Design And Strength Analysis Of Composite Bamboo Column Elements

Abstract

This paper presents the development of bamboo composites (high capacity sections of bamboo for column) for modern bamboo structures. Bamboo being a natural outcrop from mother earth is a grass which grows very tall and has excellent structural properties. It is in use since time immemorial in building small houses and structures in a non engineered manner. In this paper, the development of bamboo composite column of high capacity with test results has been put forth. Compressive tests on composite column segment of bamboo of 150x 150x 405 mm were conducted on compression testing machine (CTM) and a maximum failure load of 670kN has been observed, Load vs. Displacement curve, Stress vs. Strain curve and Peak loads has been recorded. The results of the test confirms that the capacity of these bamboo composites to be comparable on strength with similar reinforced concrete (RC) and steel sections. With these encouraging test results, modern engineered bamboo structures can be a real possibility, wherein replacing RC and steel structures/sections wherever required and thought of in an acceptable manner. The possible replacement of RC and steel by increased usage of bamboo as building material can be possibly bring in a reduction in release of green house gases in atmosphere and would bring about curbing environmental pollution.