We are just starting to research bamboo...for privacy and wind. We are in zone 6 and there are 4-5 good tall, wide varieties available to us. Currently looking into the black bamboo for resale as it's the most expensive...and desirable. I had this PDF regarding construction using bamboo...and maybe there they can give you some insight into the mil's needed for your purpose. http://www.worldbamboo.net/wbcix/presentation/Purwito,%20Hadiprawiro.pdf

TY TY Nursery seems to have the best prices for bamboo in the States...just a side note...I'm not affiliated with them in any way...I just search a LOT... LOL
We have ten acres and it would be ideal to have about a 1/2 acre bamboo forest path that would serve for wind protection and from pesticides from neighboring farms...the black bamboo grows to about 20'. Good luck on your project!!! Dixi

Here is a link that might be useful: Ty Ty Nursery

Good luck with keeping it contained in zone 6. Across the street, it's taken over the neighborhood.