Civil Engineering Research Articles

Briefing: What does the new Labour government mean for infrastructure – and what are the ICE’s priorities for engagement?

Laura Cunliffe-Hall is Lead Policy Manager in the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Policy and External Affairs team. She discusses the Institution’s plans for engaging the new government and the announcements of note for infrastructure and development.

Reliability and durability assessment of bridge stay cables

AbstractAn algorithm for the reliability and durability assessment of stay cables in bridges is presented in this study enabling their probability of failure and a safe working period to be determined under various loading scenarios. The algorithm was originally developed based on data collected from an extensive structural monitoring campaign of the biggest single-pylon concrete cable-stayed bridge in Poland and used to assess the durability of its suspension system. It was then modified to be suitable for the evaluation of stay-cables subjected to wind excitation and structural reliability of the suspension system in a real steel bridge where permanent plastic deformations occurred in the anchor zones of the stay cables. The algorithm takes into account analytical models describing the stay cables and their numerical finite element models (FEM). As such, it is a universal tool having a wide range of applications, also beyond stay cables often encountered in medium- and long-span bridges forming a critical part of the civil engineering infrastructure.

Petrov-Galerkin method for small deflections in fourth-order beam equations in civil engineering

Abstract This study explores the Petrov–Galerkin method’s application in solving a linear fourth-order ordinary beam equation of the form u ″ ″ + q u = f u^{\prime\prime} ^{\prime\prime} +qu=f . The equation entails two distinct boundary conditions: pinned–pinned conditions on u u and u ′ u^{\prime} , and clamped–clamped conditions on u u and u ″ {u}^{^{\prime\prime} } . To satisfy these boundary conditions, we have built two sets of basis functions. The explicit forms of all spectral matrices were reported. The nonhomogeneous boundary conditions were easily handled using perfect transformations, ensuring the numerical solution’s accuracy. Detailed analysis of the method’s convergence was studied. Some numerical examples were presented, accompanied by comparisons with other existing methods in the literature.

Optimizing superelastic shape-memory alloy fibers for enhancing the pullout performance in engineered cementitious composites

Abstract This study explores the effect of integrated superelastic shape-memory alloy fibers (SMAFs) on the mechanical performance of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs). Various SMAF configurations – linear-shaped SMAFs (LS-SMAFs), hook-shaped SMAFs (HS-SMAFs), and indented-shaped SMAFs (IS-SMAFs) – with diameters of 0.8 and 1.0 mm were incorporated into ECC matrices, and surface texturization was achieved through abrasive paper treatment. Their mechanical properties were assessed through single fiber pullout tests on ECC mixtures containing 1.5 and 2.0% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), subjected to both monotonic and cyclic loading conditions. Qualitative analysis, employing scanning electron microscopy, demonstrated that the IS-SMAF configuration provided superior mechanical interlocking and fiber–matrix adhesion, with a distinct flag shape observed during tensile testing. Quantitative data indicated that IS-SMAFs significantly improved the tensile strength and pullout resistance, with slip distances of ≥5 mm and average pullout loads ranging from 263 to 403 N. LS-SMAFs demonstrated better performance compared to HS-SMAFs and LS-SMAFs in terms of tensile and pullout characteristics. Additionally, ECCs with increased PVA content exhibited enhanced withdrawal performance. Thermogravimetry analysis and X-ray diffraction provided insights into the high-temperature stability and crystalline structure of the composites. These results underscore the effectiveness of IS-SMAFs in enhancing ECC properties, offering significant implications for the development and optimization of high-performance composite materials in civil engineering applications.

B3AM: A beamforming toolbox for three-component ambient seismic noise analysis

We introduce the MATLAB toolbox B3AM for beamforming of three-component ambient noise array data. We explain the theory behind three-component beamforming and polarisation analysis in particular, provide an overview of the workflow, and discuss the output using a worked example. The strength of the presented code package is the analysis of multiple beam response maps from multiple time windows. Hence, it provides statistical information about the ambient noise wavefield recorded over a period of time, such as the ratio of surface to body waves, average dispersion velocities, or dominant propagation direction. It can be used to validate assumptions made about the ambient noise wavefield in a particular location, helping to interpret results from other techniques, such as the analysis of horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios or ambient noise interferometry, and enabling more precise monitoring of specific wavefield components. While designed initially with seismic networks in mind, B3AM is applicable over a wide range of frequencies and array sizes and can thus be adapted also for laboratory settings or civil engineering applications.

