Bamboo Strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer for the Substitutes of Steel Substructures

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation on the mechanical properties of bamboos Mao Zhu (Phyllostachys Pubescens) strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and used as the substitute of steel substructures for a low carbon construction. At first, a series experimental study is carried out to investigate the compressive strength, bending strength and tensile strength of Mao Zhu, which is strengthened with CFRP by different ways. Then the mechanical properties of bamboos with different strengthening methods of CFRP are compared. The most efficient strengthening method is suggested for the carbon fiber strengthened bamboos, with such method the compressive strength and bending strength of Mao Zhu could be increased more than 30% and 44% compared with that of Mao Zhu without strengthening. Finally this paper discusses the advantages of the carbon fiber strengthened bamboos used as the substitutes of the steel substructures, for example the purlins and bracings of steel portal frame structures. The effective use of the bamboos as the substitutes of steel substructures will reduce the steel amount used in the steel portal frame structure, which is commonly used as low-rise factory building structure worldwide.