Experimental study and theoretical analysis of the shear behavior of single-box double-chamber steel-bamboo composite beams

This study reported the findings of experimental and nonlinear analytical investigations of the shear performance of novel single-box double-chamber steel-bamboo composite (SBC) beams. Eight SBC beams with various parameters were prepared, and then the shear tests were performed to evaluate the shear behavior of the beams. The experimental performances, failure modes, and mechanical behavior were observed and analyzed based on the experimental phenomena and data. The influences of different parameters on deformation behavior, failure modes, and shear capacity were revealed, and analytical models were developed for estimating shear stress and shear capacity in the ultimate limit state (ULS). The results demonstrated that (1) the shear behavior of the beams was excellent, and lateral instability and local buckling behaviors were effectively avoided, the steel and bamboo can maintain excellent synergy and function together before the beams failed; (2) two failure modes were identified, primarily determined by the shear span-to-depth ratio; (3) shear resistance was improved by reducing the shear span-to-depth ratio and steel height/thickness ratio, and increasing the flange bamboo width/thickness ratio and height of the web; (4) the analytical models provided accurate predictions for the beams, and the largest discrepancy was controlled within 10%.