Natural durability of 2 and 4 years old bambusa vulgaris in 4 months ground contact tests

This study was conducted to investigate the performances of 2 and 4 years culms of Bambusa Vulgaris in short term durability test. This study divided into two parts which are to compare the physical properties of the Bambusa Vulgaris according to the 2 age groups and to study the durability of Bambusa Vulgaris by using oil curing process that is heating treatment process at different temperature in 4 months ground contact test. The test was conducted to determine the physical properties of Bambusa Vulgaris that are moisture content and basic density. The parameter that was tested in the study for the durability test is the weight loss of the sample. Results of this study showed that the mean moisture content for 2 years old is 36.83% and 4 years old are 30.09%. While, the basic density for the 2 years old is 0.77g/cm³ and for the 4 years old is 0.78g/cm³. The results for ground contact test shows increase of mean weight loss of samples towards the increasing month. For the 2 years old, the mean weight loss of samples for the first month is 8.09%, second month is 8.98%, third month is 9.05% and for the fourth month is 9.52%. Meanwhile, for the 4 years old, the mean weight loss of the sample for the first month is 7.37%, second month is 7.81%, third month is 8.17% and fourth month is 9.29%. Finally, the results also show that the treated sample experienced lesser weight loss than the untreated sample. Oil curing process enhanced the durability of the bamboo against the biodegradation agents.