Axial Compression and Buckling Behaviors of Hollow Square Glued Bamboo Scrimber Column: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Hollow glued bamboo scrimber (HGBS) columns constructed from bamboo scrimber plates were proposed as structural load-bearing components instead of traditional solid bamboo columns to enhance the stable load of columns without increasing material consumption. To analyze the mechanical behavior of HGBS columns, tests were first conducted on the elastic modulus and compressive strength of bamboo scrimber made from Neosinocalamus affinis to theoretically assess the material’s mechanical properties. A total number of 22 HGBS square cross-section with dimensions of  100 mm columns, varying slenderness ratios and hollow ratios, were fabricated with glued and nailed connections. These columns were subjected to axial compression tests to evaluate their failure modes, axial stiffness, bearing capacity, and ductility. Theoretical calculation models were developed for the HGBS columns to estimate load-bearing capacity. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of HGBS columns and broadens their potential applications in structural engineering.