compression in tension

I built an idea for the compression strut connection today that bows the vertical struts quite nicely! It has the added benefits of being easy to install and very resource efficient.

The end in the picture is a simple loop of rope lashed to the end of the compression strut with 1/8th inch paracord. There's a little friction tape on the bamboo end to keep things from slipping around. This end is tied on first. The other side uses a similar arrangement of rope lashed to the pole end but instead of a loop I use a trucker's hitch that bows the verticals as it's tightened.

The poles were relatively easy to bend even though they're a couple of feet shorter than they'll be in the final version. They're pushed out about 6" on each side.