Mechanical properties of bamboo coated with surface treatment under static loading

Literature proved that bamboo can be used as an alternative reinforcement because it has high tensile strength, which is almost similar to steel reinforcement. Besides, bamboo is lightweight and cheap that suitable for low-cost construction industry. Therefore, in this study, the mechanical properties of bamboo coated with different surface treatment is investigated under static loading. Bamboo type ‘Gigantochloa Scortechinii’ or also known as ‘Buluh Semantan’ in Malaysia is chosen as it is largely found in Peninsular Malaysia and has high tensile strength as reported by previous researchers. The bamboo samples were prepared into two different shapes, i.e. cylinder and dog-bone. Prior to laboratory testing, the bamboo samples were coated with solid epoxy and water-based epoxy. These epoxy coatings were chosen because it may provide the best surface treatment as reported by numerous researchers. A total of 18 samples were prepared and tested under static loading. The laboratory tests were performed using the Compression Testing Machine and Universal Testing Machine for compression and tensile tests respectively. Results denoted that the highest compressive strength of bamboo was observed when the bamboo is coated with solid epoxy. The compressive strength of bamboo coated solid epoxy is 6.2% and 23.77% higher than the bamboo coated with water-based epoxy and untreated surface bamboo respectively. Similarly, the ultimate tensile strength of bamboo improved up to 45% coated with solid epoxy compared to other samples of bamboo. The study concluded that the bamboo coated with solid epoxy is the best surface treatment for bamboo reinforcement compared to water-based epoxy and untreated bamboo. The outcome of this study provides essential information on the utilization or application of bamboo as an alternative reinforcement of construction material especially in low-cost construction industry.