Stress-strain curves in the direction parallel to the grain evaluated in two bamboo species: Guadua Angustifolia Kunth and Bambusa Oldhamii

Abstract

In this paper, experimental stress-strain curves of
tensional and compressional tests carried out in
Mexico for two bamboo species (Guadua
Angustifolia Kunth and Bambusa Oldhamii) as
wells as a comparison with those obtained in
Ecuador and Colombia, are presented. For the
Guadua Angustifolia Kunth, similar curve shapes
for Mexican, Colombian and Ecuadorean bamboos
were observed. This, in despite of variations in the
tests conditions, physic and geometric specimen
properties, and original specimen position in the
bamboo culm. Next, through a least square analysis,
characteristic equations for these stress-strain curves
were obtained. Bambusa Oldhamii species always
shown the highest tensional and compressional
strengths. Stress-strain curves for theses bamboo
species were compared with that of unreinforced
concrete. By considering the high strength and
ductility capacity, the bamboo has a better behavior
under axial stress than the unreinforced concrete
and could be used for building construction.