<p>A novel type of inorganic-bonded bamboo composite (<i>InorgBam</i>) beam-column bolted connections with glued-in rods in the column (where the slots and the bolt holes are filled with adhesive) was proposed. To examine its failure mechanism and seismic performance, six beam-column connections with varying bolt and rod diameters were tested under cyclic loading. Key seismic parameters, including failure modes, bearing capacity, initial rotational stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity, were analyzed and compared. Three failure modes were identified, including bamboo splitting and bolt yielding (EYM II) in the beam, glued-in rod fracture in the column, and combined failure. The initial stiffness of the new beam-to-column joint was relatively high, ranging from 3957 to 4480 kN·m·rad^− 1, consistent with semi-rigid connection behavior. Specimens with EYM II and splitting failure showed higher ductility, with ductility coefficients 1.20–1.74 times greater than those of rod-fracture specimens, although their energy dissipation capacity was slightly reduced. Overall, connections undergoing EYM Ⅱ and splitting failure exhibited superior seismic performance. Furthermore, a calculation formula for the moment resistance based on different failure modes was established, and a recommended design ratio of 1.2 for the bolted-adhesive bearing capacity to glued-in rod bearing capacity was proposed to prevent rod fracture in the column and improve seismic safety.</p>