Effects of temperature on the compressive strength parallel to the grain of bamboo scrimbe

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the compressive strength parallel to the grain of bamboo scrimber during and after exposure to various temperatures, in a range from 20 to 225 °C. These data were used to provide a basis for the evaluation of the fire performance of bamboo structures. A total of 152 specimens, assembled as group "during-fire" and "post-fire", were tested during and after exposure to high temperatures. The experimental results indicated that there were significant differences in compressive properties between the "during-fire" and "post-fire" groups. At one temperature level, the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of the "post-fire" group were significantly higher than those properties of the "during fire" group, but the ductility coefficient was reversed. FTIR analysis results showed that 175 °C was a key turning point, at which thermal decomposition occurred in the cellulose of the bamboo and phenolic resin.