Bamboo-Timber Composite Systems: A Systematic Meta-Analysis of Performance, Modelling, and Re liability-Based Design
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A thorough review of research published in the past 10 years on bamboo-timber composite (BTC) structures was con ducted through a comprehensive meta-analysis of the following topics: experimentation and testing; analytical modelling meth odology; and reliability-based design methods. As part of this analysis, the author reviewed and compiled all 32 published re sults. Based on experimental review, it has been determined that BTC structural systems have flexural strengths averaging 115 145 MPa, composite action efficiencies averaging 72-78%, and a performance level similar to timber-concrete composites, along with significantly improved sustainability profiles. Hybrid Me chanical˗Adhesive Connector (HMAC) connection performance contributes considerably to global performance characteristics, highlighting the high shear strength, stiffness, and ductility of HMAC connections. Hybrid mechanical-adhesive connectors exhibit superior properties relative to traditional mechanical connections, with maximum shear strength exhibiting values equivalent to 110-140kN, stiffness in the range of 16-22 kN/m, and ductility being characterised by the highest values of elonga tion under tension greater than or equal to 5.5 mm. When evalu ating analytical methods for predicting connection performance for HMAC connections, there are significant differences in the accuracy of analytical models developed using coupled nonlinear finite element models with interface slip analysis (94.2%) versus surrogate-assisted probabilistic model approaches. The reliabil ity-based design optimisation performed as part of this research identified target reliability indices for the HMAC connection design in the range of 2.1 to 3.3 by demonstrating that 18-24% material savings can be achieved relative to a traditional deter ministic design approach. A long-term performance assessment (5-year study) of the HMAC connection identified significant degradation in flexural strength and stiffness due to time dependent environmental effects. The results of this analysis demonstrate that design models incorporating these ecological factors, including creep and connection relaxation, are necessary to provide accurate estimates of performance characteristics and necessary basic performance metrics to establish and develop standard test methods and reliable design guidelines for the im plementation of bamboo˗timber composite systems in sustainable structural engineering.
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