Non-conventional Materials and Technologies, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 7, pp. 391-402, 2018. Access >>
L.E. Moreira; M. Seixas; J. Bina; J.L.M. Ripper
Abstract: Ultralight bamboo structures with flexible joints comprise a novel construction system that can meet the global demand for sustainable buildings, such as multi-use pavilions and temporary structures for disaster relief and humanitarian purposes. In this work, modular self-supporting space frames were designed, fabricated, and experimentally analyzed using bamboo culms, textile ropes, and biocomposite rings. Numerical models and a 1:3 scale prototype were used to investigate the structural response under sustained loadings. The mean values of 5.4 GPa for Young's modulus (E), a specific gravity (G) of 8 kN/m³ , and a Poisson's coefficient (ν) of 0.3 were adopted for the bamboo members. The prototype, constructed with two modular space frames, was tested under both symmetric and asymmetric loading conditions during 43-day static tests. A pronounced nonlinear behavior was observed for the symmetric loading of 4.8 kN and the asymmetric loading of 3.5 kN, whereas failure occurred at a total load of 6.5 kN for the asymmetric configuration, 7.5 times the prototype's self-weight. The observed failure of bamboo members was governed by crushing under bending, followed by local buckling of the upper rafters below the load application points. The experimental results were compared with numerical models to determine an effective modeling strategy for reproducing the actual structural behavior. A comparison revealed that the eccentricity of members at the joints must be considered for a reliable prediction and that creep can be accounted for through appropriate reductions in the modulus of elasticity. The observed differences are attributed to the sliding of members at joints under higher loads and due to local second-order effects. This paper presents research results in the structural design and analysis of a selfsupporting
bamboo space structure. The developed structure presents a flexible connection system
and a tensile structural behaviour. The modular frame of the architecture applied hinged lashed
connections (HLC) in textile polyester ropes. The modular frame spans 15m width, 4m length and
7,5m high, using Phyllostachys pubescens bamboo culms. Nonlinear analysis of the structure under
static loadings carried out using the Finite Element Method (FEM) through the SAP 2000 software.
The analysis showed that loads induced by strong winds, overloads and self-weight are relatively low
for the structural members and the developed connections. The results demonstrate that the selfsupporting bamboo space structure meets the requirements of engineering design for safety. This
analysis opens a series of another computational analysis calibrated with mechanical tests to
determine natural frequencies and damping constant for the structure, demonstrating the potential to
be used in earthquake regions.
