Mechanical behaviour of bamboo at elevated temperatures – Experimental studies

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable load-bearing materials drives the need for understanding the various design considerations these pose within the modern built environment. Engineered bamboo is a material with outstanding physical and mechanical properties, in addition to producing a minimum carbon footprint. However, extensive research is needed before engineered bamboo can be used with the confidence conferred to other more conventional building construction materials. When aiming for higher and larger bamboo-based structures, load-bearing behaviour during and after fire becomes a key consideration. This paper describes the outcomes of a comprehensive study conducted to understand the mechanical behaviour of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens species) at elevated temperatures; more specifically investigating the reduction of compressive and tensile strength, as well as the Modulus of Elasticity (MoE) up to 250 °C. Findings from this work show that at 200 °C, bamboo retains 20%, 42% and 70% of the compressive strength, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity at ambient, respectively. The results presented herein, which provide thorough understanding of strength and elasticity reduction at elevated temperatures, enable the development of stress-strain constitutive models that will constitute the basis for designing fire-safe bamboo structures.