Mechanical Performance Evaluation of Moso Bamboo Mortise-and-Tenon (M&T) Connection Joints

This study evaluates the mechanical performance of different types of Moso bamboo mortise-and-tenon (M&T) joints, focusing on the breaking bending moment and failure modes. Through mechanical testing of four common M&T joint types (T-shaped, cross-shaped, diagonal inserted, and bamboo nail reinforced), evaluate each joint's performance under static loading conditions. The experimental results reveal that T-shaped joints demonstrated the greatest breaking bending moment of 226.73 N·m, while diagonal inserted joints showed the lowest at 163.17 N·m. Failure modes observed included fracture in T-shaped and cross-shaped joints, and slippage and shear failure in the diagonal inserted and bamboo nail-reinforced joints. Statistical analysis of the experimental data, using SPSS for variance analysis, reveals significant differences in the mechanical performance of the joints, indicating that connection joint design and bamboo material properties play a critical role. This study provides valuable mechanical performance data for the application of bamboo in furniture design.