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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Amir MofidiORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
This paper experimentally investigates the properties of unprecedented new advanced composite structural members in compressions made of bamboo culms formed with different bio-based and synthetic matrices. Due to extensive CO2 emissions corresponded to the production of construction materials, it is essential to produce high-performance environmental-friendly construction materials from bio-based renewable resources such as bamboo. However, the use of bamboo culms in construction has been hindered by their inherent specific geometric hollow shape. To address this issue, small-diameter bamboo species were used in this study to form solid structural composite cross-sections to desired shapes. An experimental study was conducted on the compressive properties of six composite structural members made of commonly available bamboo species (Phyllostachys edulis or Moso) with different matrices including a bio-based furan resin, a cementitious grout, and epoxy. In order to prevent premature buckling of bamboo components within the engineered columns, and in an attempt to propose a bio-based structural column, three layers of hemp wrap where applied to provide confinement for bamboo culms. The results of the tests confirm that the bamboo-furan and bamboo-grout composite columns both have the potential to reach a remarkable compressive strength of 30 MPa. However, the bamboo-epoxy composite specimen, considering the excellent mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix, delivered a benchmark to demonstrate the potentials of bamboo-based structural sections by reaching 76 MPa compressive strength before crushing. The bamboo-epoxy composite provided new prospects for future work on the 100% bio-based versions of the bamboo-based sections with improved bio-matrices (by using bio-epoxy and improved furan resins with compatible mixes) and innovative confinement types. With the promising results of this study, there is a real opportunity of creating contemporary engineered bamboo-based structures as a sustainable replacement to the existing steel, concrete and timber structures.
Author(s): Mofidi A, Abila J, Ng JTM
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Sustainability
Year: 2020
Volume: 12
Issue: 6
Online publication date: 22/03/2020
Acceptance date: 20/03/2020
Date deposited: 22/03/2020
ISSN (electronic): 2071-1050
Publisher: MDPI AG
URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062485
DOI: 10.3390/su12062485
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