Bamboo Scrimber as a Sustainable Material for Chairs: A Property Study Based on the Finite Element Method

Bamboo scrimber is a sustainable biomass composite with physical and mechanical properties that has potential applications in furniture. However, its performance across different furniture needs evaluation considering the specific requirements for furniture with different functions. In this study, we simulated a traditional armchair model with bamboo scrimber, ash, or beech as the substrate. Using the finite element method, we analyzed stresses and deformations under six working conditions. The results show that bamboo scrimber had a lower maximum deformation and higher maximum stress under the vertical loading of the seat, backrest, legs, and armrests. Under armrest lateral loading, ash exhibited a higher maximum stress and lower maximum deformation. For selecting furniture material, we propose a strategy that optimizes furniture design by combining the advantages of traditional and new materials according to the structural characteristics and stresses of different parts of the furniture. The results confirm that bamboo scrimber has a good deformation resistance and structural stability and can be used as a substitute for traditional wood in furniture manufacturing, especially for chairs subjected to complex loads. Our findings will help to improve sustainable development by promoting the application of bamboo scrimber in the furniture manufacturing industry.