USAGE OF A BAMBOO HONEYCOMB STRUCTURE (COMBOO) IN TIMBER ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of recent developments of the ecological bamboo based honeycomb like sandwich core material COMBOO and its usage in civil engineering and timber architecture. A brief introduction gives insight into to material bamboo itself and its excellent mechanical properties. The manufacturing process of the COMBOO structure will be described in detail. Previous results from mechanical validation, e.g. 3- and 4 point bending test as well as compression tests will be presented. Main focus of this paper is put on the interesting properties of the bamboo sandwich in acoustics and thermal insulation. The hollow structure with “entrapped” air provides here interesting properties. A good acoustical damping in a frequency range was observed with an artificial and a real COMBOO structure. The results were compared to common acoustic panels. The heat transfer comparison with conventional materials like concrete, double-glazed glass structures (windows) and aerated concrete reveals comparable or better insulation values. This makes the structure suitable for wall and floor elements, acoustic panels, transport boxes and structures in modern transport. Further improvements will be discussed.