Structural Use of Full Culm Bamboo: The Path to Standardization

Standardization of material test methods for bamboo is critical if the material is to gain greater engineering acceptance. Methods that capture fundamental material properties permit comparison of the be- havior and performance of dierent bamboo species, geometry, weathering and treatment methods. Appropriate standardized test methods able to reliably provide fundamental material properties permit the calibration of material resistance factors and the extension of design guidance to dierent species. Standardized test methods used in well-defined experimental studies also permit the isolation of factors that aect material performance and behavior. This process represents the path to rational and universal design methods for bamboo. This paper provides an overview of existing standard test methods, their use and practical utility in a field environ- ment. Focus is placed on the authors' eorts