A Comparative study on the Structural Performance of Bamboo and Eucalyptus Scaffolding

Abstract

Scaf olding is primarily constructed to provide workers with access to various exposed areas for carrying out construction and maintenance activities. In the modern construction sector of our country, In Ethiopia, the use of bamboo scaf olding is not used compared to eucalyptus scaf olding and steel scaf olding. However, bamboo is an abundant and sustainable alternative material, making it a viable option for scaf olding in Ethiopia. Eucalyptus tree products are commonly used for temporary support in concrete construction scaf olding. Whereas Bamboo plant is limited use in scaf olding, bamboo plants are more abundantly found in southwest Ethiopia, particularly in the Masha areas. A study was conducted in specific areas of Masha area to examine the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo and eucalyptus materials.The study involved testing of compressive strength, bending strength, modules of elasticity, moisture content and dry density on typical bamboo and eucalyptus members and also comparing the structural performance of bamboo and eucalyptus scaf olding. The test results showed that Masha bamboo scaf olds have a higher structural adequacy than eucalyptus scaf olds, with an axial load resistance of 34.42 KN for bamboo and 22.24 KN for eucalyptus. Indicating that Masha bamboo culm of structural performances are 35.38% stronger than eucalyptus culm. Additionally, the characteristic compression strength value of Masha bamboo materials is 54.44Mpa, whereas for eucalyptus materials it is 30.57Mpa, indicating that Masha bamboo materials are 43.9% stronger than eucalyptus materials. In conclusion, the study suggests that Masha Bamboo can ef ectively replace eucalyptus tree scaf o