Drying shrinkage, the reduction in volume as a material like cement mortar dries, can result in cracks and decreased durability. Bamboo biochar powder (BCP) serves as a substitute for cement in mortar, affecting its drying shrinkage characteristics. Research has shown that BCP in cement mortar can alleviate drying shrinkage by absorbing and retaining moisture. This study aims to assess the chemical and physical properties of BCP, determine the mechanical attributes of bamboo biochar mortar with varying percentages of cement replacement, and investigate the impact of BCP on mortar shrinkage in indoor and outdoor tropical conditions. BCP, derived from Gigantocholoa Abociliata species and sized at 75 μm, was used to replace cement rates of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Sixty cube samples (50x50x50mm) were employed for density, ultrasonic pulse velocity (upv), compressive strength, and water absorption tests. Additionally, thirty prism samples (100x100x400mm) were employed to assess drying shrinkage during outdoor and indoor exposure, spanning up to 150 days. The experimental data indicates a consistent trend as the percentage of cement replacement increases in the mortar mix, density, and compressive strength decrease, while UPV and water absorption increase. The lowest shrinkage strain was observed during indoor exposure with 5% cement replacement, attributed to BCP acting as a filler, creating strong bonding properties, and reducing shrinkage. Conversely, the highest strain was noted during outdoor exposure with 20% cement replacement, resulting from higher moisture loss. In summary, a 5% replacement of cement with BCP in mortar offers the most effective reduction in shrinkage strain.
