BAMBOO CONNECTION

Connecting two bamboos is a localised skill practised throughout ages in different parts of the world. There are various ways of connecting bamboo culms:

Traditional bamboo connection

The locals have crafted multiple bamboo joineries to connect bamboo without using any other material but just bamboo. 

The most used connection is fish-mouth joinery, where a V-cut is given to one of the bamboo culms with the radius of the other bamboo, which is placed on the V-shaped end.

A hole is drilled on top of  V, and the inserted bamboo and a bamboo nail are inserted throughout the hole.

To increase the strength of the joinery, a more small radius bamboo or a solid round wood is inserted in the horizontally placed bamboo.

Lashing for connecting bamboo

Joining two bamboo using ropes, cords, wire, or any strong fibre is an effortless and quick way of connecting, which has been practised over the years. 

Not only for simple connections, but lashing has also been used in fish mouth connections, other joineries with pegs and many more.

Lashing done with jute ropes or cane ropes is mainly seen in various structures and is considered vital.

Connecting bamboo with metal clamps and hubs

With the advancement in the bamboo construction industry, steel clamps, customised metal hubs and many other fittings are used for joining bamboo.

Threaded rods with nuts and washers are used for connecting two poles. Steel bolts help in complex bamboo connections.

Hub connector generally consists of a central ring connector connected to bamboo using a steel plate or rod.

Connections Used in the Bamboo Mobile Tower

Lashing

Lashing has been used as a primary connection method in the bamboo mobile tower.  At every point of connection, 14mm jute ropes have been tied to increase the strength of the joint.

Butt Joint

The two bamboo culms are joined together, inserting another bamboo culm of more miniature diameter at the junction of the two culms and fixed with a wooden peg inserted perpendicularly on both culms.