Influence of elastic properties and nodes on the flexural behaviour of bamboo culms

This study investigates the influence of elastic properties and nodes on the flexural behaviour of bamboo culms by comparing different characterization techniques and theoretical approaches. The most representative parts of the bamboo culm were selected using microscopic images of bamboo cross-sections. These were sliced from the bottom, middle, and top parts of a single culm and were analyzed with Digital Image Processing. Four-point bending tests were conducted on twelve culms of Phyllostachys aurea , subdivided into groups of untreated (UN) and heat-treated (HT) samples. The axial modulus of elasticity (E b ) and the shear modulus (G) were determined experimentally using four different mathematical models: (i) a global deflection model using the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory according to the ISO Standard; (ii) a global deflection model using the Timoshenko beam theory; (iii) a global deflection model based on the Timoshenko beam theory but accounting for the presence of nodes; and finally, (iv) a local model using extensometry. The dominant failure modes for UN and HT samples are described and discussed, and were influenced by the moisture content (MC). Approaches (i) and (ii) showed good agreement, giving reliable parameters to assess E b . The third approach (iii) indicated that the nodes significantly influence the flexural behaviour of the culms. Approach (iv) was appropriate for determining G, but resulted in higher values of E b , typically not representative of the material. • A four-point bending test to assess the longitudinal (E b ) and shear (G) moduli of Phyllostachys aurea bamboo is proposed. • The middle portion of the bamboo culm is selected as the most representative for material characterization. • Mathematical models considering global and local approaches are adoped for characterizing the elastic properties of bamboo. • A model accounting for the flexibility of nodes showed a relevant influence on the bending response of bamboo culms.