Characterizing the performance of transversely confined multi-culm bamboo to steel connections

Abstract

The present research experimentally examines the axial behavior of transversely confined multi-culm bamboo to steel connections, using Kao Jue (Bambusa pervariabilis) bamboo species. The study characterizes under axial monotonic loading, the performance in terms of strength, ductility and failure modes. It then evaluates changes in performance under axial quasi-static reversed cyclic loading. Findings reveal that transverse confinement (through hose-clamps) is highly effective in preventing longitudinal splitting of bamboo culms. The connections exhibit large plastic deformations with sufficient strength and ductility. When compared to the monotonic response, early bolt-fracture hinders the cyclic performance. The connections nevertheless comply with the philosophy of capacity-based design - the ductile components (i.e. the bolts) fail before the brittle components (i.e. the culms). Notably, the adopted European Yield Model can analytically estimate the experimental yield loads with good accuracy. This ultimately indicates a path towards a more rational and engineered design of bamboo structures.