Practices, techniques and performance perception of experts from Ecuador and Peru in construction with bamboo (Guadua)

Abstract

In Latin America, bamboo construction generates more and more interest, however almost nothing is known about its specialized workers nor is there a consensus on how to budget bamboo buildings. Through a survey and focus group with Peruvian and Ecuadorian experts who build with Guadua, this study offers information on the profile of these workers, their methods, their building techniques and practices as well as their perception of performance for a series of specific bamboo building tasks. Comparisons and trends of these accumulated experiences lead to determining strategies for optimizing construction processes such as prefabrication and an organization of work items.