Researchers publish first ever structural engineering manual for bamboo

Bamboo drives the international low-carbon construction sector

2026-01-19

(Press-News.org) Comprehensive guidance about the design of permanent bamboo structures has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).

The detailed design manual draws on the expertise of four international authors from academia and industry. They are all members of the INBAR Bamboo Construction Task Force (BCTF), one of the leading international bodies on the structural uses of bamboo:

Dr David Trujillo CEng, Assistant Professor in Humanitarian Engineering, School of Engineering at the University of Warwick; Kent Harries PEng, Professor of Structural Engineering and Mechanics, University of Pittsburgh; Sebastian Kaminski CEng, an IStructE Fellow and a structural engineer from consulting firm Arup; and Engr. Luis Felipe Lopez CEng, General Manager of the Base Bahay Foundation Inc. (BASE), which is a guide sponsor with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR). Manual for the design of bamboo structures to ISO 22156:2021 aims to help structural engineers and other architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals understand how this prolific bio-based material can be used safely, with the ISO standard and the manual limited to two-storeys because of fire concerns.

Lead author Dr David Trujillio, University of Warwick says: “This manual marks a significant milestone for the safe use of bamboo for permanent structures. Most structural design codes are developed in higher-income countries to address their own needs. Only later are they adopted or adapted by lower and middle-income countries – but the starting point is never the needs of those regions.

Professor Kent Harries, University of Pittsburgh adds: “There are some 1,600 known species of bamboo. Structurally, it has remarkable mechanical properties. It has also become a very promising bio-based resource, with growing credentials as a sustainable construction material. Nonetheless, this is hugely dependent on designing and building safe and durable structures. Our detailed manual helps to achieve this.”

Sebastian Kaminski, Arup explains: “Bamboo has great potential to contribute to a low-carbon construction sector. Bamboo engineering is a very young field compared to mainstream materials and its unique possibilities are increasingly recognised and supported by growing research and innovation. Our manual is structured to support the design engineer along the journey, from sourcing bamboo to detailed design.”

Luis Felipe Lopez, Base Bahay highlights: “The construction industry contributes nearly 40% of carbon emissions globally, and bamboo, a regenerative and durable material, is redefining how we build our structures. From being an alternative to a reliable building material, bamboo is now gaining global recognition, and the need for a comprehensive framework is essential to support design engineers and ensure the safe and proper use of bamboo in the built environment, maximising its full potential and environmental advantages.

Kewei Liu, Coordinator of the INBAR Global Bamboo Construction Programme, mentions: “The publication of this guide is of great significance in promoting the application of the current ISO 22156:2021 standard, which has been the most widely accepted international bamboo standard since the 2000s. The authors have made a remarkable contribution to the global use of bamboo construction.”

Bamboo is native to all continents apart from Antarctica and Europe, although numerous species successfully thrive across Europe. Its lifecycle makes it an attractive resource in the context of tackling the global climate emergency, as like trees it fixes carbon in its leaves, stem, roots and surrounding soil. Bamboo’s harvest does not disturb the stored carbon in the soil.

Alongside the four leading authors, the manual was also reviewed by eleven expert reviewers. It has ten chapters covering a wide range of topics including the bamboo supply chain; bamboo project management; grading and mechanical characteristics of bamboo; analysis of bamboo structures; seismic and wind hazard design using bamboo; element and connection design; durability; bamboo structural shear walls; and worked examples of bamboo’s structural use in real-life examples.

Dr David Trujillo, University of Warwick concludes: “The guide is published in the wake of the tragic Hong Kong tower block fires. We share condolences for all those impacted, and await the outcome of investigations as we cannot comment until all the facts are in. However general risk management principles advocate a risk assessment and consideration of use of flame-retardant materials on high rise and closely spaced buildings, along with fire detection and suppression.

