Applications of Ferrocement Members made of Self Compacting Concrete

Published on 16 Apr 2022. Written by Reddy Shekar

The use of composite materials is a new trend in the construction sector. There are many reasons for this new adaption in the construction industry.

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In a structural point of view, composite materials have many advantages by combining the two or more materials together. In particular, composite materials have high strength and low weight. In addition to this, they also own resistance to thermal and electrical insulations. Ferrocement is such a composite material using widely in the construction industry. With the addition of self-compacting concrete, the efficiency of ferrocement members will increase.

About Ferrocement:

Ferrocement is a composite material composed of cement mortar with light steel meshes. Many layers of meshes may be used to get the required strength and density of steel. The ferrocement members have many applications like low self-weight, no need for formwork and less need for skilled persons. The strength of ferrocement always depends upon the quality of cement mortar and the quantity of reinforcing materials used. Ferrocement members are a highly versatile form of reinforced concrete.

About Self Compacting Concrete:

Self-compacting concrete is a flowable type of concrete that spreads into the form without the need for mechanical vibration. It achieves the compaction into every part of the mold or formwork only by its own weight without any segregation of ingredients. Self-compacting concrete significantly increases the ease and durability.

Materials used:

1. Cement
2. Sand
3. Coarse aggregate
4. Wire mesh
5. Water.

Project Implementation:

1. The materials used in this project should meet Indian Standard Specification IS 1489:1991.
2. The very step is to prepare the wire mesh formwork in multiple layers. Each layer should have the minimum thickness of 1cm to 5cm.
3. The concrete should prepared with a standard proportion of materials such as cement, sand and coarse aggregate.
4. The concrete must be workable and should achieve the compaction by its own weight.
5. Apply the concrete mortar on the wire mesh layers with proper care.
6. No voids should present in the layers.
7. After the curing process, conduct the different laboratory tests on ferrocement members to determine the various characteristics.
8. Compare the laboratory test results with conventional concrete to find the difference in the efficiency.

Bnefits:

1. Materials are easily available.
2. Requires a low level of technology and labour skills.
3. Ferrocement can be cast to any desired shape.
4. Ferrocement is durable.
5. Maintenance is easy.
6. Less prone to corrosion than steel.
7. Cost effective.
8. Generates very less waste during construction.

Conclusion:

The experimental results prove the ferrocement is a better alternative for the conventional materials in the construction industry.

Kit required to develop Applications of Ferrocement Members made of Self Compacting Concrete:

• Ferrocement

Technologies you will learn by working on Applications of Ferrocement Members made of Self Compacting Concrete:

• Ferrocement
• Self compacting concrete
• concrete technology

Any Questions?