Strength of materials has been a focus of study for many for a long
time. Wood is a very interesting composite material itself, with sawn
lumber having very different properties from the various laminates.
(Ever try to split a piece of plywood?) What is important here is the
orientation of the fibers in the layers and how they're bonded.

When done properly, you can build very stiff, strong structures like
the DeHavilland Mosquito or the "Spruce Goose." Or PT-Boats,
minesweepers, Skimmars.

Duct tape really doesn't even work very well for taping ducts.

Have you considered spaghetti? "Pasta post & beam" maybe? Certainly
better in compression or beam.

John