Design and Construction Decisions Influencing the Durability of Bamboo in Buildings

Bamboo is an organic construction material. Its durability depends on interactions with the environment and the use of proper construction techniques. This exploratory and predominantly qualitative research sought to identify the design decisions that affect the durability of bamboo elements, through the analysis of pathological manifestations and degradation processes in buildings in the southern region of Brazil. Information was collected through interviews and visual inspection. The characteristics of the buildings; the bamboo preparation process; its application and maintenance; the mechanisms of pathological occurrences; their probable causes and origins were discussed. It was identified that most of the anomalies were caused by the deficiency of design specifications, compounded by the lack of skilled labor. Finally, suggestions are made for decision making in the design and execution of bamboo buildings, with emphasis on durability.