An experimental investigation on Parallel Bamboo Strand Lumber specimens under quasi static and impact loading

This paper investigates the compression behaviour of 42 Parallel Bamboo Strand Lumber (PBSL) specimens under quasi-static and drop-weight impact loading. 25 mm × 25 mm square specimens with varying heights and fibre orientations were tested to investigate compression and impact resistance of PBSL. Quasi-static results indicated a distinct 5-stage failure pattern for the complete quasi-static loading history with a 45° failure plane in all specimens when the compression load was applied parallel to the fibres. Specimen height did not affect the ultimate load carrying capacities but showed considerable influence on the initial stiffness as well as the post-ultimate loading regime. Experimental results showed that the deformation ratio and the energy absorption ratio for longer specimens were not affected by fibre orientations. Low-velocity drop-weight impacts were conducted under 25.4 J and 101.5 J energy levels. Specimen height did not play any significant factor during impact testing. The initial impact level dominated the maximum deformation and dynamic energy absorption observed in specimens that failed showing a 4-stage deform procedure. Although the deformation patterns between fibre orientations were distinctly different, similar energy absorption capacities were obtained regardless of specimen height. Comparison of experimental evidences obtained from quasi-static and drop-weight impact tests clearly showed that the compression response of PBSL is strain-rate sensitive.