International Conference on Modern Bamboo Structures Oct. 11-17

Changsha, China hosts English-language meeting on new uses for ancient, sustainable building material

This conference is to provide an open forum for experts around the world to exchange information and to thoroughly discuss topics related to design, analysis, testing, manufacturing, construction of modern bamboo ostructures. The final product of the conference will be the proceedings that intend to provide a state-of-the-art document on modern bamboo structures, including bamboo composites, engineered bamboo, environmental/ecological issues, testing and analysis, modern examples and more.

Topics to be addressed include:

• Properties of bamboo materials, components

• Experimental testing, analysis of bamboo structures and components

• Design concepts for modern bamboo structures

• Modern bamboo buildings and bridges

• Composites of bamboo, timber and other materials

• Bamboo reinforced concrete, clay, etc.

• Lightweight steel frame systems with bamboo or timber floor/wall infill

• Adhesives, joints, etc.

• Engineered bamboo products

• Long term effects

• Environmental and ecological issues

• Economics of natural construction materials

• Historical and traditional structures

• Structural and constructional applications of other natural and non-conventional materials

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS (to date)

Prof. Z.H. Jiang, Former president of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, Co-Chair of INBAR
Prof. Z.Y. Chen, Member of Chinese Academy of Engineering
Prof. Khosrow Ghavami, Fellow of ASCE, Brazil
Prof. S.Z. Shen, Member of Chinese Academy of Engineering

CONFERENCE LOCATION

Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province, one of the major bamboo growing areas in Asia. Changsha is also one of the most important and attractive cities in south central region, China. The city is located near the northeast end of the Heng Mountain, one of the five most scenic mountains in China. The Xiang River flows northward through the city before reaching the Yangtze River.

Changsha is a famous city of historical culture in China. Hunan University succeeds the 1030-year old Yuelu Academy, which is known for being the first higher education institute in China and for producing scholars, thinkers and leaders who shaped the history of modern China. Other tourist attractions in the city and nearby include the Han Tombs (206 BC); Shaoshan; Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (world heritage site of natural beauty), etc. Changsha can be reached by train and air transportations from other major cities of China. Oversea participants can reach Changsha, via a stopover in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, or Seoul, S. Korea.

CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS

Prof. Yan XIAO, University of Southern California, USA;
Cheung Kong Scholar, Hunan University, China
Prof. Masafumi INOUE, Oita University, Japan
Mr. Shyam K. PAUDEL, International Network for Bamboo and Rattan

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Prof. Z.Y. Chen, China

Prof. Khosrow Ghavami, Brazil Prof. Z.H. Jiang, China
Prof. Jules Janssen, Netherlands Prof. S.Z. Shen, China

Organized by:

National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC),
International Network of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR),
Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF)
China Youth Center for International Exchange
World Bamboo Organization (WBO)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ)
American Bamboo Society,
Southern California chapter of the American Bamboo Society, USA,
Bamboo Society of Australia,
Bambu Brasileiro, Brazil ,
Brazilian Association of Non-Conventional Materials and Technologies, Brazil
Bamboo Technologies, USA
TRADA international, UK
Hunan University, China,
University of Southern California, USA,
Oita University, Japan

CALL FOR PAPERS

Technical papers to be presented at the conference and to be included in the conference proceedings are solicited.

All papers will be peer reviewed and the satisfying papers will be included in the conference proceedings. Send the abstract of approximately 300 words in English by March 31, 2007, to (electronic submittals are preferred): Prof. Yan XIAO, Chairman, icbs-2007 Dept. of Civil Eng., University of Southern California 3620 S. Vermont Ave., KAP 210 Los Angeles, CA 90089-2531, USA Tel: 213-740-6130; Fax: 213-744-1426 e-mail: yanxiao@usc.edu, cipres@hnu.cn

SOLICITATION OF EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS

Exhibitions of various bamboo products, showcases will be held at the conference. Organizational and industrial sponsors are also cordially invited to co-organize the conference or conference functions, such as award ceremony, banquets, etc. Companies interested in exhibiting their products are welcome. The exhibition registration is $800, which includes a booth at the conference, an advertisement page in the final brochure to be distributed at the conference, and free registrations for two participants to all functions of the conference.

CONFERENCE FEES

The registration fee, including three lunches, coffee breaks, two conference banquets and a copy of the conference proceedings, is as follows:

• Members of sponsoring organizations $250

• Others before July 31, 2007 $300

• On site $350

• Student $100

All checks for international participants are to be made payable in US Dollars to the University of Southern California (attn.: ICBS-2007), or bring cash payment at the site.