“Importantly, and given the wide use of bamboo, this guide sets out provisions for its safe use, including for fire, covering permanent buildings and not scaffolding. Our aim is for this to be a must-use resource for the structural engineer already working with bamboo or considering its use. We also hope it will be a trusted resource for colleagues across the built environment globally, whether in industry or academia.”

- Ends -

For further information please contact:

Matt Higgs, Media & Communications Officer, University of Warwick at matt.higgs@warwick.ac.uk or +44 (0)7880 175 403

The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Newsroom on +44 (0)7930 53 45 43.

Paul Kovach, Director of Marketing and Communications, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, paulkovach@pitt.edu

Kewei Liu, Coordinator of the INBAR Global Bamboo Construction Programme, kwliu@inbar.int

Notes to Editors

About the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE): https://www.istructe.org/

The Institution of Structural Engineers dates from 1908 and is now the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering.

It has 30,000 members working in 139 countries around the world. Professional membership is one of the leading global benchmarks of competence and technical excellence. Members undergo rigorous technical assessment and commit to continual learning and development.

The Institution drives higher standards and shares knowledge because its members’ work is vital to public safety and meeting the challenges of the future. The Institution provides a voice for its members, promoting their contribution to society as innovative, creative problem solvers and the guardians of public safety.

About the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick: The University of Warwick is a globally recognised institution known for its excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Established in 1965, Warwick has developed into one of the UK’s leading universities, fostering collaboration across disciplines and maintaining strong connections with industry, government, and the wider community.

The School of Engineering is one of the University’s founding departments and remains at the forefront of research and education in engineering and technology. The School integrates mechanical, electrical, electronic, and systems engineering to provide a broad yet cohesive approach to solving complex real-world problems. Its research is organised into six interdisciplinary clusters: Biomedical & Biotechnology, Electrical Power & Control, Predictive Modelling, Fluids & Thermal, Built Environment & Sustainability, and Measurement, Devices & Materials. These clusters bring together academics, researchers, and industry partners to advance knowledge and develop innovative solutions with global impact.

About The University of Pittsburgh: The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university founded in 1787 composed today of 17 undergraduate and graduate schools and four regional campuses in addition to the 132-acre Pittsburgh main campus. The Swanson School of Engineering, whose first degrees were awarded 1846, is the sixth oldest engineering school in the United States.

About Arup: Arup is a global built environment consultancy providing advisory and technical expertise for our clients across more than 130 disciplines. We create safe, resilient, and regenerative places. www.arup.com

About Base Bahay Foundation Inc. (BASE): BASE is a non-profit organization in the Philippines, initiated by the Hilti Foundation, that provides innovative and sustainable building solutions for communities in need. Since 2014, BASE has been at the forefront of alternative building technologies globally, collaborating closely with organizations to create safe, affordable, disaster-resilient, and environmentally friendly structures that have a positive social and environmental impact.

About INBAR: Established in 1997, the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) is an intergovernmental organization that promotes environmentally sustainable development using bamboo and rattan. INBAR’s mission is to improve the well-being of producers and users of bamboo and rattan within the context of a sustainable bamboo and rattan resource base, by consolidating, coordinating and supporting strategic and adaptive research and development.

It is currently made up of 52 Member States across the developing areas of Africa, Asia and the Americas. In addition to its Secretariat Headquarters in China, INBAR has five Regional Offices in Cameroon, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana and India. INBAR was recognized as an Observer to the UN General Assembly in 2017, which makes it possible for INBAR to speak for bamboo and rattan at the UN platforms.

About the INBAR Bamboo Construction Task Force: Established in 2014, the INBAR Bamboo Construction Task Force (BCTF) coordinates the activities of international research institutes and commercial companies interested in the structural uses of bamboo. The Task Force consists of a core group of 36 experts from 18 countries, aiming to serve as the world’s main science-based information and knowledge repository on structural uses of bamboo and its environmental, economic and social benefits.

END

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Researchers publish first ever structural engineering manual for bamboo

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