Study on Structural Bamboo-Based Panels Made from Highland Bamboo

Highland bamboo(Arundinaria alpine) is one of the most important bamboo species in Africa.To investigate its feasibility in structural applications,the authors tested its physical-mechanical properties when made into laminated bamboo boards and bamboo plywood.The properties of both original and composite bamboo products were tested and compared with Moso bamboo(Phyllostachys pubescens).The results showed that Highland bamboo exhibited higher stiffness and shrinkage results than Moso bamboo.Highland bamboo laminated boards had properties similar to high-grade structural laminated veneer lumber when evaluated against the JAS standard(MAFF,Notification No.237,2003).Bamboo plywood also exhibited excellent properties exceeding the specifications at the OSB/4 Level in the European standard(EN 300-2006).