DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF WOOD CONNECTIONS FOR STRUCTURAL USE IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION WITH BAMBOO

Bamboo construction faces significant challenges in developing robust structural connections. Current methods, often combining bamboo with steel and concrete, frequently cause mechanical incompatibilities, leading to failures from differential expansive behavior and corrosion. In attendance to resolve these issues, the Adding Ecological Value to Structural Connections (AVECE) system is proposed. This innovation uses solid wood elements to replace traditional bamboo assemblies like those known as "fish mouth" and "flute spout" joints. It also introduces two novel components: contact discs and filler plugs, designed to enhance connection performance. The AVECE system adheres to principles of sustainability, efficiency, durability, and aesthetics. By reducing the use of industrial materials, it minimizes environmental impact, optimizes resource use, and shortens assembly time. The physical compatibility between bamboo and wood ensures structural integrity and longevity. This approach allows bamboo constructors and designers to create unique architectural designs, highlighting the natural beauty of both materials. Preliminary strength and load tests confirm the system's feasibility and versatility. It's been successfully applied in urban equipment, lab furniture, Amazonian greenhouses, and mobile cabin prototypes at three Ecuadorian universities. These findings underscore its potential for larger-scale projects.