Origins of British reservoir safety legislation 1850–1930

One hundred years ago in 1925, there were two dam failures with significant loss of life, and following these disasters, the 1930 Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act was enacted. Catastrophic failures in the nineteenth century had produced demands for government action but legislation had been much delayed by changes of government at critical times and by concerns about inadvertently reducing the legal liability of reservoir owners. Also, there was a marked lack of enthusiasm within the civil engineering profession for a government inspectorate. The key feature of the 1930 Act was that reservoir owners were required to appoint qualified civil engineers to inspect their reservoirs and, following such inspections, to implement measures required in the interests of safety. Post-1930 legislation, which it is intended will be the subject of a further paper, has done much to enhance public safety but the fundamental importance of independent qualified civil engineers has not diminished.

On the Quasi-diagonalization and Uncoupling of Gyroscopic Circulatory Multi-degree-of-freedom Systems

Abstract A new central result that gives the necessary and sufficient conditions for two n by n skew-symmetric matrices and one symmetric matrix to be simultaneously quasi-diagonalized by a real orthogonal congruence is proved. Based on this result, the decomposition of linear multi-degree-of-freedom dynamical systems with gyroscopic, circulatory, and potential forces is investigated through a real linear coordinate transformation generated by an orthogonal matrix. Several sets of conditions, applicable to real-life structural and mechanical systems arising in aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering, under which such a coordinate transformation exists are found, thereby allowing these systems to be decomposed into independent, uncoupled subsystems, each with a maximum of two degrees of freedom. The conditions are expressed in terms of the coefficient matrices of the system. A specific form for the circulatory (gyroscopic) matrix is posited, and when the gyroscopic (circulatory) matrix is simple—a situation that commonly appears in real-life applications—it is shown that just a single necessary and sufficient condition is required for the decomposition of the multi-degree-of-freedom system. Numerical examples are provided throughout to demonstrate the analytical results.

Sim‐Net: Simulation Net for Solving Seepage Equation Under Unsteady Boundary

ABSTRACTThe seepage equation plays a crucial role in fields such as groundwater management, petroleum engineering, and civil engineering. Currently, physical‐informed neural networks (PINNs) have become an effective tool for solving seepage equations. However, practical applications often involve variable flow rates, which pose significant challenges for using neural networks to find solutions. Inspired by Deep Operator Network (DeepONet), this paper proposes a new model named Simulation Net (Sim‐net) to deal with unsteady sources or sinks problems. Sim‐net is designed to simulate and solve seepage equations without the need for retraining. This model integrates potential spatial and temporal features based on spatial pressure distribution and well bottom–hole pressure, respectively, which serve as additional signposts to guide neural networks in approximating seepage equations. Sim‐net exhibits transfer learning capabilities, enabling it to handle variable flow rate problems without retraining for new flow conditions. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the trained model can directly solve seepage equations without the need for retraining, indicating its superior applicability compared to existing PINNs‐based methods. Additionally, in comparison to the DeepONet, Sim‐net achieves higher accuracy.

Behavior of CBR value of laterite soil mixed with metakaolin

Laterite soil is a material widely used for civil engineering purposes in South Kalimantan. Most laterite soil has low bearing capacity due to high clay and plastic content, causing cracks and damage, especially when mixed with a fairly high volume of water. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the soil through stabilization using metakaolin. An experimental study was conducted using laterite soil from Mount Kupang, Cempaka Village, Banjarbaru. This soil wasmixed with metakaolin on various percentage variations of the mixture, namely 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of the weight. The incubation period of the sample commences from 3, 7, and 14 days. Some of the test conducted include soil consistency limits (Atterberg limit test), soaked laboratory, and unconfined compressive strength (UCT). The result showed an effect on the characteristics of laterite soil mixed with metakaolin. The Plasticity Index (PI) value of laterite soil experienced a constant decrease due to the influence of methakoline by 14.75%. The soaked CBR value increased in a mixture of 2 to 8% metakaolin, but there was a decrease in the case of 10% at a curing time of 3, 7, and 14 days. Furthermore, the maximum soaked CBR value in laterite soil samples was mixed with 10% metakaolin at a curing period of 14 days and experience a percentage increase of 43.47%. The maximum qu value also increased by 42.02% in a mixture of 8% metakaolin and decreased in a 10% metakaolin at a curing time of 14 days.

