Bamboo structures (Traditional use)
Introduction
The quincha (from the Quechua or simi rune: qincha, 'wall, wall, fence, corral, enclosure')[1][n. 1] is a traditional construction system from South America and Panama characterized by the use of mixed techniques, which basically consists of a framework of cane "Cane (vegetable)") or bamboo, wood or other vegetable fibers covered with mud for the materialization of enclosures. Frameworks similar to quincha have been used in construction since very early in Ancient Peru,[2] and in the Viceroyalty of Peru, its massive use was widespread as an anti-seismic material due to its light weight and elasticity. The quincha was used by the Bato tradition or the Llolleo culture in the 19th century. It was inherited by many peoples, including the Mapuches.}.
Characteristics
The quincha is very effective as an anti-seismic material due to the elasticity of the reed framework, which absorbs vibrations, preventing them from spreading to the rest of the structure. Furthermore, its lightness makes it easier to assemble, reduces the load on the building and in case of collapse it does not cause too much damage. They are considered flexible and can adapt to various architectural needs. They can be built using a variety of materials, allowing them to be adapted to local availability. Having prefabricated materials speeds up construction times and reduces costs. Additionally, it has reasonable thermal insulation due to its medium thermal inertia, a quality that is provided by the mud coating, despite having walls of reduced thickness.
On the other hand, the weaknesses of this system include the need for careful design and precise execution in the joints between elements, adequate protection against humidity and biological deterioration of plant materials, as well as effective sealing to prevent the entry of insects into the interior of the wall.
Prefabricated barbecue[3][4]
The prefabricated quincha is a construction system that, based on the traditional quincha, has sought to standardize its processes in order to obtain better performance of the material in construction. Unlike the traditional quincha, the prefabricated one uses independent modular panels, making it necessary for the architectural design of the home to take this module into account. They consist of wooden frames between 80 and 120 centimeters wide, filled with braided reed and once placed, they are covered with mud or some other material such as plaster or cement. A typical 120 centimeter panel without plastering weighs approximately 50 kg and when plastered weighs approximately 350 kg. This constitution of panels allows them to be considered self-supporting. Furthermore, the lower part of the panels are fixed on a concrete foundation and vertically supported by a structure of wooden columns whose maximum distance from each other is the width of three quincha panels.