Parallel strand bamboo is a composite material that demonstrates high strength and low variability compared to other timber materials. However, its use in bolted connections is limited by a tendency to fail in shear-out mode. One promising technique to prevent failure is the method of confinement, whereby the composite connection is confined laterally, inducing a compressive force perpendicular to the composite fibres, which increases the shear strength in the loading process. This paper investigates the confinement method and its effect on parallel strand bamboo connections’ strength and failure mechanisms through experimental tests and ANSYS simulation methods. It was discovered that bolted connection confinement reduces the propensity of shear-out failure by counteracting shear stresses. A comparison of graphical results revealed that confinement increased the ultimate tensile capacity of parallel strand bamboo bolted connections by up to 26%. Confinement also improved the consistency of the connection’s mechanical properties throughout the loading process. These findings assist in refining and optimising practical applications of parallel strand bamboo connections by using the method of connection confinement.

The present study investigates the phenomena of creep in a bamboo composite. The material was tested under tensile and compressive loading and simulated in finite element analysis software to estimate the creep coefficients. The presented findings have displayed the material’s propensity to fail at loads lower than the recorded ultimate strength, as early as 65% of this strength within 100 h, showing the importance of considering creep when designing structural components. Larger resistance to creep was observed under tensile stresses. Coefficients of the time-hardening creep model were estimated, which were found to be different under compression and tension. The findings provide insight into the reliable strength value of the Bamboo Composite. They could be also essential in estimating the long-term deflations in Bamboo Composite structures.