REPLACEMENT OF REINFORCED STEEL WITH BAMBOO IN RCCSTRUCTURE USING SBR POLYMER

Abstract

The use of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is widespread in the construction industry due to their excellent strength and durability. However, the production and utilization of steel reinforcement in RC structures contribute significantly to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Consequently, researchers and practitioners have been exploring alternative materials that offer comparable performance while being environmentally sustainable. This study investigates the feasibility of replacing reinforced steel with bamboo in RC structures, utilizing styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) polymer as a bonding agent. The research methodology involves laboratory experimentation and numerical simulations to assess the structural performance of bamboo-reinforced RC beams. Bamboo is an ideal candidate for replacing steel reinforcement due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, renewability, and minimal environmental impact. SBR polymer, a widely used bonding agent in construction applications, is employed to enhance the bond between bamboo and concrete. The experimental phase includes fabricating RC beams with different reinforcement configurations, utilizing bamboo as the primary reinforcement. The beams are subjected to load tests to evaluate their load-carrying capacity, deflection behavior, and failure modes. The performance of bamboo-reinforced beams is compared with conventional steel-reinforced beams to ascertain the viability of the proposed alternative. Additionally, numerical simulations using advanced structural analysis software are conducted to gain further insights into the behavior of bamboo-reinforced RC structures. Finite element models are developed to simulate the response of different structural elements under various loading conditions. The simulations aid in understanding the structural integrity, deformations, and stress distribution of bamboo-reinforced RC members. The results obtained from the laboratory tests and numerical simulations are analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of bamboo as a replacement for steel reinforcement. The findings of this study will provide valuable information for engineers and construction professionals considering sustainable alternatives to traditional RC structures. By reducing the reliance on steel reinforcement and incorporating bamboo as a viable alternative, the construction industry can significantly mitigate its environmental impact while maintaining structural performance.