Axial buckling of bamboo columns in bamboo scaffolds

As part of the project activities, the axial buckling behaviour of bamboo columns in bamboo scaffolds was examined through both experimental and numerical investigations. Four full-scale bamboo scaffolds were built and tested to failure in order to examine the axial buckling behaviour of bamboo columns in bamboo scaffolds and to identify typical modes of failure. Details of the full-scale tests together with the test results are reported in this paper. Based on a newly formulated design method for bamboo column buckling, an advanced finite element model using second order analysis was adopted to examine the axial buckling behaviour of bamboo columns in bamboo scaffolds. Comparison between the measured and the predicted axial buckling resistances of these bamboo columns is also presented. The effects of lateral restraint arrangement and load distribution are also examined numerically through a systematic parametric study.