ESTUDIO DEL COMPORTAMIENTO FÍSICO-MECÁNICO DE ROLLOS DE TOTORA AMARRADOS: INFLUENCIA DE LA TENSIÓN DE AMARRE, DIÁMETRO Y LONGITUD

The cat-tail (Schoenoplectus californicus (C. A. Mey) Sojak), is an aquatic root macrophyte that mainly grows in America from California to Tierra del Fuego and some Pacific islands. This plant has been used since ancient times by various cultures for the production of objects, crafts, boats and cabins. The present investigation refers to the study of the factors that influence the mechanical properties of the tied cat-tail rolls so that they can be used as constructive elements. With the parameters studied, the study concludes that the clamping tension, the diameter and length influence, the resistance to bending and compression, the sliding between the fibers is presumably the main cause of these variations. The use of adhesives substantially improves the resistance to bending reaching values higher than 20 MPa in pieces of around 200 g in weight. The main function of the glue is to limit the longitudinal sliding between the fibers, which allows them to work together achieving greater resistance.