Response reconstruction based on measurement matrix optimization in compressed sensing for structural health monitoring

Structural health monitoring (SHM) data have a large volume, increasing the cost of data storage and transmission and the difficulties of structural parameter identification. The compressed sensing (CS) theory provides a signal acquisition and analysis strategy. Signal reconstruction using limited measurements and CS has attracted significant interest. However, the dynamic responses obtained from civil engineering structures contain noise, resulting in sparse samples and reducing the signal reconstruction accuracy. Therefore, we propose an optimization algorithm for the measurement matrix integrating the Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT) and approximate QR decomposition (KLT-QR) to improve the accuracy of dynamic response reconstruction of SHM data. The KLT reduces the correlation between the measurement matrix and the sparse basis. The approximate QR decomposition is used to improve the independence between the column vectors of the measurement matrix, optimizing the measurement matrix. The experimental results for a laboratory steel beam indicate that the proposed KLT-QR algorithm outperforms three other algorithms regarding the accuracy of dynamic response reconstruction (acceleration, displacement, and strain), especially at high compression ratios. The acceleration responses from the Ji’an Bridge are utilized to verify the advantages of the proposed algorithm. The results demonstrate that the KLT-QR algorithm has the highest accuracy of reconstructing the vibration signals and yields better Fourier spectra than the conventional Gaussian measurement matrix.

Compaction Evolution and Mechanisms of Granular Materials Due to Gyratory Shearing

Granular systems, no matter whether they are dry or saturated, are commonly encountered in both natural scenarios and engineering applications. In this work, we tackle the compaction problem of both dry and saturated granular systems under gyratory shearing compaction, where particles are subjected to constant pressure and continuous shear rate, which is quite different from the traditional cyclic shearing compaction. Such phenomena are crucial to the compaction of asphalt mixtures or soils in civil engineering and can be extended to other areas, such as powder processing and pharmaceutical engineering. In this study, we investigated the behavior of both dry and fully saturated mono-dispersed granular materials under gyratory shearing compaction using the discrete element method (DEM) and found that the gyratory speed or interstitial fluid viscosity has almost no impact on the compaction behavior, while the pressure and the particle size play more important roles. Additionally, it is the inertial time scale which dictates the compaction behavior under gyratory shearing in most cases; meanwhile, the viscous time scale can also have influence in some conditions. This work determines the similarity and unity between the granular gyratory compaction and the rheology of granular systems, which has direct relevance to various natural and engineering systems.

OTIMIZAÇÃO DE MISTURAS DE CONCRETO PARA REDUÇÃO DE CUSTOS COM USO DE POZOLANA

Concrete is the primary source for the development of civil engineering projects. In Brazil, its use reaches approximately 40 million cubic meters per year. As a result, concrete production is a central element in civil engineering, being used in a wide range of applications, from foundations to large structures. However, the costs associated with concrete production represent a significant portion of the total costs of a project. Therefore, the search for methods that can reduce these costs without compromising the quality and durability of structures is of utmost importance for the sector. The main objective of this work is to explore effective methods for optimizing concrete mixtures using additives or applying alternative materials in order to guarantee the quality of the product, with the aim of improving its physical-mechanical and economic characteristics. To achieve this goal, the following specific objectives were defined: to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of different concrete formulations, to identify the main factors that influence concrete production costs, to develop optimization models for concrete mixtures based on economic and performance criteria, and to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed solutions in case studies. During the development of the research, comprehensive literature reviews were carried out to understand the latest trends and practices related to concrete production. In addition, laboratory experiments were conducted to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of different concrete formulations, taking into account the influence of variables such as type of aggregate and the use of pozzolan as an additive to improve concrete. Based on the data researched and the tests developed, it was possible to present pozzolan as a satisfactory additive for addition to concrete, since it reduces production costs while maintaining the essential properties of concrete, such as compressive strength, durability and workability. And because it is a more sustainable material, it reduces environmental damage.

