Bamboo I-beam with laminated web and flanges

摘要

A high strength bamboo I-beam is provided comprising a bamboo web formed from bamboo boards formed by splaying, pressing and planing bamboo culm and having flanges laminated to the top and bottom of the web. The I-beam flanges each comprise a laminated bamboo flange element on either side of the web portion wherein the top and bottom edges of the web portion are flush with the top and bottom flanges of the I-beam. The flange elements are formed from laminated strips of splayed, pressed and planed bamboo culm. The I-beam is bonded with non-formaldehyde adhesives. Orientation of the high fiber cortex regions of the bamboo boards imparts structural characteristics to the beam. The bamboo I-beam provides a lightweight, low cost, high strength, and fire resistant load bearing construction component.