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Types of Joints

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7. Types of Joints (/7.+Types+of+Joints)

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Different Types of Bamboo Connections

Phase I:
· Type 1: Double Butt Bent Joint
· Type 2: Friction-tight Rope Connection
· Type 3: Plug-in/Bolt Connection
· Type 4: Positive Fitting Connection
· Type 5: Interlocking Connection
Phase II:
· Comparison Table of Different Connections

Type 1: Double Butt Bent Joint

This type of bamboo joint creates a structure with two bamboo poles (see figure#1 below).

To make this joint, at first we need two bamboo poles, a vertical one with the diameter of “d”, and a horizental one of “D”.Then calculate the dimension
of the notch which we need to cut on the horizental bamboo pole(see figure#2 below). The equasions of the dimension are:
· Length of the notch: L= (3π/4)d
· Depth of the notch: h ≤ (d/2)(1+sin45°)
· Radius of the notch: R=d/2
· Angle: β=135°
After cutting the notch, we should put the horizental bamboo pole and the vertical one together just as figure #1 shows, then use wires or ropes to bind
the joint.

Pros and cons:

· Pros:
1) It will reduce the cost of bamboo.
2) It can provide a prettier and smoother joint surface.
3) It does not need complicated lashing techniques.
· Cons:
1) It requires precise manufacturing skills and equipments.
2) Cutting a notch in a bamboo drastically reduces its ultimate strength.
3) It requires quite long bamboo poles when building structure in large dimension.
4) It is hard for sealing.

Reference:
http://www.fao.org/docrep/s1250e/S1250E05.HTM
http://www.fao.org/docrep/s1250e/S1250E1T.GIF
http://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/Periodical_lcgy200101008.aspx (Chinese)

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Type 2: Friction-tight Rope Connection

Friction-tight rope connections are the most common connecting methods in making bamboo joints (see figure #3&4 below). Traditionally natural
materials like bast, strips of bamboo, rattan/hemp, and cocos/sago palm fiber are used as the rope in connecting bamboo poles. Nowadays, iron wire and
plastic tapes/ropes are also used for friction-tight rope connection.

Some connecting techniques:

Pros and Cons:

· Pros:
1) It is easy to build and simple for bamboo manufacturing.
2) It can be very strong with sufficient lashing techniques.
3) It can almost serve all the circumstances we need in building with bamboo.
4) It can drastically reduce the possibility of bamboo cracking because no notches or holes are in need in making such connections.
5) It is easier for sealing because we can apply epoxy or other materials as a coating.
· Cons:
1) It will cost more bamboo materials.
2) The choice of rope material is another critical consideration.
3) The rope may be damaged by moisture, rot, insect, etc.
4) It requires some skills in doing lashing work.

Reference:
Janssen, Jules. ”Designing and Building with Bamboo.” Technical University of Eindhoven, 2000.
<http://www.fundeguadua.org/imagenes/DESARROLLOS%20TECNOLOGICOS/ARTICULOS%20Y%20PUBLICACIONES/INBAR_Technical_Report_No20.pd
Construction with bamboo – Bamboo Connections
<http://www.sheltercentre.org/library/construction+with+bamboo+bamboo+connections >

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Type 3: Plug-in/Bolt Connections

Taking advantage of a secondary interlocking element, this type of connection is widely used in context with rope connections (see figure #7 below).

In this case, the bolts have to transfer tractive and compressive forces. And this can be seen in garden fences and furniture. Figure #8 shows a detailed
instruction on how to make the plug-in connector.

To make the plug-in bamboo connector, at first, we should drill on both sides of the vertical and horizontal bamboo poles; note that the vertical one
which will be interlocked with a timber pin needs larger holes than the horizontal one. Second we use a timber pin (also can be made of bamboo) to
connect the two bamboo poles, which is then followed by interlocking a bamboo wedge to strengthen the connection. At last we should cut the waste
part of the wedge and make the connector surface smooth. And if it is necessary, we can also apply adhesive or rope to further strengthen the joints.

