Bamboo as a Renewable Material for Sustainable Building Practices in Guatemala

Abstract

Bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource with diverse applications in sustainable construction. Its ability to capture and sequester carbon, combined with its rapid regeneration cycle, positions it as an environmentally friendly material. However, its adoption faces challenges due to limited awareness of its viability as a safe structural material. In Guatemala, there are approximately 12,000 hectares of bamboo, with species such as Guaduaangustifolia, Dendrocalamus asper, and Gigantochloaverticillata, which exhibit mechanical properties suitable for construction. Some studies have shown that bamboo can absorb up to 54.3 tons of carbon during a six-year growth cycle, contributing to climate change mitigation. The physical and mechanical properties of bamboo vary by species. The three forest-managed species in Guatemala demonstrate good compressive and shear strength, although shear resistance is comparatively lower. In particular, the low shear strength of internode sections requires optimized structural designs. Nevertheless, its high tensile strength makes it ideal for structures subjected to bending. This article examines these aspects and highlights bamboo’s potential as a structural alternative in civil engineering and architecture, promoting its use in sustainable building practices and its integration into Guatemala’s construction regulations.