Advances and Future Directions in Laminated Bamboo Lumber-Steel Splice Connections

Abstract

With the growing emphasis on green building and sustainable development, laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) has gained increasing attention as a green construction material known for its excellent mechanical properties and short renewal cycle. Connections are crucial for the safe transfer of forces within bamboo structures, and among them, LBL-steel plate connections have become a key focus of research and application due to their ease of construction, reliable force transfer, and good deformation performance. This paper reviews the research progress on LBL-steel plate connections, systematically analyzing the mechanical properties, failure modes, and key influencing factors (such as bolt diameter-to-thickness ratio, end distance, and anchorage depth) of different connection forms, including bolted, screwed, and hybrid connections. Research indicates that the failure modes (e.g., bamboo bearing, bolt bending, screw pull-out, or shear failure) and mechanical properties (e.g., load-bearing capacity, stiffness, ductility) of the connections are highly dependent on their geometrical parameters and connection methods. Existing timber design codes show poor adaptability for bamboo connections, highlighting the urgent need to develop design methods and theoretical models (such as the tri-linear stiffness model and elastic foundation beam theory) tailored to the characteristics of bamboo. Numerical simulation technology, particularly finite element analysis based on cohesive zone models, has become an effective supplementary means for studying the force-transfer mechanisms within connections. Finally, this paper outlines future research directions, including the long-term performance and durability of connections, dynamic response and seismic design, standardization and code development, and the exploration of new connection technologies, aiming to provide references for the refinement of bamboo structure theory and the promotion of its engineering practice.