Sustainable Material Performance in Construction: Traditional Bamboo vs Glubam

Abstract: In the pursuit of sustainable construction practices, selecting appropriate building materials is critical to reducing environmental impact while maintaining structural efficiency. Despite growing interest in bamboo as a renewable resource, limited research compares the environmental and structural trade-offs between traditional bamboo and engineered alternatives such as glu-laminated bamboo (Glubam). This study addresses that gap by examining the comparative sustainability and structural performance of traditional bamboo versus Glubam. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining an extensive literature review, expert interviews, and a structured comparative analysis. Key evaluation parameters include material strength, load-bearing capacity, durability, construction techniques, cost-efficiency, and environmental footprint. Findings indicate that while Glubam demonstrates superior structural integrity suitable for large-scale applications, traditional bamboo remains the more environmentally sustainable option due to its minimal processing and natural growth characteristics. The research gap lies in the absence of a comprehensive assessment in Malaysia that simultaneously evaluates traditional bamboo and Glubam within construction contexts. The study concludes by offering practical recommendations for architects, engineers, and sustainability professionals aiming to balance technological innovation with ecological responsibility in material selection.