Optimising ply orientation in structural laminated bamboo

Abstract

Currently, only two forms of laminated bamboo are commercially available as structural materials: unidirectional beams and boards, and cross-laminated boards. As a natural quasi-unidirectional composite, the lamination of bamboo into plies with specific orientations would allow the design and manufacture of a family of multi-axial composite laminates with unique properties. In this study, we test the tensile mechanical properties of single- and two-ply laminated bamboo at various off-axis loading angles and laminate configurations. The data is then compared to micro-mechanical models for predicting modulus and strength of composite laminates. On the basis of our analyses, we believe there is significant scope to extend the current range of laminated bamboo products to include angle-ply laminates. Moreover, we demonstrate that composite laminate theory is applicable to this natural composite and may be used for design of products and structures.