author: - affiliation: University of Brasília / Takwara Nucleus name: Takwara, Fabio Resck orcid: 0000-0001-8815-3885 date: '2026-03-05' H.5281/zenodo.18827106 H.5281/zenodo.18827106 keywords: - plant-based weld - vegetable polyurethane - bamboo - structural connections - biocomposites - social housing language: en license: CC BY 4.0 related_works: - 10.5281/zenodo.18827106 - 10.5281/zenodo.18827106 series: Regenerative Amazon Platform Technical Series — Research and Development title: 'Plant-Based Weld: Structural Connections and Biocomposites in Bamboo' translations: en: TAK_conexoes-estruturais-bambu_en.md es: TAK_conexoes-estruturais-bambu_es.md pt: TAK_conexoes-estruturais-bambu.md type: Technical-Scientific Bulletin version: '2.1'
Plant-Based Weld: Structural Connections and Biocomposites in Bamboo
Abstract
This bulletin details the development and technical validation of the "Plant-Based Weld" — the technological convergence between native Amazonian bamboo and Castor-oil-based Vegetable Polyurethane (PU). It analyzes how this innovation resolves the historical bottleneck of connections in bamboo structures, replacing cementious grouting and rigid metallic elements with a high-performance, flexible fastening system. The application of the plant-based weld in HIS (Social Interest Housing) beams, geodesic domes, and modular sandwich panels is discussed, consolidating a biosynthetic pre-fabrication model ("Bio-sovereignty Lego") essential for resilient social housing and bio-industry infrastructure in the Legal Amazon.
Keywords: plant-based weld · vegetable polyurethane · bamboo · structural connections · biocomposites · social housing.
1. Introduction
Modern civil construction demands resilient, low-carbon alternatives to steel and concrete. Bamboo emerges as a high-performance structural material; however, its "Achilles' heel" has historically been its connections. Rigid metallic pins and cementious groutings compromise bamboo's natural ductility, leading to longitudinal cracks under mechanical stress.
The Takwara Construction System solves this gap through the "Plant-Based Weld," ensuring structural stability while preserving the material's integrity.
2. Mechanical Performance and The "Plant-Based Weld"
The core of structural union in the Takwara System relies on the exceptional mechanical and chemical adhesion of Vegetable PU to bamboo fiber.
- Tensile and Compressive Strength: Native Guadua species exhibit tensile strength up to 226 MPa and compressive strength up to 220 MPa (Adier et al., 2023), outperforming most commercial timbers.
- The Weld: By injecting expansive Vegetable PU (Mamonex®) into joints and sealing them with waterproofing PU (UG 132-A), a solidary yet flexible "node" is formed. This method eliminates the friction points of traditional bolts that cause structural failure.
3. "Bio-sovereignty Lego": Sandwich Panels and Modularity
The vision of regenerative construction culminates in Intelligent Sandwich Panels for HIS.
- Components: Thermo-rectified bamboo slats are consolidated with Vegetable PU and reinforcement meshes.
- Embedded Infrastructure: Conduit systems for electricity, water, and data are pre-installed within the panels before PU injection, creating a hermetic and permanent seal.
- Mortar-Free Assembly: Traditional mortar is replaced by cordons of Vegetable PU, enabling clean, rapid, and water-free on-site assembly.
4. Final Considerations
The "Plant-Based Weld" is more than a technical solution; it is a tool for social sovereignty. By industrializing Amazonian bamboo with Castor oil chemistry, the Platform enables the production of high-performance, decentralized housing that is culturally appropriate and environmentally superior to conventional systems.
References
- ADIER, M.F.V. et al. Bamboo as Sustainable Building Materials: A Systematic Review. Buildings, v. 13, n. 10, 2023. DOI: 10.3390/buildings13102449.
- ABNT. NBR 16828-1: Bamboo structures. Rio de Janeiro, 2020.
- SILVA, R. G. Preservation of bamboo slats using pyroligneous acid solutions. Thesis (Master) - UNICAMP, 2011.
- WANG, X. et al. Effect of steam treatment on physical and mechanical properties of bamboo. Journal of Wood Science, 2020.
- IPEA. Challenges of Sanitation and Community Bioeconomy. Brasília: IPEA, 2006.
How to Cite
APA: Takwara, F. R. (2026). Plant-Based Weld: Structural Connections and Biocomposites in Bamboo (Version 2.1). Technical-Scientific Bulletin — Takwara Nucleus / University of Brasília. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18827106
🎋 Takwara — Sustainable Technology and Sovereignty in the Amazon DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18827106