Tissue proportions, mechanical properties, and their correlation in small-diameter bamboo: A case study of Bambusa multiplex

Bamboo has strong mechanical properties due to its excellent gradient structure, making it suitable for construction applications. To date, while large-diameter bamboos have been widely used in construction applications, small-diameter bamboos (e.g., Bambusa multiplex ) remain underutilized despite their lower material cost. To assess the potential of small-diameter bamboo, this study investigated the tissue proportions and mechanical properties of B. multiplex and examined their correlations. The results showed that B. multiplex exhibited superior tensile strength, flexural modulus and compressive strength compared to moso bamboo, a common large-diameter bamboos. This suggested that B. multiplex had potentials for use in bamboo reinforcement and beams. Further analysis demonstrated that the mechanical properties of B. multiplex were primarily determined by fibers, which is consistent with findings from large-diameter bamboos. Overall, this study integrates material properties with anatomical structure of small-diameter bamboo will aid its broader applications in construction. • This study focuses on investigating the feasibility of utilizing small-diameter bamboos as construction materials. • Small-diameter bamboos possessed mechanical properties comparable to moso bamboo • We reveal the relationship between mechanical properties and tissue proportion in small-diameter bamboos. • The micromechanical properties of fibers and parenchyma cells in Bambusa multiplex were predicted using a regression model.