Avoid These Kind of Bamboo Joints

In the previous article, rumahdaribambu.com has discussed a bit about the types of bamboo connections in the article “Here are Some Kinds of Bamboo Connections”. This time, we will discuss about the types of bamboo connections that must be avoided and why the connection should be avoided.

If you look closely at homes or buildings that have structures made of bamboo, there are more or less similar connection characteristics. This can be found both in bamboo structures connected with rope aids, as well as bamboo connections associated with wooden / bamboo pegs, dowels, or other types of connectors (such as the modern metal/steel connectors).

Well, do you know that in making bamboo connections for both your building structure and the complementary elements of the structure and also for other things (eg in making furniture such as benches and bamboo tables), there are some bamboo connection techniques that’s need to be avoided?

This is because the way of making bamboo connections will be shown below, technically incompatible with the nature of the material used (bamboo material in this case).

Well, here are some types of bamboo connections that must be avoided, according to Oscar Hidalgo Lopez in his book “Manual de construcción con bambu”.

Lateral connection with nails

According to Lopez, one way to make bamboo connections that are abstinent is to make a lateral connection (side) with two different types of bamboo diameter / stem size. In this case, the connecting technique we need to avoid is to connect a smaller beam rod than the column rod by nailing with longer / bigger spikes of 6 cm (2.5 inches).

Sebaiknya, anda menggunakan tali untuk menyambung dua batang bambu (menyambung balok pada kolom) dengan cara mengikatnya secara mendatar terhadap kolom dengan beberapa kali putaran untuk memperkuat sambungan.

Bamboo connection with nails (Source: Oscar Hidalgo Lopez, 1981)

Do not use bamboo that is not solid

In making a bamboo connection must be considered also the condition of the bamboo rod to be connected. Make sure the bamboo is not included in the bamboo with the following conditions as described by Lopez:

• bamboo that is still young / green that is less than 3 years old
• bamboo that is attacked by insects (usually indicated by small holes in bamboo and bamboo porous)
• the flowering bamboo
• vertically cracked bamboo
• bamboo which is inadvertently partially cut off horizontally / vertically at the time of bamboo processing

Choose bamboo which has good condition (Source: Oscar Hidalgo Lopez, 1981)

Do not use elastic strap

You must pay attention to the type of strap you use especially for bamboo connections made using a rope. This is because the rope material will greatly determine the strength of the resulting bamboo bond.

Do not use straps that have elastic or flexible properties such as rubber bands and the like. Use only a rope that is not flexible / tend to be stiff and strong. This avoids bonding to loosening and reduces the overall strength of the structure.

Do not use elastic strap (Source: Oscar Hidalgo Lopez, 1981)

Do not use damaged bamboo

When you want to make a column of bamboo, make sure the end of the bamboo is not in a state of damage. This is to keep the bamboo strength still good in sustaining the load when it has been installed as a structural element.

If you install a bamboo that has been damaged as a structural element, in this case especially as a bamboo pole / column, then it is possible that your bamboo structure can not be long-lasting, easily porous, and detrimental to the building as a whole.

Don’t use damaged bamboo (Source: Oscar Hidalgo Lopez, 1981)

Cover the ends of bamboo connections with the reinforcement

When you make a bamboo connection with pieces of bamboo that have been removed, do not forget to coat the bamboo pieces with a coating on the inside of the bamboo stem cavity. This is to ensure that the strength of bamboo connections is supported by thicker bamboo stems.

If you forget this, it is not impossible that your bamboo connection will be broken or cracked at the end of the connection given the end of the bamboo is not strong enough in holding the burden is distributed.

Cover the bamboo ends (Source: Oscar Hidalgo Lopez, 1981)

Thus, some things must be avoided in making a bamboo connection, especially for bamboo connections that are utilized as structural elements. Knowing how to make an incorrect bamboo connection can prevent you from making unnecessary mistakes when making bamboo connections. Obviously, with good and correct connections, the quality of buildings or furniture made from bamboo can be even better.

Do you know anything else that must be avoided in making bamboo connections? Feel free to comment and share your knowledge with other readers below! 🙂

 

Reference:

[1] Hidalgo López, O. (1981). Manual de construcción con bambú.Estudios Tecnicos Colombiano LTDA, Bogota.