.

❖ Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP): Reused asphalt from roads.
❖ Mixed Recycled Aggregates: Combination of materials like bricks, concrete, and other debris.

1.3.2 Benefits of Recycled Aggregates

Recycled aggregates, derived from processed construction and demolition (C&D) waste, offer
numerous advantages in terms of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and performance. Their use
reduces the environmental impact of construction while promoting efficient waste management.

❖ Waste Reduction

• Utilizing recycled aggregates minimizes the amount of C&D waste sent to landfills, conserving
landfill space and reducing environmental pollution.

❖ Conservation of Natural Resources

• Reduces the need for virgin aggregates (gravel, sand, stone), conserving natural resources such as
riverbeds and quarries. Also, helps to maintain ecological balance by reducing excessive mining.

❖ Lower Carbon Footprint

• Producing recycled aggregates requires less energy compared to extracting and processing virgin
aggregates, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

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 ❖ Cost-Effective Material

• Recycled aggregates are often cheaper than virgin aggregates, offering significant cost savings in
construction projects.

❖ Comparable Strength and Durability

• When combined with materials like bamboo or steel reinforcements, they enhance the overall
flexural and compressive strength of concrete composites.

1.3.3 Applications in Construction

• Recycled aggregates are ideal for drainage layers, embankments, and landscaping projects due to
their permeability and stability.
• They are often used in precast concrete products, blocks, and tiles, which are cost-effective and
environmentally friendly.
• Recycled aggregates are widely used in road construction, particularly as a base or sub-base
material.

1.4 STEEL REINFORCEMENT :-

Steel reinforcement, commonly known as rebar (short for reinforcing bar), is a critical component
in the construction industry, used to enhance the strength and durability of concrete structures.
Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, which means it tends to crack or fail under
tensile stresses. steel reinforcement is used within concrete to provide tensile strength, helping the
structure resist cracking, bending, and breaking under load.

1.4.1 Benefits of Steel Reinforcement :-

➢ Strength: Steel reinforcement significantly increases the structural strength of concrete, allowing
buildings and other structures to support greater loads.
➢ Durability: The use of steel reduces the likelihood of concrete failure, extending the life of the
structure.
➢ Workability: Steel reinforcement can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes to meet
specific structural requirements.

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 Table 1.4: - properties of steel

PROPERTIES VALUES/DESCRIPTION
400–700 MPa (for common grades of steel
Tensile Strength
reinforcement)

250–500 MPa (depending on the grade, e.g., Grade 60

Yield Strength
rebar has a yield strength of 420 MPa)

14%–24% (typically 14% for high-strength grades,

Elongation
increases with lower strength grades)

200,000 MPa (typical for steel, representing its

Modulus of Elasticity
resistance to deformation)

Density 7,850 kg/m³ (for mild steel and typical rebar)

Poisson’s Ratio 0.3 (standard value for steel)

Varies (mild steel is prone to corrosion; galvanized or

Corrosion Resistance
stainless steel provides better resistance)

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 11–13 x 10⁻⁶ /°C (for typical steel)

HRB 70–90 (depending on grade and heat treatment)

Hardness (Rockwell)

~10% IACS (International Annealed Copper

Electrical Conductivity
Standard), indicating poor conductivity compared to
copper

Weldability Excellent (Steel reinforcement is commonly welded in

certain construction applications)

1.5 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT: -

• To investigate the load-bearing capacity and flexural behavior of concrete beams reinforced with
bamboo and incorporating recycled aggregates.

• To compare the performance of bamboo-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete beam with

conventional reinforced concrete beam.
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 CHAPTER - 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

1] Mukta S. Bangar, Dr. U. R. Kawade (4, April 2024); The test was carried out on panels of size 750mm
X 125mm with 35mm thickness with single layer and double layer bamboo mesh with variation in spacing
as 15mm X 15mm opening and 25mm X 25mm opening area. The cement sand proportion for casting
used was 1:3 with water cement ratio of 0.4. For this experimental program 24 numbers of panels were
casted using conventional wire mesh as reinforcement. And 48 panels were casted using bamboo mesh as
reinforcement. The specimens were cured for 7 days and 28 days in potable water. The curing was done
for 7 and 14 days. From experimental tests, Authors concluded that, always the double mesh layer strength
is greater and bamboo reinforced mesh strength is less than conventional mesh but almost nearer to each
other. The bamboo with double mesh layer of 28 days curing is recommended.

