Abstract

This study investigated the effects of nodes on some of the physical and mechanical properties of Dendrocalamus asper Backer (D. asper Backer). Two types of D. asper Backer specimens, with and without nodes, were prepared from the bottom and top parts of the bamboo culms for testing of their physical (density, water uptake, shrinkage and swelling) and mechanical (shear strength parallel to the grain, tensile strength parallel to the grain, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity) properties. The results obtained for the two types of specimens were then compared. The results showed that the radial swelling and shrinkage properties, the tensile strength parallel to the grain and the modulus of rupture values of specimens with nodes were significantly lower than those of specimens without nodes at both culm height positions examined. The other properties along the culm’s height were not significantly different for the two specimen types. The results indicate that node effects should be considered as part of the practical design of D. asper Backer bamboo products, especially when bamboo with nodes is used.