Nodes Effect on the Bending Performance of Laminated Bamboo Lumber Unit

This research studied the ultimate bearing capacity of laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) unit and thereby calculated the maximum bending moment. The load-displacement chart for all specimens was obtained. Then the flexural capacity of members with and without bamboo nodes in the middle section was coMPared. The bending experiment phenomenon of LBL unit was concluded. Different failure modes of bending components were analysed and concluded. Finally, the bending behaviour of LBL units is coMPared with other bamboo and timber products. It is shown that the average ultimate load of BS members is 866.1 N, the average flexural strength is 101 MPa, the average modulus of elasticity is 8.3 GPa, and the average maximum displacement is 17.02 mm. The average ultimate load of BNS members is 1008.1 N, the average flexural strength is 118.02 MPa, the average modulus of elasticity is 9.9 GPa, and the average maximum displacement is 18.26 mm. Laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) unit without bamboo nodes (BNS) has relatively higher flexural strength coMPared with LBL unit with bamboo nodes (BS). The presence of bamboo nodes reduces the strength of the entire structure. Three failure modes were concluded for BS members, and two failure modes were observed for BNS members during the experimental process. According to a coMParison between the LBL unit and other products, the flexural strength and bending modulus of elasticity of the LBL unit are similar as bamboo scrimber and raw bamboo components, which is much higher than timber components