2] Mr. Vipul Bambode, Ms. Sakshi Gawande (2020); the major findings from the research is water
absorption, moisture content of bamboo can be controlled by using proper harvesting and preservation
technique. Different species of bamboo is used in constructions due to its physical characteristic example
Guadua bamboo is suitable for all type of structure. Bamboo is a flexible and their hollow section make
bamboo light weight material which is easy to handle, transport and store. Bamboo has an earthquake
resistance capacity. Bamboo is used as a structural element, it is also used as another purpose in structure
like flooring, water pipes, drainage, wall paneling and furniture. Bamboo is can be utilized for permanent
and for temporary construction. Another advantage of building with bamboo is it can be used in
combination with other type of material in construction like in reinforcement. We can replace of steel as
a bamboo because bamboo give more tensile strength as compare to steel. Bamboo is cost effective than
steel

3] Lokendra Kaushal, Mr. Madan Chandra Maura (2017) the approach of their study is to reduce the cost
of material by using bamboo stripes to provide reinforcement in concert beam in place of steel. It increases
load carrying capacity, good reinforcement and environment friendly. It gives better flexibility, light
weight, easy design, high tensile strength and the drawbacks are It possess low modules of elasticity
compared to steel so it cannot prevent cracking tendency to absorb water affect the bond between concrete
and bamboo. There is need for development of a simple design code for the application of bamboo as a
construction material

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 CHAPTER – 3
MATERIALS USED
3.1 CEMENT:-
Cement is a key binding material in construction, widely used in the production of concrete, mortar,
and other building materials. It is a fine powder made from a mixture of limestone, clay, and other
minerals, which undergoes a heating process in a kiln to produce clinker. The clinker is then ground
into fine powder to produce cement. cement is an essential material in modern construction, for strong,
durable, and versatile building materials.

Figure 3.1: - Cement

3.2 FINE AGGREGATE:-
We used the fine aggregates as per the M23 grade. We used the fine sand of 4.75mm sieve size. Fine
aggregates are small-sized particles in concrete, typically passing through a 4.75 mm sieve. Fine
aggregates play a crucial role in concrete mixtures, contributing to the overall strength and
workability. They fill the voids between coarse aggregates, enhancing the compactness of the concrete
mix. Additionally, fine aggregates influence the water demand and durability of concrete, making
them a vital component in construction materials.

Figure 3.2 :- fine aggregate

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3.3 COARSE AGGREGATES :-
An aggregate’s particle sizes influence the concrete’s structure and quality. One role of coarse
aggregate in concrete is to reduce production costs by reducing the amount of cement you need.
Cement tends to be more expensive than aggregates and you won’t need as much to create the final
product. However, choosing the maximum particle size leaves more void space between particles,
leaving the concrete weaker and more vulnerable to damage. To select an aggregate with various
particle sizes to make the strongest, most durable product. Coarse aggregates are large-sized particles
in concrete, typically greater than 4.75 mm. These aggregates form the structural framework of
concrete, providing strength and durability. The size and quality of coarse aggregates impact the
concrete's strength and workability, influencing It’s performance in construction projects.

Figure 3.3 :- Coarse aggregate

3.4 BAMBOO :-
Bamboo is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to steel in concrete construction, particularly for
slabs. Bamboo's high strength-to-weight ratio and fast growth make it an attractive option for
reinforcing concrete slabs.

Figure 3.4 :- Bamboo

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3.5 WATER :-
Water to cementitious materials ratios between 0.45 and 0.50 are used successfully. The relation between
strength and water to cementitious materials ratio is not clear for pervious concrete because unlike
conventional concrete, the total paste content is less than the voids content between the aggregates.

3.6 STEEL :-
Steel is one of the most versatile and widely used materials in the world, known for its strength,
durability, and adaptability. It is an alloy primarily made of iron and carbon, with trace amounts of
other elements to enhance its properties. Steel plays a critical role in construction, manufacturing,
transportation, and many other industries.

Diameter: The diameter of the bar is given as 8 mm. This dimension is crucial in determining the
structural performance of the steel in various applications, such as reinforcing concrete structures.
steel remains the most reliable and widely used material for slab reinforcement due to its superior
strength, ease of use, and established performance standards.

Yield Strength: The yield strength of Fe 500 steel is at least 500 MPa. This is the stress at which the
material begins to deform plastically, indicating its ability to withstand applied loads without
permanent deformation.

