Evaluation of Shear Connection Methods for Bamboo–Concrete Composite Structures

The construction sector faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, particularly in regions with limited access to conventional materials and urgent housing needs. Bamboo, a fast-growing and renewable resource with favorable mechanical properties, offers a sustainable alternative for structural applications. This study aims to enhance the efficiency of bamboo–concrete composites by investigating shear connection methods for composite floor systems. Different connection configurations were examined: (i) notch-type, (ii) dowel-type, and (iii) combined systems. Symmetric push-out tests were conducted to evaluate the load transfer mechanisms between bamboo logs and concrete layers. The mechanical behavior of each configuration was characterized through load–slip responses, failure modes, stiffness, strength, and deformation capacity. The results show that notch-type connections with longer grooves provided the highest stiffness and strength. In contrast, dowel-type connections exhibited superior ductility but lower stiffness and strength. The combined configuration delivered a balanced performance, integrating favorable aspects of both systems. A predictive model for each connection type was developed and validated against the experimental data, demonstrating satisfactory accuracy and reliable prediction of failure modes. These findings highlight the potential of optimized shear connections to advance sustainable bamboo–concrete composite construction, while also revealing the significant influence of bamboo’s natural variability, such as differences in diameter, node geometry, straightness, and material properties, on structural performance.