Investigating the mechanical properties of some bamboo species for efficient utilization in Ghana

Abstract

The use of bamboo is advocated to reduce pressure on dwindling commercial timber species, around the world. To extensively utilize bamboo in various forms such as housing, their properties need to 
be known. But little information exist on these properties especially their mechanical properties. In this study, the mechanical properties viz. static bending strength (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and compressive strength, of laminated bamboo boards produced from three plantation managed bamboo species namely Bambusa vulgaris, Dendrocalamus brandisii and Guadua chacoensis were determined. The bamboo species were obtained from Kade which is located at the moist semi-deciduous ecological zone in Ghana. The bamboo culms were prepared and glued into boards after they were air dried to about 13% moisture content. The lamination was done with three different glue types available on the Ghanaian market. The test specimens were prepared as required by the British Standard BS 373:1957. Tests revealed that Bambusa vulgaris laminated with a 5-minute hardening polyurethane adhesive had a mean MOR of 62.58N/mm and MOE of 9915 N/mm . Dendrocalamus brandisii laminated boards had mean MOR of 99.73N/mm and MOE of 11594 N/mm . Guadua chacoensis with the same adhesive had a mean  MOR of 80.25N/mm and MOE 7861N/mm. The laminated boards from these three species exhibited properties that make it suitable to be used as boards for housing.