Experimental and Theoretical Study on Bonding Properties between Steel Bar and Bamboo Scrimber

To further verify the feasibility of newly designed reinforced bamboo scrimber composite (RBSC) beams used in building construction, the bonding properties between steel bar and bamboo scrimber were investigated by anti-pulling tests. Results indicated that the anti-pulling mechanical properties were signifi- cantly correlated to the diameter, thread form and buried depth of steel bar, forming density of bamboo scrimber as well as the heat treatment of bamboo bundle. There were two failure modes for anti-pulling tests: the tensile fracture and pulling out of steel bar. Both the ultimate load and average shear strength of anti-pulling specimen could be increased greatly with the ribbed bar, high forming density of bamboo scrimber and un-heated bamboo bundle. Furthermore, a theoretical calculation model of the bonding interface between steel bar and bamboo scrimber was developed. Based on the theoretical calculation model, the change laws of normal stress of bamboo scrimber, and shear stress of glue layer along the buried depth of steel bar were revealed. This study is beneficial for the safety application of RBSC beams in building construction.