Cork-slip Prevention
The transfer of major forces in bamboo connections is challenged by the risks of splitting, especially at the ends. The tubular form of the culm is offering limited faces for attaching metal force transmission fixtures.
Culm cluster embedded in concrete foundation
In Colombia devoted developers tried filling cement-mortar in bamboo inter-nodes and inserting rebars or flat steel strips partly sticking out. This way a robust force transfer outlet was created. Bolting and welding can now easily offer swift and secure connections of bamboo, even to other construction elements. Bamboo columns can be embedded in concrete foundations leaving a minor gap to avoid absorption of rainwater.
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At the culm ends there could be a problem if the concrete shrinks too much and the whole construct pops out like a wine bottle cork. Depending on the geometry several such plates should prevent the cork pop out effect.
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An expansion tool was created by a Swedish engineer which permits thin dented steel plates to enter the inside of the bamboo culm end.