Giant Reed (Arundo Donax): Exploring An Alternative Formwork Material in Construction

The construction industry has a significant impact on structural building development and economic advancement.However, formwork materials commonly made from wood, steel, and plastic play a part in massive environmental issues likedeforestation and high-energy production processes. This study is focused on the giant reed (Arundo donux) with itssustainability and use as an alternative formwork material in construction. Giant reed is a sustainable option maturing andgrowing rapidly in various soil types. The modified proportions of fiber, resin, and hardener of 53:46:1 were employed indesigning, development, and evaluating the giant reed formwork boards with varying fiber patterns such as parallel, alternating,and crisscross. These boards were evaluated through various tests for internal bond strength, modulus of rupture, and waterabsorption. The results showed that the giant reed boards' three fiber patterns exceeded the strength of conventional plywoodand particle boards. The alternating fiber pattern produced the best results across all tests conducted with an internal bondstrength of 23. 54 kg/cm², modulus of rupture of 825. 43 kg/cm², and a water absorption test rate of 1. 047%. A cost comparisonbetween the traditional plywood and giant reed boards was conducted to assess their applications in a low-rise buildingconsidering both economic and financial feasibility. The study revealed that giant reed boards were found to be a valuablealternative with comparable strength as well as their environmental advantages and benefits. Giant reed formwork boards are afeasible and sustainable alternative to traditional formwork materials providing significant environmental benefits withoutsacrificing structural integrity. However, they had higher initial costs which needed to be tackled to improve financialfeasibility. This study supports the development of sustainable building practices and is in line with the goal of the industry toreduce its environmental impact.