- ICC Evaluation Service Report ESR-1636 states that structural bamboo poles comply with the international building code (IBS), the international residential code (IRC), and the uniform building code (UBC). Bamboo poles are used as structural pieces in walls, roofs, and floor panels. In the ICC Evaluation Service Report there are several design and installation procedures that should be followed: design shall be provided for lateral bracing to resist wind and seismic forces, the effect of shrinkage shall be taken into account in the design of individual structural members and in the design of the structure as a whole, this are some of the procedures listed in the report. The report also includes some design considerations such as allowable design stresses, elements of bamboo poles, and connections to achieve structural continuity.
- According to Elif Sungur from Dexigner, “In November 2004, Bamboo Technologies received confirmation from ICC Evaluation Service that its structural bamboo poles used in Bamboo Living Homes comply with the provisions of International building codes.” This was the first time a bamboo was approved as a structural building material in the international building code system. Elif also said “Since then, permitted bamboo homes have been approved and built all over the Hawaiian Islands and in 2006 will be available for the USA mainland and internationally.” Bamboo has been used in many beaches as decoration, construction, and design materials. I personally have seen many places where they use bamboo as decoration or as building materials in many beaches in parts of Mexico.