Analysis of Mechanical Strength in Wood Panels, Bamboo Bracing and Coconut Fiber as Thermal Insulation

In the pursuit of sustainable construction materials suited to Latin America's environmental and structural challenges, this study evaluates the mechanical performance of timber panels reinforced with Guadua bamboo bracing. The panels, composed of pinewood frames, bamboo slats (latillas), and coconut fiber used exclusively for thermal insulation, were subjected to standardized tests including compression, bending, diagonal tension, monotonic and cyclic lateral loads. All experiments adhered to ASTM protocols and were conducted at the Housing Research Center of Escuela Politécnica Nacional in Quito, Ecuador. Results showed compressive strength near 10,05 tons, diagonal shear resistance around 4,89 tons, and adequate cyclic load performance with energy dissipation. Coconut fiber played no structural role. These findings validate a hybrid natural system capable of functioning as load-bearing wall panels for small-scale buildings, contributing to resilient and sustainable timber construction in tropical and subtropical climates. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed wood frame panel system, filled with coconut fiber, meets the mechanical requirements to be considered a viable structural solution for low-rise buildings with load-bearing walls.