Mechanical Behavior Under Tension of Schoenoplectus californicus Fiber

In the Andeans, it is common to find homemade containers, chairs, structures made with Schoenoplectus californicus sub. californicus, commonly known as totora. Popularly is known that the homemade products possess resistance and durability due to the incorporation of this fiber, although nowadays the mechanic properties of this material are unknown. This research begins with the study of the variety of the totora which is present in the Province of Imbabura, Ecuador. Considering the geometrical variation of the stem, it is divided in three parts. Based on standard ASTM D4761-02a totora is characterized under tension. Finally, the mechanic characteristics under tension of Schoenoplectus californicus are presented from the stress-strain curve and its comparative analysis among the groups of transversal sections. It is determined that its behavior corresponds to a fragile material with an average of maximum stress up to 88.501 6.92 MPa, and an average of a maximum strain of 0.05132 0.00610 mm/mm.