Load-Bearing Structures Made of Grass: A Comparison Between Cross-Laminated Bamboo and Timber Structures

Abstract

Bamboo is emerging as one of the most promising sustainable building materials, combining rapid growth, high strength-to-weight ratio, and exceptional carbon-absorbing capacity. Its elastic modulus is lower than timber, making it flexible, which is an advantage in earthquake zones, but a challenge for floors and beams that require low deflection and vibration. In Finland, strict regulations further limit its use in large spans, whereas it could perform better in roof structures with moderate snow loads.

Bamboo’s ecological benefits are substantial, absorbing large amounts of carbon and representing a renewable building resource. Transportation emissions, however, reduce these advantages in European and Nordic markets. A further challenge is the lack of dedicated building standards. Eurocode 5 for timber can be applied, but it does not allow full utilisation of bamboo’s properties, often leading to oversized and costly structures.

Despite these challenges, bamboo has significant potential as a sustainable construction material. With further research, innovative design, and dedicated standards, it could be used safely and efficiently in structural applications and may become a key material for climate-smart construction.