Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Architecture and Fine Arts
Department of Architecture
NDC Compound, Sta. Mesa, Manila
A Documentation on Types of
Bamboo Connections
Submitted By:
Bendaña, King Joshua F.
Catilogo, Mhe Ann
Diones, Jaz
Medina, Gladys Joyce
Pangilinan, Jerico B.
Raymundo, Niña Marienela
2018
Background of the Report
In partial fulfillment of the course, ARCH 4043 Approved Specialization 1: Bamboo Architecture and
Advanced Design, the class was assigned to provide different types of bamboo connections applicable to
various uses. As bamboos are known for their tensile strength and wide availability in the Philippines, by
making students aware of the potential of bamboo by practical application purposes. The connections
are made either by lashing through a rattan string or joined by metal connections, bamboo dowels. The
pieces were then shown in an exhibit in the College of Architecture and Fine Arts hallway last 17th- 24th
October 2018.
Material Components Used:
The bamboo joineries were created using rattan lashing, bamboo dowel, and metal joineries. The size of
the diameter of each bamboo ranges from 1 to 2 inch, with the latter as the maximum size of diameter.
Tools such as saw, power drill, chisel and mallet, bamboos, rattan, and metal nuts and bolts were
prepared to create the joineries.
The rattan lashing was soaked to tap water for at least 5 minutes, as instructed by the bamboo store
owner, to soften the lashing, and to make it easier to bend. The group planned for what types of lashing
should be done using the available resources while waiting for the soaked rattan.
The bamboo was cut into smaller pieces, at least 1 foot each, with different distances from the node
using a saw. It was then smoothen by sand paper especially on the cutted parts to prevent sharp edges.
Fig 1 (left) Rattan soaked into water for 5 minutes, (Center-right) Group planning
Fig 2 (left) Bamboo poles were cut into approximately 1 feet distances, (Center-right) Bamboo culms
TYPES OF CONNECTIONS USED:
1. Cross-Joint with Friction-Tight Rope Connection
This joinery was done using two (2) bamboo culms, with different sizes, one with 1-inch
diameter, and another with almost 1.5 inch or 2 inches diameter. The main or bigger bamboo
was drilled through the node where the smaller bamboo was inserted. To tighten the
attachment of the joinery, the softened rattan string or lashing was used. This type of
connection may be used
Fig 3. Cross Joint with Friction-Tight Rope Connection
2. Simple Cross Joint with Friction-Tight Rope Connection
This joinery used two bamboo culms with almost the same diameter (2-inch approximately), joined
using the rattan string lashing. The bamboo culms are placed perpendicular with each other forming
a cross configuration and should be tightly lashed by the rattan string to prevent disentanglement.
This type of connection can be used to support vertical elements as part of a post-lintel
construction.
Fig 4. Simple Cross Joint with Friction-Tight Rope Connection
3. Joining and Fixation of Bamboo Poles
This joinery was done using two bamboo culms of almost the same size. It is placed in parallel
with each other to allow connection to be joint. Afterwards it is drilled and bamboo dowels
were placed to tack the bamboo culms in place. A rattan string was used to secure the position
of the bamboo culm and dowels.
Fig 5. Joining and Fixation of Bamboo Poles
4. Cross Lap Joint with Friction-Tight Rope Connection
The 4th type of joinery used two bamboo culms of almost the same size, cut with concave shapes
onto the bamboo culm to be attached to. The culm with the smaller diameter is then placed on
the concave shape to secure its position. The connection is strengthened through a rattan cross
patterned lash.
Fig 6. Cross Lap Joint with Friction-Tight Rope Connection
5. Bamboo Joint with Two Ears and Friction-Tight Rope Connection
This joinery was done using two (2) bamboo culms, with different sizes, one with 1 inch
diameter, and another with almost 1.5 inch or 2 inches diameter. The main or bigger bamboo
was cut on top with ears where the smaller bamboo was inserted. To tighten the attachment of
the joinery, the softened rattan string or lashing was used.
Fig 7. Bamboo Joint with Two Ears and Friction-Tight Rope Connection
6. Joinery of Two Horizontal Bamboo Elements Using Dowels
Two horizontal elements were spliced, and joined with internal union, using a smaller bamboo
that fits both bamboo culms. While the connection is befitting it does not guarantee as a secure
joint. Therefore, dowels were used and created using the extra bamboos that can fit the drilled
holes which will lock the joinery. Four dowels were inserted in couples and were in a linear
arrangement. The coupled dowels are crossed aligned to supress the external forces that might
differ.
Fig 8. Joinery of Two Horizontal Bamboo Elements Using Dowels
7. Joining Bamboo with Dowels and Lashing
This joinery is made using 2 bamboo culms, with one bamboo smaller than the other, and is
made by adjoining horizontal and vertical elements. It involves the use of dowels and lashing to
secure the joinery in place.
Fig 9. Joining Bamboo with Dowels and Lashing
8. Joinery with Beveled Mouth
Two bamboo culms with different diameters, one bigger than the other were used to create this
type of joinery. The smaller one was bevelled cut and placed diagonally into the culm and rattan
lashing was used to secure the connection. This type of connection may be used in bamboo
rafters.
Fig 10. Joinery with Beveled Mouth
9. Bamboo Joint with Metal Dowels
Bamboo culms of almost the same size are paired and placed in cross configuration with each
other. While the culms are aligned they are then drilled and bolted with metal dowels to ensure
their position in place.
Fig 11. Bamboo Joint with Metal Dowel
10. Fish Mouth Joint with Metal Pegs
Two bamboo culms of almost the same diameter are used in this joinery. The bamboo with
larger diameter is cut into a C-section and joint with the horizontal element of smaller bamboo
diameter using metal pegs. The horizontal element is drilled and placed with a metal peg
functioning as a hook to the dowel that is perpendicular to its axis.
Fig 12. Fish Mouth Joint with Metal Pegs
Other Documented Photos:
Other photos may include the drilling and smoothening of bamboo using sand paper. The critical part in
drilling bamboo is disrupting the rhizomes or the formation of cellular membrane of the bamboo
thereby affecting its tensile strength.
Fig 13. Other Documented photos
