The structural use of Arundo Donax L. For the design of a sustainable architecture

Arundo Donax L. is a natural material used for traditional vernacular architectures. Main issues and applications are briefly presented. Actually, there are not guidelines or standards for the use of Arundo Donax as a construction material. In this perspective, the paper deals with the investigation on the mechanical characteristics of the Arundo Donax through experimental tests. In particular tests in compression on single culms are shown. Therefore the architectural project of a gridshell in common canes, tied with hemp ropes and covered by lime mixed with Arundo Donax inerts is illustrated. The Arundo Donax shows good performance capabilities in compression comparable with traditional building materials, in addition it is renewable non-polluting, recyclable and suitable for sustainable architecture.