The splitting of bamboo in response to changes in humidity and temperature

Bamboo culms are extensively used for structural and decorative purposes. Under certain atmospheric conditions culms can split longitudinally with detrimental effects on their appearance and structural integrity. Here we describe the first ever systematic study of this phenomenon. We tested culms of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys Pubescens), which had been commercially dried to a moisture content of 12.5%. Using a purpose-built environmental …