Glued-laminated bamboo (GLB) is an engineered bamboo product with significant potential for structural applications due to its dimensional stability, compression resistance, and aesthetics. This study investigates the structural response of 84 GLB compression elements of varying lengths and three cross-sectional dimensions. In addition, 12 specimens were tested under three-point bending to evaluate the elastic modulus for structural design purposes. Stress-strain behavior and failure modes were carefully examined to assess the integrity of GLB cross-sections, and an ANOVA was conducted to identify parameters influencing compression performance. Experimental data were used to derive regression models for ultimate load and compressive strength, accurately capturing the observed behavior. Short elements exhibited four stress-strain regions: elastic, hardening, plastic, and softening, whereas long elements failed by buckling with tensile fracture without noticeable plastic deformation. Based on the experimental curves, the Richard–Abbott and Popovics models were applied to simulate the compressive response, with the Richard–Abbott model showing better agreement. Theoretical analyses using GB 50005, Eurocode 5, and the National Design Specification for timber were applied to predict GLB column resistance, and deviations were critically discussed. This study provides insights into the behavior of small-section, high-slenderness GLB compression elements through experimental and analytical approaches.

glued laminated bamboo, axial compression, stress-strain behaviour, slenderness ratio, small cross-section elements