An investigation on strength and economy of cement- Plastered bamboo-mat as fence of rural houses

This study explores the feasibility of using cement-plastered bamboo-mat as fence of rural houses. The strength properties of three common species of bamboo Borak, Moroi and Jay were determined using its Splits as test specimen. The fence slabs of size 90x30x5 cm were fabricated with coal-tar coated fenceskeletons made from splits of the three bamboo species having rectangular cross-sections of about 1.3x10 mm and cement mortar of ratio 1:4, 1:5 and 1:6. The load bearing capacity and the structural rigidity of the prototype fence slabs were determined against flexural and impact loadings. The load carrying capacity of the model fence slabs were evaluated in terms of the thrust resulting from devastating wind speed of 300 km/hr beyond great danger signal No.10 of weather forecast. The structural rigidity of the model fences were characterised in terms of its resistance against the dropping,:heights of impact loading. The unit construction costs of fence slabs were estimated. The qualitativb :evaluation of the bamboo-made fence in respect of construction cost, load bearing capacity, rigidity against impact load and factor of safety characterised a structurally strong and functional low cost fences suitable for flood prone and cyclone battered areas of rural Bangladesh