What are the main approved chemical preservatives for bamboo?

Copper-Chrome-Arsenic (CCA) and Copper-Chrome-Boron (CCB) are the primary water-borne preservatives specified (Clause 4.2).

What is the minimum preservative retention for bamboo in a permanent structure?

For CCA or CCB, a minimum retention of 8 kg/m³ is required for permanent structural use (Table 1).

What is the Boucherie process?

It's a sap displacement method where preservative solution is pushed through a freshly cut bamboo culm under hydrostatic pressure, suitable for green bamboo (Clause 5.2.2 and Annex A).

Can dry bamboo be treated?

Yes, partially seasoned bamboo with a moisture content of 25-30% can be treated effectively using pressure processes (Clause 5.3.1).

IS 9096

: 2006

Preservation of bamboo for structural purposes - Code of practice

CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeMaterials Science · Timber and Timber Stores

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This standard outlines the methods for preserving bamboo for structural use to protect it from bio-deterioration. It covers the selection and preparation of bamboo, types of chemical preservatives (like CCA and CCB), and details various treatment processes such as Boucherie, steeping, and pressure impregnation, specifying required preservative retention levels for different applications.

Preservation of bamboo for structural purposes - Code of practice

Quick Reference Values

Min retention of CCA for permanent structures8 kg/m³

Min retention of CCB for permanent structures8 kg/m³

Concentration of CCB solution for steeping5 percent by mass

Moisture content for pressure treatment25-30 %

Ideal treatment time after felling< 24 hours

Soaking period for steeping process2 to 5 weeks

Practical Notes

Treatment is most effective on green bamboo, ideally within 24-48 hours of felling, as sap facilitates preservative distribution.

Ensure nodes/diaphragms are punctured before non-Boucherie treatments to allow preservative to flow through the culm.

Handling chemical preservatives like CCA requires strict safety precautions, including appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adherence to disposal guidelines.