From extraction to end‐uses and waste management: Modeling economy‐wide material cycles and stock dynamics around the world

AbstractMaterial stocks of infrastructure, buildings, and machinery are the biophysical basis of production and consumption. They are a crucial lever for resource efficiency and a sustainable circular economy. While material stock research has proliferated over the last years, most studies investigated specific materials or end‐uses, usually not embedded into an economy‐wide perspective. Herein, we present a novel version of the economy‐wide, dynamic, inflow‐driven model of material inputs, stocks, and outputs (MISO2), and present a global, country‐level application. Currently, MISO2 covers 14 supply chain processes from raw material extraction to processing, trade, recycling, and waste management, as well as 13 end‐uses of stocks. The derived database covers 23 raw materials and 20 stock‐building materials, across 177 countries from 1900 to 2016. We find that total material stocks amount to 1093 Gt in 2016, of which the majority are residential (290 Gt) and non‐residential buildings (234 Gt), as well as civil engineering (243 Gt), and roads (313 Gt). The other nine end‐uses covering stationary and mobile machinery, as well as short‐lived products, amount to 13 Gt. Material stocks per capita are highly unequally distributed around the world, with one order of magnitude difference between low‐ and high‐income countries. Results agree well with similar global country‐level studies. Low data quality for some domains, especially for lower‐income countries and for sand and gravel aggregates, warrant further attention. In conclusion, the MISO2 model and the derived database provide stock‐flow consistent perspectives of the socio‐economic metabolism around the world, enabling multiple novel and policy relevant research opportunities. This article met the requirements for a silver‐gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.

Unraveling the nexus: the impact of abusive supervision on project performance via sequential mediation of job embeddedness and job frustration

PurposeBased on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study seeks to investigate how job embeddedness (JE) and job frustration (JF) as serial mediators linking abusive supervision (AS) to project performance (PP) in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from 297 respondents working in six organizations involved in large-scale construction projects. The respondents were project managers, field engineers, consultants and civil engineers. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for data analysis and hypothesis testing.FindingsThe study findings indicate that JE and JF mediate AS’s impact on PP. The findings further reveal that JE and JF serially mediated the linkage between AS and PP.Originality/valueThis manuscript contributes to the relevant knowledge by investigating the overlooked psychological mechanisms of JE and JF between the linkage of AS to PP. The results of this study hold significant implications for both theoretical research and management practices.

Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Deterioration Patterns of Limestone Paving

Stone is a durable and high-performance paving material in standard and in intensive service regimes. Stone is thus a preferable material for sidewalk and promenade paving under intensive service regimes, such as touristic promenades and historic sites. Recent studies on the weathering and degradation of stones in buildings have revealed differing analytical approaches among geologists, geo-engineers, and civil engineers. The present research aims to develop a structured analytical–empirical methodology for the assessment of stone pedestrian pavements’ life cycle and life cycle costs. This study presents an integrated methodology that combines diagnostic field surveys, core laboratory tests, and the characterization of deterioration patterns. This approach allows for evaluating how faulty construction methods impact the durability and degradation of natural stone pedestrian pavements. It also assesses their effect on the pavement’s life cycle and associated costs. The diagnostic field survey concentrates on specific construction details, including: (a) Cracks in the paving stones. (b) Peeling of stone layers. (c) Subsidence and cracking at the paving edges. (d) Cracking of filler materials in joints between stone slabs. The laboratory tests focus on five core physical properties for the stone deterioration: (1) apparent density, (2) Water absorption, (3) Compressive strength, (4) Flexural strength, and (5) Abrasion resistance. This study proposes linear and exponential patterns for deterioration. A case study carried out on a Capernaum promenade revealed excessive deterioration patterns caused by the poor core properties of the paving stone and defective construction. The consequences of excessive deterioration on life cycle costs result in additional expenses of 73%, indicating a reduction in the life cycle. The novelty of this research lies in developing and delivering an integrated methodology that enables the assessment of how defective construction methods impact the durability, deterioration, life cycle, and life cycle costs of natural stone pedestrian pavements.

