Ideas for Research Projects

This is a running list of "ideas as they come" to motivate ideas for research projects.  Note that it is expected that student regularly consult with the instructors for feedback on ideas.

1. Use of bamboo fibers as an alternative reinforcement material, i.e. as an alternative to steel reinforcing bars.  Article.

2. A serious study of energy savings if bamboo were to replace steel, concrete, or other common materials in construction.  Context can be determined, e.g., housing in Puerto Rico, etc.

3. Research the history of the introduction of bamboo in Puerto Rico.  A particular issue would be how was it planned to stabilize soil near roadways.

4. Joints in bamboo structures.

5. Sustainable management to optimize structural properties. In particular: study the "strength per acre", "strength per time", and "strength per unit resource input", etc.  How does the harvesting procedure affect the structural properties? Alternatively: life cycle analysis.  Compare to other materials.

6. Treatment processes to provide reliable structural bamboo (also: fire retardant)

7. Environmental and social impact as a result of use of bamboo in (civil) engineering projects.  For example, how would a bamboo industry compare to a traditional wood industry in its environmental impact.

8. Applications of the variety of bamboos in Puerto Rico.

9. Economic impact of bamboo in other countries, and a study of how it might affect the economy in Puerto Rico.

10. Classify different species for different applications.

11. Buoyant force of bamboo and aquatic applications/floating structures.  Durability of bamboo that is constantly exposed to water.  Comparison with other wood structures exposed to water, such as teak.

12. Use of bamboo for pipes.

13. Chemical composition of bamboo and its relation to insect attack.

14. Plan of use for traditional construction.  Market opportunities.  Both new construction and renovations/retrofits.

15. Incentives to foster the agricultural production of bamboo in Puerto Rico.  What government agencies would help to sponsor this?  Maybe identify a supportive legislator.  What are existing laws that regulate export of agricultural products from Puerto Rico - would these apply to bamboo?  This could also be interpreted as incentivizing local farmers and land owners to grow bamboo for environmental reasons.  Perhaps present this plan to a local or regional government planning official.

16. Bamboo fibers ... how to extract them and manufacture useful projects with them.  How strong are they? etc.

17. Composite materials made with bamboo and/or structural forms made from bamboo.

18. Pick any interesting structure made of bamboo and give its history and an analysis of how it works.

19. Read and review any published research article regarding the use of bamboo as an engineering material or structural form.

20. Design and operation of a bamboo processing facility.