Executive Summary : | Objective: In spite of the several attributes of bamboo, there are challenges to promote its widespread use in construction sector. One of the difficulties in building bamboo structures is to assemble the connections. Typically, these connections are built by drilling and carving curved shapes in the bamboo, leaving the material prone to develop longitudinal cracks. In many cases, the culms are injected with mortar to improve the transverse capacity, which adds weight to the structure. Additionally, bamboo connections are week in transmitting moment. This restriction limits the versatility of the constructive processes, especially when it is required to use frames and panels with openings for doors and windows. At present, there are many studies on joints of modern timber structures, while the research on the connection of bamboo is relatively few. Therefore, there is need for systemic assessment of Structural Performance of connections in Bamboo Structures Summary: Bamboo is a promising sustainable material for structural applications. It is used extensively in load-bearing structures, especially in developing countries. There is great interest in extending their use, given that bamboo is a sustainable natural resource. However, the performance of these structures is limited due to the method used to join bamboo sections together. Joints are key to ensure efficient load transfer in the structure. As Bamboo is a natural product, the mechanical properties at the joints are complex which are governed by many factors. The design of durable, safe and reliable joints and the establishment of design theory for the jointing system of bamboo structures, very much require detailed experimental investigation substantiated by numerical modelling. A detailed experimental study on the factors affecting the strength of the joints such as the influence of width to diameter ratio (w/d), edge to diameter ratio (e/d), bolt fastening torque to the failure load, has been planned. Failure modes, tensile and compressive load-carrying capacity, ductility of joints needs will be studied. Governing factor that needs detailed understanding is the Nonlinear pressure distributions at the contact area of steel and bamboo will be analysed considering the anisotropy and heterogeneity property of Bamboo. It is necessary to carry out experiments and theoretical studies to comprehensively and systematically establish the design guidelines for joints in bamboo structures The existing jointing methods are not completely satisfactory. There are issues of bearing capacity, stiffness, and durability and construction inefficiency of different degrees. At present, the quantum of research on the bamboo joints are less. Hence this project is planned to carry out a detailed structural performance assessment of jointing details, i.e. used in bamboo construction and then come up with a safe, reliable and easy-to- construct bamboo jointing system. From the prospective of acceptability (in the industry) the developed jointing system will be a balance between performance and economy. |