Analyzing the Nexus Between Project Constraints and Social Sustainability in Construction: A Case for a Developing Economy

The construction industry plays a crucial role in the development of emerging economies; however, project constraints can pose significant challenges to achieving social sustainability. Therefore, this study investigates the nexus between project constraints and social sustainability factors within Pakistan’s construction industry. The study adopted a quantitative approach and analyzed the collected data through descriptive and inferential tests. Data were collected from 100 civil engineers registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) through structured questionnaires. Analysis methods included the mean, standard deviation, Relative Importance Index (RII), and multiple regression tests. Cost (mean = 3.98) and time (mean = 3.90) emerged as the most significant project constraints, while poor safety on sites had the lowest means (3.49). In social sustainability factors, improving quality of life (mean = 3.73) ranked highest, with diversity in the workforce scoring lower (mean = 3.35). RII revealed cost (RII = 0.796) and time (RII = 0.780) as top constraints, while safety ranked lowest (RII = 0.698). Multiple regression showed that cost (slope = 0.390, p = 0.027) and unskilled workforce productivity (slope = 0.312, p = 0.073) significantly affect client social sustainability. Consultants prioritized poor productivity (slope = 0.623, p = 0.003), and contractors showed positive trends in cost and planning. The study highlights challenges like workforce skill gaps and safety enforcement, stressing the need for interventions to enhance social sustainability outcomes in Pakistan’s construction sector.

Designing-in WebGIS Tools for digital learning terrains in Natural Environments

Authentic learning environments (Herrington et al., 2014) have been widely acknowledged in creating engaging, meaningful and deep learning experiences, including for “novice” first-year undergraduate students (Roach et al., 2018). Natural Environments (ENVS10001) is a first-year undergraduate subject (unit) that aims to deliver foundational understanding of earth systems and processes to support studies in agriculture, natural resource management and civil engineering. One main obstacle to facilitating understanding in this domain is the unfamiliar scales of the landscape processes and phenomena (Resnick et al., 2017). Natural Environments has been using the granitic geology dominated landscape of Glenrowan in northeastern Victoria (Australia) as an authentic case study. In this presentation we explain how and why we re-designed authentic learning aligned tutorial interactions by integrating student-driven navigation of WebGIS tools such as Geoscience Australia and NatureKit portal to: (a) enable students to build understanding of how geology, geomorphology and ecology interact to result in the dynamic landscapes in the environment; (b) equip students with fundamental and valuable knowledge and skills in accessing free and publicly available datasets useful in their academic and future professional work; (c) demonstrate the authenticity of the curricular content to establish higher levels of learner engagement. The current learning design where dynamic control and interaction with spatial data is central, is just one iteration in the series of previous designs that moved from non-digital to static-digital resources in the learning environment. Generally, an anchored instruction aligned approach (The Cognition and Technology Group at Vanderbilt, 1990) was adopted. Prior to the tutorial, students attended two one-hour lectures explaining the structure of the earth, plate tectonics, and global-scale structural (volcanic and tectonic) landforms. We wanted students to develop an understanding of how, over “unfamiliar” geological (time) and spatial scales, geomorphological processes operating across different rock types resulting from geological processes (e.g. granite pluton emplacement amongst sedimentary rocks) result in the landscapes observed presently. During the class, with tutors as guides, students worked in groups and learnt how to use the Geoscience Australia portal to explore the Glenrowan region, centered around the Warby Ranges and the surrounding plains. Professional instructional videos developed in collaboration with the University of Melbourne Learning Environments media team were used to demonstrate how to use the portal to find geological and geomorphological information. Students were guided in the use of Google Earth to visualise terrain in pseudo-3D and using elevation transects. The spatial correlation of landform patterns and elements with different surface and subsurface geologies was key to unlocking students’ abilities to explain the “why” and “how” of landscape evolution, albeit at the basic level. Students had mostly positive experiences and learning outcomes shown in the post-subject survey (n = 30; scores of 4.6 to 6.0 for 12 questions on 7-point Likert scale) and comments. Technical issues encountered due to simultaneous class access to the portal, and gaps in explaining specific functionalities and their potential for further understanding, were highlighted. The authors acknowledge the strong support for this work through the University of Melbourne’s FlexAP programme.

Machine learning prediction of the unconfined compressive strength of controlled low strength material using fly ash and pond ash.

