NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF FORESTRY
Effects of Processing Variables on some Strength Properties of Glue-Laminated Bambusa Vulgaris SCHRAD, EX J. C. WENDI
Adebayo, J. O., Elesho, R. O., Aluko, A. K., and Majekodunmi, O. A

The anatomical, physical, and chemical properties of Bambusa vulgaris revealed that it has utilization potential that can make it a good substitute for wood. The use of bamboo will enhance the increasing demand for various wood products. However, hollow shape and thickness of Bambusa vulgaris culms constitute major challenges to its conversion and utilization potential. To overcome these challenges, technology of glulam bamboo boards is being adopted so that it can possess the length (mm), width (mm) and thickness (mm) dimensions of a clear wood test sample. Ten bamboo culms of five years old were randomly selected for harvesting and then converted to glue-laminated test samples boards. Ten (10) samples of each bamboo culms were produced and tested for some strength properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, maximum compressive strength parallel to grain and shear strength) at three axial locations (base, middle and top) following standard procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance at α0.05. The results reveal an increase in the strength properties from the base to the top. The results showed that the MOR ranged from (135.18±0.09 to 142.79±0.88 N/mm2), MOE from 14009.70±0.68 to 14250.40±0.52 N/mm2, maximum compressive strength parallel to grain was from 37.20±0.08 to 47.98±0.13 N/mm2 and the shear strength was from 7.20±0.08 to 9.75±0.53 N/mm2. The Analysis of Variance also showed that locations and adhesives were significantly different from the base to the top. Bamboo displayed the highest mechanical properties at the top and lowest at the base. It possesses strength properties similar to the medium-class woods and so it can compare favorably with the medium class woods as a good material for construction. Urea formaldehyde is preferred to polyvinyl acetate because of its stronger adhesive property.