Greenhouse prototype with bamboo frame: materials selection, design and environmental impact

Abstract

This paper aims to develop a production alternative in protected crops for resource-poor farmers in México. The objectives were: i) determining the resilience of bamboo culms of four species: Bambusa oldhamii Munro, Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris Schrad, Bambusa vulgaris ‘Striata’ y Gigantochloa verticillata Willd.; ii) design a greenhouse prototype for arid zones with bamboo culms; and iii) to estimate the environmental impact in relation to involved CO₂. The results of compressive strength show that species were statistically equal, as well as between the lower, middle and upper sections of the culms; the average values ranged from 645 kg cm^-2 to 952.31 kg cm^-2. Regarding to bending, no significant difference was found between species, only in sections; it is observed that bending decreases towards the top of the culms in the four species; the found average values ranged from 850.17 kg cm^-2 to 1 927.63 kg cm^-2. Regarding the tensión the difference was only between sections of the stems in B. vulgaris var. vulgaris, in this species the lower section averaged 1023 kg cm^-2 and the top 727 kg cm^-2. Using resistance data and agronomic characteristics desirable for greenhouses in arid zones, the structural design was determined using STAAD.Pro®V8i software. The prototype’s construction specifications are exposed to detail so that it can be reproduced without complications by producers. Finally an environmental benefit is estimated in emissions of CO₂ of 2847 kg in greenhouse construction of 135 m² compared to one of the same area made out of steel.