Strength analysis of solignum: treated Bambusa Blumeana bamboo as a suspended pavement material/ Joville DB. Nadurata, Ross Emerson S. Realino, Gian Carlo F. Sindac, Shyne B. Toldo, and Elmer E. Villareyes jr./

Bachelor's thesis

College of Engineering.-- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering: Technological University of the Philippines, 2022.

Includes bibliographic references and index.

Suspended pavement, also known as cantilevered sidewalks, are structural
systems designed to support pedestrian surfaces while providing an underground soil
volume that promoted tree root development. the walking surface while creating an
underground void filled with soil to promote tree root development. This study
investigates the feasibility of using Solignum-treated Bambusa blumeana as a
sustainable and robust alternative to polyethylene-based systems like Silva Cells, which
are widely used in urban green infrastructures. Following ISO 22157-1 standards, both
physical and mechanical properties of treated bamboo were assessed. Treated samples
exhibited a moisture content of 12.5% and water absorption of 12.5% compared to
26.67% and 6.67%, respectively, for untreated samples. Mechanical tests using a
Universal Testing Machine (UTM) revealed an average compressive strength of 64.3
MPa and a prototype load-bearing capacity of 17,900 kg with 13.8 mm displacement,
surpassing the 12,506 kg maximum load of Silva Cell 2. These results demonstrate that
Solignum-treated bamboo satisfies structural requirements for suspended pavement
applications, offering a durable, eco-friendly material that enhances urban tree growth
and supports sustainable stormwater management.

Keywords: Suspended pavement, Solignum-treated bamboo, Bambusa
blumeana, Silva Cell, sustainable infrastructure, compressive strength, urban forestry,
stormwater management, ISO 22157-1