Experimental research on mechanical properties of glubam.

Glubam is a type of natural bamboo-fiber reinforced polymer composites. This paper focuses on the fundamental mechanical properties of glubam, including its modulus, tensile, compressive, flexural and shear strengths. Because glubam is a new structural material, there is no code or guideline to follow. By referring to relevant timber codes, including GB 1927 ~ 1943--1991 ' Wood physical and mechanical properties test method' and ASTM D143-94 (2007) 'Standard test methods for small clear specimens of timber', considerable number of tests were conducted to obtain the values of modulus, tensile, compressive, bending and shear strengths. The relationships between tensile strength, and modulus and the main fiber orientation were studied. The tests also reveal that cold glued joints between glubam surfaces can weaken the compressive strength. Through the discussion on design methods of glubam structure, the recommended allowable stress values were given based on the Chinese allowable stress design method of timber and favorable design results were found compared with other types of glue laminated timber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]