Experimental Analysis of Bending Resistance of Bamboo Composite I-Shaped Beam

Abstract

A new type of bamboo composite I-shaped beam, which consists of bamboo laminate as its upper and down flange plates and bamboo curtain plywood as its web, was introduced in the paper. In this new type of beam, a connection between the flange plates and the web was enabled with a combined action of epoxy resin adhesive and a bolting joint. A model test on the bending mechanical properties (e.g., bending failure mode and bending capacity) and the factors influencing the flexural rigidity of the bamboo composite I-shaped beam was conducted. The preliminary results showed that the bamboo composite I-shaped beam has excellent mechanical properties that could offer high bending capacity and bending rigidity, as well as excellent ductility of the structure. Therefore, the bamboo composite I-shaped beam is potentially interesting for application in small- to medium-span bridges as a new type of structure. Moreover, this experimental research could help with a design method for bamboo composite I-shaped beams in the future.