Guadua angustifolia Kunth (Guadua) was subjected to thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) treatments that modified its microstructure and mechanical properties. THM treatment was applied to Guadua with the aim of tackling the difficulties in the fabrication of standardised construction materials and to gain a uniform fibre density profile that facilitates prediction of mechanical properties for structural design. Dry and water saturated Guadua samples were subjected to THM treatment. A densified homogenous flat sheet material was obtained. Mechanical properties of small clear specimens of THM modified Guadua were evaluated by testing in tension and compared to the results of the same test on a control specimen. Samples were tested in the elastic range to determine values for Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Poisson’s ratio. There was a significant increase in the tensile MOE values (parallel to the direction of the fibres) for densified samples. MOE values measured were 16.21 GPa, 22.80 GPa and 31.04 GPa for control, densified dry and densified water saturated samples respectively. Oven dry densities for these samples were 0.54 g/cm3, 0.81 g/cm3 and 0.83 g/cm3. Despite a 50 % reduction in the radial Poisson’s ratio for the water saturated sample, no further variation in the Poisson’s ratio as a result of densification was observed for control and densified dry samples. This paper presents the results of the first phase of a study focussed on the manufacturing of flat Guadua sheet (FGS) by THM treatment and the characterization of its mechanical properties. The achievement of a dimensionally stable FGS by THM modification, with a uniform density and achieved with reduced labour effort during manufacture, will be of key importance for the development of structural applications, and could have a significant impact in the bamboo industry. The final aim of the research at the University of Bath is the development of Cross Laminated Guadua (CLG) panels using THM modified and laminated FGS glued with a high performance resin.
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