Figure 3.6 :- steel bars

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 CHAPTER – 4
CALCULATIONS
M23 grade concrete.
The mix ratio = 1:1.2:2.4.
Size of mould = 500mm*100mm*100mm
Sum of Ratio = 4.6
Length of slab (L) = 2m.
Width of slab (B) = 1.2m.
Volume of Concrete = L x B x T = 0.5 x 0.1 x 0.1 = 0.005m3.

o Cement = 1/ (sum of ratios) * volume of mould * 1.54 * Density of cement

=1/ (4.6) * 0.5*0.1*0.1*1440*1.54 = 2.41kg.

o Fine Aggregate = Ratio of Fine aggregate * Cement weight

=1.2*2.41

=2.89 kg

o Coarse Aggregate = =2.4 * 2.41

=5.78 kg

o Water cement ratio = 0.5

Water = 0.5 * 2.41 = 1.2 litres

❖ FOR REPLACEMENT AGGREGATE: -

Recycled coarse aggregates = 25% of Coarse aggregates

=0.25 * 5.784

=1.44 kg

Table 4.1 :- Quantities of Materials used

S. No % of Replacement Cement(kg) F.A(kg) C.A(kg) RCA (kg) Water(L)
1 0% 2.41 2.89 5.78 0 1.2
2 25% 2.41 2.89 4.34 1.44 1.2

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 CHAPTER – 5

METHODOLOGY

The study involves the design, preparation, and testing of bamboo-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete
(RAC) composites to evaluate their flexural performance. The following steps outline the methodology: -

Figure 5.1 :- Methodology of the project

MATERIAL COLLECTION

MATERIAL PREPARATION

CONCRETE MIXING

CASTING OF BEAMS

CURING

TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

5.1 MATERIAL SELECTION

• Bamboo: - Select the locally available Bamboo.

• Cement: Use Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) – 53 Grade.
• Fine Aggregate: - Use river sand passing through 4.75mm sieve.
• Coase Aggregate: - Considered 20mm size aggregates.
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 • Water: - Used clean water.
• Steel: - Used 8mm diameter bars. Fe 500Mpa.
• Recycled Aggregates: Collected aggregates from construction and demolition waste. (Ensure
proper grading and quality control to meet concrete mix design standards)

5.2 MATERIAL PREPARATION

Bamboo Preparation:

o The Bamboo was cut in to strips and length of 470mm.

o Surface is roughened to improve the bond between bamboo and concrete.
o Prepared bamboo meshes. For each beam 2 meshes are used.

Figure 5.2 :- Bamboo meshes

Steel Reinforcement:

o Steel rods are cut into a length of 47cm.

o Prepared a box type reinforcement with 15mm as concrete cover.
o The length of the reinforcement 470mm

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 Figure 5.2.1:-Steel cutting and steel reinforcement

Recycled Aggregates:

o Wash and sieve it from 20mm size sieve to remove impurities.

o Weigh the aggregate of 25% weight of the total aggregate.

Figure 5.2.2:- Extracting RCA from Construction waste

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5.3 CONCRETE MIXING

Concrete mixing is the process of combining different ingredients like cement, aggregates ( fine
aggregate, coarse aggregate ), water. The quality of concrete depends on the correct proportions, the
method of mixing, and the curing process.
Concrete mixing is a critical step in the construction process that requires careful attention to proportions,
and mixing methods. The mixing is done by hand that is manual mixing.
• The dry materials (cement and aggregates) are first mixed thoroughly to ensure uniformity.
• Water is then added gradually and mixed until the desired consistency is achieved.
Properly mixed concrete leads to better performance of the final construction.

Figure 5.3:-Mixing of concrete

5.4 CASTING OF BEAMS

• Prepared the moulds for beam specimens with specified dimensions (500 mm × 100 mm × 100
mm).
• Applied Oil to the sides of the mould.
• Mix the above-mentioned quantities thoroughly and add water to it. Mix the ingredients until the
uniform mix is arrived. Immediately place the mix in the moulds.
• Placed bamboo reinforcements in the moulds with required spacing and alignment.
• Pour the concrete mix into moulds and compact to remove air voids.
• Place the concrete in 3 layers. Give 25 blows for each layer.
• Keep the moulds for 24hrs undisturbed.
• Total of 12 blocks are casted.

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 Below table shows the details of the samples casted and their dates on which that are removed from
water bath.

Table 5.4:- Schedule of Curing and Testing of blocks

S. Reinforcement Replacement Date of Date to be No of Curing
No (%) casting removed blocks period
from water
1 Bamboo 0 28/11/2024 13/12/2024 1 14
2 Bamboo 25 29/11/2024 14/12/2024 1 14
3 Steel 0 29/11/2024 14/12/2024 1 14
4 No reinforcement 0 02/12/2024 17/12/2024 2 14
5 No reinforcement 25 02/12/2024 17/12/2024 2 14
6 Bamboo 0 03/12/2024 18/12/2024 1 14
7 Steel 0 03/12/2024 18/12/2024 1 14
8 Steel 25 07/12/2024 22/12/2024 2 14
9 Bamboo 25 07/12/2024 22/12/2024 1 14

Figure 5.4:- Casting of Beams

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 Figure 5.4:- Casting of Beams

5.5 CURING

Curing is a crucial process in concrete construction, involving the maintenance of adequate

moisture, temperature, and time to allow proper hydration of cement. This process ensures that
concrete achieves its desired strength, durability, and other critical properties. The samples are
demoulded from moulds after 24hrs. Write mix details on the samples for identification. Then keep
it in the water bath for 14 days. The room temperature should be maintained for better curing.