The sustainable use of industrial byproducts in civil engineering is a global priority, especially in reducing the environmental impact of waste materials. Among these, coal ash from thermal power plants poses a significant challenge due to its high production volume and potential for environmental pollution. This study explores the use of controlled low-strength material (CLSM), a flowable fill made from coal ash, cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures, as a solution for large-scale coal ash utilization. CLSM is suitable for both structural and geotechnical applications, balancing waste management with resource conservation. This research focuses on two key CLSM properties: flowability and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) at 28days. Traditional testing methods are resource-intensive, and empirical models often fail to accurately predict UCS due to complex nonlinear relationships among variables. To address these limitations, four machine learning models-minimax probability machine regression (MPMR), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), the group method of data handling (GMDH), and functional networks (FN) were employed to predict UCS. The MARS model performed best, achieving R2 values of 0.9642 in training and 0.9439 in testing, with the lowest comprehensive measure (COM) value of 1.296. Sensitivity analysis revealed that cement content was the most significant factor with obtaining R = 0.88, followed by water (R = 0.82), flowability (R = 0.79), pond ash (R = 0.78), curing period (R = 0.73), and fine content (R = 0.68), with fly ash (R = 0.55) having the least impact. These machine learning models provide superior accuracy compared to traditional methods, particularly in handling complex interactions between mix components. The proposed models offer a practical approach for predicting CLSM performance, supporting sustainable construction practices and the efficient use of industrial byproducts. The novelty of this study lies in the development of precise design equations for evaluating UCS, promoting both practical applicability and environmental sustainability.

Effect of various notch shape on Lamb wave scattering behaviour in a bent plate

Abstract The application of guided waves to investigate commonly used plate shapes in the aerospace, mechanical and civil industries are plates with bend shapes. This paper investigates the interaction of fundamental Lamb waves with notches in bent plates, commonly found in aerospace, mechanical, and civil engineering applications. These areas are particularly susceptible to failure due to defects such as cracks and notches, which often manifest as semi-circular corrosion patches or 900 notches. The presence of notches affects stress distribution, necessitating thorough analysis to prevent accidents. Accordingly, this paper focus on the interaction of fundamental Lamb waves through two types of notches that could be present inside a bent metal plate section. To explore this, a hybrid numerical framework is employed which combines Semi-Analytical Finite Elements (SAFE) with the Finite Element Method (FEM). A bent plate sections with various notch types is simulated using FEM, while SAFEs facilitate the definition of wave propagation through healthy regions of the plate. The study analyses the scattering behaviour of Lamb waves for different notch configurations and examines both fundamental modes over a specified frequency range. With a change in the interrogation signal parameters, there is a noticeable difference in the sensitivity of scattered waves with different notch types. Formulating a strategy for identifying and locating a notch inside a bent plate may need careful consideration of the important conclusions drawn. Understanding these interactions, aim of the paper is to enhance the integrity assessment of structural components subject to such defects.

Behavior of laminated bamboo columns under low cyclic reversed loading

Laminated bamboo, a type of eco-friendly engineered bamboo product, is increasingly gaining attention in the field of civil engineering. Although there has been considerable research on the material properties of laminated bamboo, studies focusing on the seismic performance of laminated bamboo columns are still relatively scarce. This paper discusses in detail the behavior of laminated bamboo columns and BFRP (Basalt fiber reinforced polymer) reinforced laminated bamboo columns under low cyclic reversed loading. In particular, the effects of slenderness ratio and axial compression ratio on laminated bamboo columns and BFRP reinforced laminated bamboo columns are studied. The hysteresis behavior of the column specimens is first tested through experiments. The results show that under low cyclic reverse loading, the failure of laminated bamboo columns is due to the tensile fracture and compressive bending of bamboo strips, as well as the tensile fracture of BFRP. To quantify the mechanical performance of laminated bamboo columns, parameters of interest are defined and discussed, including load-bearing capacity, stiffness, energy dissipation, and equivalent viscous damping. The load-bearing capacity and stiffness of laminated bamboo columns and BFRP reinforced laminated bamboo columns are significantly affected by the slenderness ratio and axial compression ratio. The yield loads for the column specimens with slenderness ratios of 37.0, 63.4, and 77.5 are within the ranges of 2.08–7.64 kN, 1.63–5.15 kN, and 1.82–7.51 kN, respectively. Laminated bamboo columns exhibit a satisfactory energy dissipation, with the maximum observed equivalent viscous damping exceeding 50 %. Furthermore, combining theoretical calculations and fitting analysis, bilinear skeleton curve models for both laminated bamboo columns and BFRP reinforced laminated bamboo columns are presented, showing a good agreement with experimental results. This research aims to provide some references for the design of laminated bamboo structures in future practical engineering.