Bamboo

Bamboo can be useful in some places, if it is available. Bamboo, as a material, has the following features:

• elastic
• hollow, so it can be a pipe if the stem is drilled through
• lightweight
• strong enough to build a ladder and scaffolding, 9 cm Diameter (3.54")

This photo shows four bamboo tied together. They should be of a similar diameter for ultimate strength. Fresh bamboo contains rich oil and water. Chemicals that bugs like are removed to some degree to prolong it's life by rolling through the fire gradually. I hear bamboo takes 4-6 years to grow this big.

Offered by Kerne.

What a good idea. Bamboo grows very quickly and has many uses from wind breaks to water carriers to even flutes. ( I do know you need to keep it a long way from any structure as the roots will lift concrete) Bamboo will not absorb water like more porous wood and could serve as building material if kept out of the wind since it is so lightweight.

Offered by Mary.

Another use for bamboo might be as burning material. I've heard of it being grown for the sole purpose of fuel for biomass generators. Imagine being able to grow a fuel that will generate electricity!

Offered by Doug.