Pros and Cons:

· Pros:
1) It can provide a prettier appearance of the connection.
2) It does not need complicated lashing techniques.
3) The connection can stand huge forces if use a bolt/metal mail appropriately.
· Cons:
1) Drilling or making a hole on bamboo poles can cause cracking and splitting.
2) Other materials like timber pin/bolt are needed, which will increase the cost.
3) The connection may be weak in tension in the vertical direction owing to shear problem.
4) It increases the difficulty in manufacturing, i.e., drilling, making wedge, etc.

Reference:
Janssen, Jules. ”Designing and Building with Bamboo.” Technical University of Eindhoven, 2000.
<http://www.fundeguadua.org/imagenes/DESARROLLOS%20TECNOLOGICOS/ARTICULOS%20Y%20PUBLICACIONES/INBAR_Technical_Report_No20.pd
Construction with bamboo – Bamboo Connections
<http://www.sheltercentre.org/library/construction+with+bamboo+bamboo+connections >

Type 4: Positive fitting connections

Positive fitting bamboo connections are widely used in traditional bamboo buildings and other products like bamboo ladders and furniture. Figure #9
represents the manufacturer cutting the extra wedge, which is one of the whole processes in making the positive fitting connection. Figure #10 indicates
another case of positive fitting connections, which use rope to keep the connector in place instead of using wedges.

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Pros and Cons:

· Pros:
1) It will create a prettier appearance for bamboo products.
2) It can be easily combined with other construction techniques, such as plug-in technique, lashing technique.
3) It is easy for sealing because small gaps can be found on the surfaces.
4) It can reduce the cost of bamboo poles (in making combined connections like figure #10).
· Cons:
1) It requires two bamboo poles in different diameters.
2) Making a hole on bamboo poles will drastically reduce its strength, and can cause cracking and splitting.
3) It calls for skillful manufacturers and also profession equipments.

Reference:
Construction with bamboo – Bamboo Connections
<http://www.sheltercentre.org/library/construction+with+bamboo+bamboo+connections >
From Google image
< http://theklians.blogspot.com/ >
< http://www.rustywalrus.com/view/272/ >

Type 5: Interlocking Connections

Interlocking connections are achieved by gluing or shedding connection elements in or around the bamboo poles. We can apply either woodcore
connection or metal anchor technique to build interlocking connection. Figure #11 illustrates a metal connection of six bamboo poles in different
directions.

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A woodcore connection is the most popular one that can be seen in interlocking connections. We can apply different inner wood fitting parts according
to various requirements, and employ glue to stick it to the inner surface of the bamboo (see figure #12). Two slots are needed in the bamboo cane to
control cracking during the insertion of the wood cylinder. Figure #13 shows a combination connection of wood cane, a bolt and a metal ring.

Pros and Cons:

· Pros:
1) This type of connection can serve various circumstances.
2) The connection may be stronger if use metal elements.
3) When applying woodcore connection, we do not need to worry about using nails or other relevant techniques.
4) It can be adjustable when using metal anchor techniques.
· Cons:
1) The connection will cost more due to the usage of other materials.
2) It requires precise manufacturing skills and equipments.
3) It is hard to seal.

Reference :
Janssen, Jules. ”Designing and Building with Bamboo.” Technical University of Eindhoven, 2000.
<http://www.fundeguadua.org/imagenes/DESARROLLOS%20TECNOLOGICOS/ARTICULOS%20Y%20PUBLICACIONES/INBAR_Technical_Report_No20.pd
Construction with bamboo – Bamboo Connections
<http://www.sheltercentre.org/library/construction+with+bamboo+bamboo+connections >
From Google image
< http://www.flickr.com/photos/32110929@N03/3004937484/ >

Comparison table of different connections

Competitive Table based on Perceived Satisfaction of Specific Needs

No. Needs Imp.(1~5)Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5

1 is strong enough to support the weight 5 * * *

2 can last long 3 *

3 is sustainable 3 *

4 is simple to manufacture 4 * * *

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5 can be easily sealed 5 * *
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*

6 is affordable 4 *

7 is easily applied to building different bed components 3 * * ***

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