ANATOMICAL FEATURES AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THREE MALAYSIAN BAMBOOS

Abstract

The mechanical properties and anatomical features of one to three-year-old Bambusa blumeana Schult., Bambusa vulgaris var.striata Schrad. and Gigantochloa scartechinii Gamble are reported here. The mechanical properties such as shear, compression parallel to grain and static bending were correlated to anatomical features, such as vascular bundle size and distribution, and fibre dimensions. Results showed an increase of shear, and compressive and bending strength with the increment of age and portion of the culms. Lumen diameter has the strongest correlations with the mechanical properties except in compression which has a strong correlation with fibre wall thickness. The results further indicate that age not only influences the mechanical properties but also the suitability and durability of bamboo for construction and manufacturing purposes.