Abstract
This paper experimentally investigates the properties of unprecedented new advanced composite structural members in compressions made of bamboo culms formed with different bio-based and synthetic matrices. Due to extensive CO2 emissions corresponded to the production of construction materials, it is essential to produce high-performance environmental-friendly construction materials from bio-based renewable resources such as bamboo. However, the use of bamboo culms in construction has been hindered by their inherent specific geometric hollow shape. To address this issue, small-diameter bamboo species were used in this study to form solid structural composite cross-sections to desired shapes. An experimental study was conducted on the compressive properties of six composite structural members made of commonly available bamboo species (Phyllostachys edulis or Moso) with different matrices including a bio-based furan resin, a cementitious grout, and epoxy. In order to prevent premature buckling of bamboo components within the engineered columns, and in an attempt to propose a bio-based structural column, three layers of hemp wrap where applied to provide confinement for bamboo culms. The results of the tests confirm that the bamboo-furan and bamboo-grout composite columns both have the potential to reach a remarkable compressive strength of 30 MPa. However, the bamboo-epoxy composite specimen, considering the excellent mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix, delivered a benchmark to demonstrate the potentials of bamboo-based structural sections by reaching 76 MPa compressive strength before crushing. The bamboo-epoxy composite provided new prospects for future work on the 100% bio-based versions of the bamboo-based sections with improved bio-matrices (by using bio-epoxy and improved furan resins with compatible mixes) and innovative confinement types. With the promising results of this study, there is a real opportunity of creating contemporary engineered bamboo-based structures as a sustainable replacement to the existing steel, concrete and timber structures.
Highlights
The world’s population growth rate has never been higher than the current rate which has led to extreme urbanization rates worldwide [1]
Circular columns are tested in compression made of full culm bamboo composite (FCB) and split culm bamboo composite (SCB) sections formed using different matrices of furan resin, cementitious grout, and epoxy
For instance, specimen FCB-FRN-H features a composite column with full culm bamboo formed in a furan-based matrix with three layers of hemp fabric confinement wrapped around the circular composite column
Summary
The world’s population growth rate has never been higher than the current rate which has led to extreme urbanization rates worldwide [1]. Different species of bamboo grow in the tropical and subtropical climates, covering most developing countries that own the highest rates of population growth and urbanization [1]. To put this in perspective, bamboo forests are broadly dispersed in countries with tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates in the Asia Pacific It is interesting to know that the carbon footprint to harvest, transport, process and produce industrially processed bamboo elements is—500 kg/ton [3] This forms a vivid contrast to many building materials such as concrete and steel, whose productions release a high level of greenhouse gases and consumes a vast amount of energy. Bamboo has not become a mainstream construction material and the use of bamboo in the building industry is presently restricted to traditional and vernacular applications [25]
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