International building code for bamboo

One of the recommendations in the International Bamboo Congress and Workshop, held at Bali in 1995, requested the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), "to organize a task force to discuss and finalize a building code for bamboo". Consequently a draft was prepared under the title, "An International Model for National Building Codes, Section Bamboo". The target group of this Code comprises architects, builders, designers and engineers. These people are already familiar with national building codes for timber, masonry, etc. For bamboo, however, a similar Code is missing and this is an obstacIe for the recognition of bamboo as a building and engineering material. After approval by the next International Bamboo Congress and Workshop, the document will be submitted to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Once it has been accepted as an ISO-Standard, it can serve as the model or basis for developing National Building Codes by countries that grow bamboo and use it in construction. The topics incIuded in the Code are: philosophy, design concepts, structural design, beams, columns, joints, trusses, panels, durability, fire protection, grading and quality control.