Carbon-Negative and Lightweight Engineered Bamboo Sandwich Panels for Sustainable Construction

Abstract

This study developed a lightweight laminated bamboo sandwich panel (BSP) with a grid core, using bamboo veneers for both the surface and core layers. The effects of key structural parameters—including core processing methods, grid count, and layer thickness—on ultimate load capacity, deflection, strain, specific stiffness, and specific strength were systematically evaluated via four-point bending tests. Experimental results demonstrated that the core processing method significantly influences mechanical performance. Partition-type sandwich panels exhibited a 108.9% higher specific strength than interlocked-type panels. Increasing the number of long grids enhanced the ultimate load capacity by 68.4% and specific strength by 41.7%, whereas the number of short grids had a minimal impact. Reducing the lower layer thickness from 8 mm to 4 mm decreased specific strength by 24.2%, and decreasing the core thickness from 48 mm to 32 mm resulted in a 31.2% reduction. Nonlinear load-deflection and load-strain behaviors were observed, and a finite element simulation model successfully predicted the structural performance. Compared to traditional construction materials, the developed BSP offers superior structural efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and lower cost, demonstrating high potential for applications such as flooring, wall panels, and bridge