2023 Volume 69 Issue 2 Pages 66-78
To establish a method for using reeds (Phragmites australis) is an important issue for realizing appropriate management and conservation of reedbeds. In this study, we conducted fundamental research on the culm geometry and mechanical properties of reeds for the purpose of developing future applications of reeds. A strong positive correlation was found among the specific gravity, bending strength, and bending Young's modulus of reed culms. All these values are relatively small near the root and tip and peak at mid-chest level. Also, the intervals of nodes are relatively wide, and there are relatively few nodes around the mid-chest level compared to other areas. That is, hardening is done by curing the material. On the other hand, near the root, not only does the cross-sectional area of the culm increase, but also the internode distance decreases, and geometrical reinforcement takes place. As described above, it was confirmed that efficient stiffening and material placement were performed over the entire height of the reed culm while suppressing the increase in mass.
