Strength Properties of the East African Bamboo,

Abstract

Bamboo and cane remain very valuable natural resources to mankind and are still used today for a multitude of engineering projects. Today the world seeks new and innovative methods for saving resources, and the abundant bamboo and cane have great merit for many possible uses. They include but are not limited to: scaffolding, wood flooring, fencing, bicycles, building construction, furniture fabrication etc. Renewable, natural resources, such as bamboo and cane, will rapidly become sources for inexpensive building materials in an increasingly eco-conscious world. The potential for bamboo and cane is extensive and requires proper testing to substantiate their utilization in other applications. The lack of standards and understanding of the mechanical properties of bamboo and cane has led to the following investigation.