Authors:Ogedengbe, K; Onilude, M.A; Omobowale, M.O
Abstract:Strength properties of Bambusa vulgaris with increasing culm height was studied considering its fiber characteristics with particular reference to the presence or absence of nodes. At the internode, an increase in fiber length with increasing culm height (2.78 mm-3.73 mm from base to top) was observed, while fiber diameter behaved conversely, showing a reduction from base to top (0.033 mm-O.013 mm). Relative density and burst strength had a similar trend as they both showed reduction in values from base to top (0.62-0.51 and 8.2KN/mm2 -5.3KN/mm2 respectively). At the node, reduction in fiber length from base to top (1.79 mm-1.39 mm) was observed, while fiber diameter increased from base to top (0.023 mm-0.031mm). Relative density showed a reduction from base to top (0.64-0.52), while burst strength had a similar trend having a range of above llKN/mm2-5.4KN/mm2 from base to top. Statistical analysis of the data from the node revealed a strong direct correlation between fiber length and relative density, while fiber diameter showed a weak and inverse relationship. Burst strength showed a direct but weak relationship with fiber length, while it had an inverse and weak correlation with fiber diameter. At the internode, a weak and inverse relationShip was revealed between density and fiber length, while fiber diameter showed a direct but weak relationship. Burst strength and fiber length showed a strong but inverse correlation, while fiber diameter and burst strength revealed a direct and significant cprrelation.
Keywords:breaking strength; density; diameter; internodes; leng