Mechanical properties of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) grown in Muguga, Kenya

Abstract

This research project investigated the tensile, bending anti compressive strength of a species or bamboo called Bambusa vulgaris, in an effort to contribute towards the development of a code of design using bamboo. The density of the or B. Vulgaris was found to be 590 kg/nr' (oven dry). The tensile strength was found to be 94.3 MPa with nodes and 117.9 MPa without nodes. The compressive strength was 49.9 MPa with nodes and 56.7 MPa without nodes, bending strength was 107.0 MPa with nodes and 137.7 MPa without nodes and the modulus of elasticity in tension was 3002.2 MPa with nodes and 3594.0 MPa without nodes. The Modulus of Elasticity in compression was 10,405.3 MPa without nodes and 7,268.1 MPa with nodes. The nodes were found to have a significant effect in lowering UIC tensile and bending strength of bamboo. The compressive strength was not affected by the presence or absence of nodes.