Flexural bending analysis of mycelium structural beams

The main goal of this project is to improve the sustainability of building materials. To work towards this goal, the
research project turns towards biology as a source of inspiration for the next generation of building materials.
Natural fibres (i.e. hemp, straw, agricultural residues) have great potential in the building industry, but currently
still need to use fossil-fuel based binding agents. This project will research the capacity for mycelium as an
alternative binding agent for natural fibre construction materials. The intern will complete bending moment capacity
and compressive strength of mycelium beams and stub-columns and analyze results to evaluate their significance
Tooketree Passive Homes focuses on building homes that help to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon
in each building. Tooketree is anxious to sequester more carbon in each building in a way that is not dependent
on the heavy use of our forest products or fossil-fuel-based binding agents.Identifying a viable new building such
as mycelium is directly related to the goals of Tooketree.

Faculty Supervisor:

Colin MacDougall

Student:

Partner:

Tooketree Passive Homes

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

Queen's University

Program: