Effects of characteristic inhomogeneity of bamboo culm nodes on mechanical properties of bamboo fiber reinforced composite

Dendrocalamus farinosus and Phyllostachys heterocycla bamboo logs were subjected to a novel treat- ment process for the preparation of bamboo fiber mats （BFMs）, and the obtained BFM were used to fabricate bamboo fiber reinforced composite （BFRC）. We studied the mechanical properties of the BFRCs manufactured from the mats with and without bamboo nodes. The pres- ence of nodes in BFM greatly reduced tensile strength, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture of the BFRCs, while the BFRCs fabricated from BFMs with nodes possessed higher horizontal shear strength. Therefore, the nodes in bamboo culms were an important factor in the uniform distribution of mechanical properties, and BFMs should be homogeneously arranged to reduce the impact of nodes on the mechanical strengths of BFRCs.

Experimental and Theoretical Study on Bonding Properties between Steel Bar and Bamboo Scrimber

To further verify the feasibility of newly designed reinforced bamboo scrimber composite(RBSC)beams used in building construction,the bonding properties between steel bar and bamboo scrimber were investigated by anti-pulling tests.Results indicated that the anti-pulling mechanical properties were significantly correlated to the diameter,thread form and buried depth of steel bar,forming density of bamboo scrimber as well as the heat treatment of bamboo bundle.There were two failure modes for anti-pulling tests:the tensile fracture and pulling out of steel bar.Both the ultimate load and average shear strength of anti-pulling specimen could be increased greatly with the ribbed bar,high forming density of bamboo scrimber and un-heated bamboo bundle.Furthermore,a theoretical calculation model of the bonding interface between steel bar and bamboo scrimber was developed.Based on the theoretical calculation model,the change laws of normal stress of bamboo scrimber,and shear stress of glue layer along the buried depth of steel bar were revealed.This study is beneficial for the safety application of RBSC beams in building construction.

Production of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Fibrillated Poly(Lactic Acid)(PLA) Material Obtained by a Papermaking Process

A devised beating process was applied, which enabled the formation of slurry consisting of uniformly dispersed fibrillated polylactic acid（PLA） fibers with bamboo fiber, and the polymer material was obtained by a conventional papermaking process. Owing to the fast dewatering time, good repeatability and the facility to manufacture on a large scale, this process was used. It was revealed that the beaten PLA fiber was overall in machinery extrusion by the results of optical microscope and scanning electron microscope（SEM） observations. The improvement in the tensile index, burst index, tear index and other mechanical properties was considered as a key benefit as a result of adding bamboo fiber.

A Review on the Mechanical Behaviour of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Beams

In light of the increasing demand for sustainable building materials,the effectiveness of bamboo utilization in various fields has become the object of scientists'close attention.The increased interest in bamboo is explained by its sustainable characteristics,which make it the most preferred material for environmentally friendly and cost-effective construction compared to conventional ones.Applicability of bamboo is vast and diverse:from decora-tion and furniture to structural members and re inforcement.Due to the low price,rich resources,and high ela sticity,bamboo culms have also been used as an alternative to steel reinforcement in concrete structures.Exten-sive research has been done to assess feasibilty of bamboo reinforcement in structural elements made of concrete.This article discusses the mechanical properties of three types of structural bamboo reinforced concrete(BRC)beams.Existing original papers on the mechanical behaviour of structural BRC members were studied,and the fundamental properties induding typical failure modes,reasons of failure,load displacement relationships,and influencing factors were discussed and described.Observations and conclusions of the review will contribute to deep understanding of structural feasibility of BRC beams and serve as a base for future research.