Bamboo connection technology for lightweight structures

Abstract

Bamboo construction is often related to traditional and vernacular architecture, which is found mostly in rural areas, where, for the construction, local people apply diverse techniques learned in an empirical way and passed on from generation to generation. However, in the last years, many modern constructions with bamboo have been developed around the world. At the same time, many connections have been designed for permanent and ephemerals lightweight structures. However, most of them do not have standardization and mechanical testing, because it is expensive or there are no means to do it. Therefore, it is required to create a technology classification for the most used existing connections, starting with the traditional way to join canes until the contemporary connections developed with high technology. In this context, connections are a challenge to be developed, as currently there is no normative in bamboo to follow and create standardization.