Figure 5.5:- Curing of Blocks

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5.6 TESTING AND RESULTS

The Beams are tested under 4-point flexural testing machine. The beam is marked with the 50mm
from both ends and also the mid portion is divided into 3 equal parts of length 13.33cm and marked
with chalk piece. Then the sample is placed under testing machine which the machine points
coincide with the sample markings. Then the machine is sighted so that the sample fix in the
position. Then pressed start button to start the machine. Close the oil pressure before starting the
machine. Now the load starts applying on the sample. Noted down the dial gauge readings when
the ultimate load is reached. Then pressed on the stop button. Then released the oil pressure. The
sample is taken out and measured the distance of failure from the nearer support marking. Repeated
the same processes for the remaining samples. The dial gauge readings were observed and noted.

Figure 5.6:-Testing beams under flexural testing machine

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 CHAPTER – 6

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

6.1 TEST RESULTS OF MOULDS: -

Testing the maximum load-bearing capacity of a flexural beam involves determining the ultimate load a
beam can carry without failure, as well as ensuring that it meets the design requirements for safety and
serviceability. The test is done through 4-point flexural testing machine and involves applying a gradually
increasing load until the beam reaches its ultimate capacity or shows signs of cracks.
The Dial Guage shows the load that applied on the sample. Below are the flexural test results.

Table 6.1:- Dial Guage readings

S. Reinforce % of Sample Sample Flexural Flexural Type of
N ment replace -1 -2 strength strength failure
o ment sample - sample - a (1) a (2) Curing
(KN) (KN) 1 2 A or B in days
(mm) (mm)
N/mm^2 N/mm^2

1 No 0% 22 21 8.8 8.4 A 0 0 14
Reinforce
ment
2 No 25% 20 20 8 8 A 0 0 14
Reinforce
ment
3 Bamboo 0% 19 18 7.6 7.2 A 0 0 14

4 Bamboo 25% 15 14 5.6 5.85 A, B 0 130 14

5 Steel 0% 50 50 19.05 19.5 B 127 130 14

6 Steel 25% 40 37 14.4 12.76 B 120 115 14

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6.2 FLEXURAL STRENGTH CALCULATIONS

Based on IS 456 - 2000 code. Depending up on failure criteria the flexural strength is calculated.

a) The Flexural Strength or modulus of rupture (fb) is provided as

fb = pl/bd2 (when a > 133mm for 100mm specimen)
b) fb = 3pa/bd2 (when a < 133 mm but > 110mm for 100mm specimen.)

c) The sample is rejected if a < 110mm (Unsatisfactory).

Figure 6.2 :- Tpes of failures of the beam

Where,
a = the span among the line of fracture and the nearer support, calculated on the center line of
the tensile side of the specimen
b = width of specimen (mm)
d = failure point depth (mm)
l = supported length (mm)
p = Max. Load (KN)

For No reinforcement sample of 0% RCA: -

The failure criteria is “A” i.e. a = 200mm. So, formula used is fb = pl/bd2.
Fb= 21.5*1000*400/100*100^2
= 8.6 N/mm^2

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 Similarly calculate for all remaining samples.
If failure criteria is “B” then use the formula of fb = 3pa/bd2
The flexural strength of beam or slab for M23 Grade concrete: -
From the IS 456 – 2000 code,
Flexural Strength = 0.7*√fck
= 0.7*√23
=3.35 N/mm^2
The beams which flexural strength is above 3.35 N/mm^2 are passed sample.

Figure 6.1:- 4 – Point Flexural Testing Machine

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 Depending upon the type of reinforcement used in the samples, the type of failure pattern for samples
are different. The sample is broken into two parts for the No reinforcement samples.

Figure 6.1.1:- Failure pattern of No reinforcement sample-1 Figure 6.1.2:- Failure pattern of No reinforcement sample-2

For the Bamboo reinforced samples with 0% RCA, the cracks are formed at the middle section. Both
samples are “A” type failures.

