EXAMINING THE BENDING STRENGTH OF BOTH STEEL AND BAMBOO-REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS

Purpose: The study examined the bending strength of beams made from a combination of bamboo and steel. Therefore, it is important to look for suitable materials that could reduce construction costs while maintaining sufficient structural performance. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study design was experimental, and the research strategy was quantitative. A deductive approach was used. Five (5) beams were produced and tested for the study. The reinforcement set-up was steel only (S), bamboo only (B), two steel and two bamboos (S2B2), one steel and three bamboos (S1B3), and three steel and one bamboo (S3B1). The mould box was 150mm x 150mm x 450mm. Tables, graphs, and descriptive analysis were used to present and examine the data. Findings: The study established that steel only as reinforcement has the highest bending strength of 113 x 10^-2 N/mm^2. Among the combinations, one steel and three bamboo have the highest bending stress of 101 x 10^-2 N/mm². The study established that combining steel and bamboo in beam construction is possible. It suggested that any combination of steel and bamboo can be used in beams depending on the type of work or strength required. Research Limitation: The investigation examined the bending strength of reinforced concrete beams made from bamboo and steel. Though there are many types of bamboo and steel sizes, the study concentrated mainly on combining Bambusa vulgaris bamboo with 12mm steel. Practical Implication: The knowledge gained in this study will help construction company owners or contractors understand how to use steel and bamboo together to produce concrete. Social Implication: The study will support construction industry policymakers in revising the present national building code of practice, which will benefit engineers and contractors. Originality/ Value: This study's distinctiveness stems from combining steel and bamboo for beam production, which has received less attention in the construction industry.