ASSESSING AREAS AND TRENDS OF BAMBOO USAGE IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION IN GHANA

Abstract

Bamboo has gained popularity in its usage in many areas in building construction in some Asian and Latin American countries where it is grown as an alternative material to timber. However, in Ghana, bamboo usage in building construction has not been given much attention. This study focuses on identifying areas and trends of bamboo usage in building construction in Ghana and the prospect of being an alternative material to timber. The study employed structured questionnaire survey of 100 medium and small scale building contractors and 84 architects who responded to 14 areas of bamboo usage identified through a comprehensive literature review. Data was analysed by means of relative importance index to identify the possible areas in the construction industry where bamboo is mostly used. The findings showed that props, landscaping and hoarding among others are the three most significant areas in construction where bamboo is used. The findings further showed that though bamboo has received little attention in its usage in the areas of ladders, scaffolds, workers shed, roofing, ceiling, wall partitioning and flooring. Generally, the respondents agreed to the increase in the usage of bamboo as a construction material in the building industry. However, the increment is significant in the areas of props and landscaping. This study should create the required awareness of bamboo as an alternate material to timber which is dwindling in its supply to the building industry.