Abstract
Bamboo is increasingly being considered as a viable alternative to established construction materials due relatively low environmental impact and adequate mechanical properties. This material has been adopted in construction, both in its natural state and in engineered form for structural elements. However, its mechanical performance is not fully evaluated. This paper examines the experimental response of Engineered Bamboo (EB) rectangular hollow section columns that incorporate flat panels connected by through tenon dry mechanical connections. Columns with various slenderness ratios were designed and digitally fabricated from EB planks. After assembly, these specimens were subjected to axial compression testing alongside complementary material tests. In addition to conventional measurements, a two-dimensional Digital Image Correlation system was employed to evaluate the strain behaviour throughout the testing regime of these samples. Test observations indicate that the failure of the columns was related to the shear dislocation of the faces, predominantly through the shear of the tenons. However, splitting of the mortise sections was also noted. This brittle response was characterized by lateral dilation of the column and buckling of the EB plates, leading to complete collapse. These results provide a detailed insight into the structural performance of digitally manufactured hollow EB columns, which can be employed in temporary lightweight structures that are designed to be disassembled and reused.