Effect of moisture content on physical and mechanical properties of bamboo

Bamboo is a giant grass and not a tree. Bamboo completes its growth within some months and matures at the age of around three years, there is no secondary growth. Moisture content of bamboo varies along its height location and with seasoning period, which affects all physical and mechanical properties. It is one of the important factors in deciding the life of bamboo. This paper presents results of experimental investigations made to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the bamboo species Dendrocalamus strictus and its utilization potential as building material may be as whole or in the split form. In the present study moisture content, specific gravity, water absorption, dimensional changes, tensile and compressive strength at different height location are worked out. The moisture content varies along the height for green bamboo or at any time after harvesting. The top portions had consistently lower moisture content than the middle or basal at all stages of seasoning. Specific gravity on oven dry mass basis decreases from top to bottom and is independent of moisture content. Water absorption is inversely proportional while dimensional changes, tensile and compressive strength are directly proportionate to moisture content.