Experimental research on standardized bamboo culm components for developing prefabricated bamboo building

Bamboo culm structures are useful for areas with limited access to structural wood, especially for remote bamboo forest areas. This study focuses on developing standardized bamboo culm components for the prefabricated bamboo building, which is potential to replace timber components made of dimension lumber used in modern timber buildings. The basic material properties of Moso bamboo and bamboo culm elements were investigated. Test results show that the main mechanical properties of bamboo culm are comparable to some coniferous wood, such as TC-13A grade (in Chinese standard). Several types of simple and reliable connectors were designed for connecting bamboo culms, attempting to provide standardized bamboo culm elements. The prefabricated shear wall elements were designed with bamboo culms as studs and glubam lumber as perimeter frame for regulate the dimension. Three shear wall models were tested under monotonic and cyclic lateral loading. It was found that the lateral resistance capacity of bamboo culm shear wall is about 64% of that of the similar lightweight wood frame shear walls. Three specimens of bamboo culm trusses were also tested to obtain the design capacity of the roof system. Based on the experimental test results, a prototype single-story building was designed and constructed to assess the feasibility of the constructional details. Carbon dioxide emission analysis revealed the environmentally friendly advantages of this type of bamboo building.