Engineered Bamboo I-Joists
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 136, Issue 12
Abstract
Many bamboo species are well regarded for their strength and rapid renewability, although the nonuniformity of bamboo poles has impeded use in developed countries. Described herein are the results of a pilot effort to develop engineered bamboo I-joists for use in common low-rise construction applications. Solid section bamboo materials were used to fabricate I-beams; flanges consisted of single-strand bamboo material and webs consisted of bamboo OSB or three-ply material. Experimental results indicate that flexural strengths were limited to 5.2 ksi (36 MPa) by the failure of the flange finger joints; shear strengths were 2.1 ksi (14 MPa) for the bamboo OSB and 3.3 ksi (22 MPa) for the three-ply web material. The modulus of elasticity averaged 2,000 ksi (14 GPa), while the shear modulus was 250 ksi (1.7 GPa) for the bamboo OSB and 140 ksi (0.94 GPa) for the three-ply material. Design values are developed from the test results following a hybrid approach based on ASTM procedures for wood I-joists and whole bamboo poles.
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Acknowledgments
The writers are indebted to many students that helped with the testing and fabrication, including Jeffrey Flores, Sean Irwin, Raymond Lam, and Andrew Smith, the laboratory manager at Santa Clara University, Gary Smith, the 2007 Solar Decathlon Building Official, Thomas Meyers, the City of Santa Clara Building Official, Kathleen Lee, and Permit Center Manager, Bounmy Soumountha, and finally, to Teragren for contributing materials to the effort.
References
ASTM. (1998). “Standard practice for evaluating allowable properties for grades of structural lumber.” D2915-98, West Conshohocken, Pa.
ASTM. (2000). “Standard specification for establishing and monitoring structural capacities of prefabricated wood I-joists.” D 5055-00a, West Conshohocken, Pa.
ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. (2000). “Acceptance criteria for structural bamboo.” AC162, Whittier, Calif.
ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. (2004). “Acceptance criteria for prefabricated wood I-joists.” AC14, Whittier, Calif.
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© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 29, 2008
Accepted: Apr 7, 2010
Published online: Apr 12, 2010
Published in print: Dec 2010
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