Bamboo for gridshell structures: design and construction of gridshell structures using Indonesia bamboo

Bamboo is widely recognised as a sustainable material and has been used in construction for centuries. In Indonesia, bamboo is extensively utilised due to its abundance and suitability for the local climate. Gridshell structures, which consist of grids and lattices, are efficient for large-span buildings as they require less material compared to solid shells. Constructing gridshell structures using bamboo offers a sustainable construction practice. However, the use of bamboo for gridshells poses challenges due to its hollow tube structure, diaphragms, and variability in shape and material properties.
This study investigates the feasibility of using Indonesian bamboo for gridshell structures by examining material properties, analysing structural performance and behaviour, experimenting with construction methods, and exploring form-finding and structural optimisation. Material tests were conducted on three Indonesian bamboo species: Gigantochloa apus, Gigantochloa atter, and Dendrocalamus asper, to determine their properties for structural analysis. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in Abaqus was employed for structural analysis, and construction methods were explored by building two full-scale gridshell models using both full-culm and split bamboo. Form-finding and optimisation, crucial for gridshell design, were conducted using Rhinoceros with Grasshopper, Kangaroo, and Karamba 3D plug-ins.
The study produced a dataset of material properties for the selected bamboo species and examined their bending capabilities. The findings suggest that the selection of bamboo species is crucial for achieving desirable gridshell geometries, as not all species are suitable for bending-active gridshells. Structural analysis highlighted discrepancies between FEA simulations and load tests on physical models. The study also recommends suitable construction methods for bamboo gridshell structures based on their form—full-culm or split bamboo. Additionally, a framework for form-finding and optimisation specific to bamboo gridshell structures is proposed. This comprehensive understanding of the bamboo gridshell design process contributes to practical applications and enhances knowledge on the utilisation of bamboo for gridshell structures.