Figure 6.1.3:- Failure pattern of Bamboo(0% RCA) S-1 Figure 6.1.4:- Failure pattern of Bamboo(0% RCA) S-2

For the Bamboo reinforced samples with 25% RCA. The sample -1 is “A” type failure and sample – 2
is “B” type failure.

Figure 6.1.5:- Failure pattern of Bamboo(25% RCA) S-1 Figure 6.1.6:- Failure pattern of Bamboo(25% RCA) S-1

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 For the Steel reinforced samples with 0% and 25% RCA. All the samples are “B” type failure .

Figure 6.1.7:- Failure pattern of steel reinforcement sample-1 Figure 6.1.8:- Failure pattern of steel reinforcement sample-2

Figure 6.1.9:- Failure pattern of No reinforcement sample-1 Figure 6.1.10:- Samples after Testing

Figure 6.1.11:- Total casted samples

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6.3 Graph:-
The graph below shows the 12 samples flexural strengths.

25
Flexural Strength of the Samples

20 19.5
19.05
FLEXURAL STRENGTH (N/MM^2)

15 14.4

12.6

10 8.8 8.4 8 8 7.6 7.2

5.6 5.8
5

TYPE OF SAMPLE

Sample - 1 Sample - 2

Figure 6.1.12 :- Graph showing the Flexural strength of different samples

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DISCUSSIONS: -

From the above results the following details are observed

I. The load carrying capacity of sample with Bamboo reinforcement of 0% RCA is very lesser
than the sample with no reinforcement of 25% RCA.
II. The flexural strength of bamboo reinforcement samples of 0% RCA 5% lesser than 25%
RCA with No reinforcement samples.
III. The flexural strength of bamboo reinforcement samples of 0%RCA is greater than bamboo
reinforcement samples of 25%RCA.
IV. The load bearing capacity of sample with steel reinforcement of 25% RCA is 54.15% greater
than the samples with bamboo reinforcement of 25% RCA.
V. The flexural strength of samples with No reinforcement is always greater than the samples
with Bamboo reinforcement with 0% and 25% RCA.
VI. The flexural strength of samples with steel reinforcement is always greater than the samples
with bamboo reinforcement and No reinforcement.
VII. The flexural strength is decreased for recycled samples as compared to samples of normal
composition.

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 CHAPTER – 7

CONCLUSIONS

The following conclusions were drawn from the experimental study carried out

• The flexural strength of bamboo reinforcement samples is always less than the all-other type of
samples.
• Steel reinforcement is the most effective in enhancing both load-carrying capacity and flexural
strength.
• Bamboo reinforcement provides limited improvement in flexural strength, especially in samples
with higher RCA content.
• The use of RCA adversely impacts the mechanical properties of the samples, suggesting that its
percentage in concrete should be optimized to balance sustainability and strength.
• Non-reinforced samples performed better than bamboo-reinforced samples.
• Although bamboo is good replacement for steel reinforcement, the bond strength has decreased for
bamboo with concrete.
• Even though the roughness is done to the surface of the bamboo the cracks are formed after
demoulding.

All the samples are passed the test i.e. is flexural strength is greater than the flexural strength of
M23 grade concrete beams (f_cb=3.35N/mm^2).
Clause 6.2.1 of IS 456:2000 specifies that concrete flexural strength is critical for structural
performance and should meet minimum requirements:

o For M23 concrete (commonly used): Minimum flexural strength = 3.35 N/mm².
o Bamboo reinforcement with 25% RCA replacement achieves 5.6–5.85 N/mm², which is
acceptable in terms of absolute strength. However:
▪ The reduction in strength compared to non-reinforcement or steel
reinforcement indicates inefficiency in load resistance.
▪ This reduction is inconsistent with Clause 35.3.2, which emphasizes the importance
of ensuring the reinforcement enhances structural properties.
• Finally, the 25% RCA with bamboo reinforcement is not recommended in the construction for the
mix discussed in this experiment.
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 CHAPTER – 8

REFERENCES: -

➢ Mukta S. Bangar; FLEXURAL BEHAVIOR OF BAMBOO REINFORCED FERROCEMENT

PANELS [IJIERT];2024.
➢ Mr. Vipul Bambode; A REVIEW OF BAMBOO AS A REINFORCEMENT MATERIAL IN
SLAB PANEL IN MODERN CONSTRUCTION [IJIERT];2020

➢ Lokendra Kaushal, Mr. Madan Chandra Maura; REVIEW ON BAMBOO REINFORCED SLAB
PANEL (2017)
➢ IS 456:2000 - "Plain and Reinforced Concrete - Code of Practice" - Bureau of Indian Standards.
➢ IS 10262-2009, Recommended Guidelines for Concrete Mix Design -Bureau of Indian
Standards, 2009.

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