Experimental investigation of bond behavior between bamboo and concrete: A comparative analysis of bamboo surface treatments

With increasing urbanization, there is a growing need to explore sustainable construction materials that can serve as conventional steel reinforcement. Bamboo has emerged as a promising alternative due to its environmental benefits, wide availability, and high strength-to-weight ratio. However, its structural application is limited by challenges such as poor adhesion to concrete and high moisture absorption, which can compromise bond strength and durability. This study investigates the interfacial behavior between bamboo and concrete to improve bamboo’s effectiveness as reinforcement. Pull-out tests were performed on specimens treated with various chemical and mechanical surface treatments to evaluate their effects on bond strength. The results indicate that chemical treatments significantly reduced water absorption, while a combination of chemical and mechanical treatments substantially improved bond strength compared to untreated specimens. These findings demonstrate that surface-treated bamboo can serve as a viable reinforcement material in low-cost and sustainable construction, promoting eco-friendly building practices.