Abstract

PALENQUE, E. R.; GHEZZI, F.  and  VARGAS, C.. IMPACT TESTING ON THE "JATATA" (Geonoma deversa) UNDER EXPOSURE OF DIFFERENT PHYSICAL TREATMENTS. Revista Boliviana de Física [online]. 2011, vol.18, n.18, pp.17-25. ISSN 1562-3823.

The Jatata (Geonoma deversa) is a tropical palm tree whose leaves have been traditionally used in roofing, particularly by the T'simane ethnic group in the lowlands of Bolivia. Jatata roofing panels have been introduced and marketed in Bolivia's three main cities - Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and La Paz. In La Paz a greater deterioration of the leaf structure is observed causing a dramatic decrease in roof lifetime. It is thought that climatic conditions are responsible for the degeneration of the roof panels. A study of the fragility of the jatata panels was carried exposing them to changes in temperature and humidity, and also to differing levels of ultraviolet radiation. We find that the most significant influencing factor are the daily moisture cycles at La Paz (from saturation to dryness) causing the most damage to the jatata leaves.

Keywords : ultraviolet radiation; effects on biological systems; natural fibers; impact testing.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )