The Effect of Joint Form and Parameter Values on Mechanical Properties of Bamboo-Bundle Laminated Veneer Lumber (BLVL)

Bamboo-bundle laminated veneer lumber (BLVL) was produced by joint lengthening technology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of joint form and the values of key parameters on mechanical properties of BLVL. Two joint forms, i.e., finger joint and scarf joint, and two corresponding joint parameters, i.e., finger length and scarf angle, were investigated in laminates. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of jointed BLVL were reduced in comparison to those of BLVL without joints. For finger-joint form, the BLVL member with 14 mm fingers achieved better compressive strength, bending modulus of rupture (MOR), and tensile strength than 19 and 25 mm ones. For scarf-joint form, the 30° scarf-jointed member exhibited the highest bending modulus and tensile modulus of rupture (MOR) in this study, then followed the 45° and 60° ones. The 60° scarf-jointed BLVLs were better than 30° and 45° groups in compression strength. Synthesis of the testing results revealed that finger-jointed BLVLs achieved better bending modulus of rupture than scarf-jointed ones.