Mechanical characterization of five species of Italian bamboo

High mechanical performance coupled with sustainability gives to bamboo a high potential to substitute conventional construction materials in various applications. In particular, there are countries in which this material has been used in construction for millennia and represents an asset, on the contrary, there are countries where there is still not enough knowledge of the structural properties of locally-grown bamboo. In these cases, it is important to extend the knowledge of the mechanical properties of local bamboo species supported by the development of suitable standardised testing procedures. In this view, the paper presents the results of an experimental study for the mechanical characterization of five bamboo species cultivated in Italy (Phyllostachys bambusoides, edulis, iridescens, violascens and vivax). For compressive tests, the used methodology is compliant with ISO Standards; for tensile test, the procedure suggested by ISO is very difficult to apply so different set ups have been proposed and in the second part of the paper a critical discussion about ISO methodology and its possible improvements are reported. The findings from this research shed light on current challenges and on the possible future steps for a wider uptake of natural materials in constructions.