College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
3-2026
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Bryan Knakiewicz, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
Bamboo construction is a niche area of research and development in the sustainable construction realm. The material has impressive structural properties and minimal carbon emissions relative to the world’s most common building materials (concrete, steel, and timber). It has long been used to build homes in tropical regions around the world. Outside of these regions, bamboo is rarely used for construction despite its abundant benefits as a sustainable building material. This report took an interview-based approach to address why bamboo is not more popular in the American commercial construction market and where it has potential for growth in the global market. The discussions with experts in the field revealed that the biggest roadblocks to the use of bamboo in America include high shipping costs, the need for extensive manufacturing, and the need for specialized labor. One interviewee identified a much greater need for bamboo construction in the tropics and in parts of the world where bamboo is native. However, there is still extensive research and development that must be done to accelerate the growth of bamboo construction in any part of the world, as there also remain unique roadblocks in areas where the plant is native.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/1016
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