Abstract
Embedment properties are of paramount importance for the behavior of bolted bamboo connections. However, full-culm bamboo dowel-bearing test experimental data, and pertinent analytical expressions that predict embedment properties, are currently scarce. This study conducts an extensive experimental program on Kao Jue ( Bambusa pervariabilis ) and Moso ( Phyllostachys edulis ) bamboo, examining three different bolt diameters (6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm). Subsequently, it characterizes the bolt embedment phenomenon under the prism of dimensional analysis. When described in dimensionless terms (i.e., normalized with bolt diameter and density) the average embedment properties become a function of a single dimensionless product (the ratio of culm thickness to bolt diameter) and remarkable order emerges. The average dimensionless embedment properties follow “universal”, species-independent curves. Further, characteristic and design dimensional embedment properties ensue via safety factors that depend on density variability and on the reduced variability of dimensionless embedment properties. Determining material safety factors via parameters with lower variability, mitigates the uncertainty and enables the adoption of more favorable safety factors, thus leading to more cost-effective engineering design. • Bamboo embedment properties depend on density, bolt diameter and culm thickness. • Average dimensionless embedment properties can be predicted with notable accuracy. • Dimensionless property prediction equations are “universal” and species-independent. • Embedment property variability is mainly due to density variability.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have