Performance and Failure Analysis of Thin Composite Ferrocement Panels

Ferrocement is fast becoming recognized as an alternative to reinforced concrete by recent studies. While ferrocement characteristic can be compared to reinforced cement concrete, the construction of the former is cheaper and easier. The study specifically investigates the characteristics of ferrocement such as its flexural strength and mode of failure of the composite with varying top bar quantity (1-, 2- and 3-bars) and thickness of the ferrocement (30mm, 35mm and 40mm). The diameter of the top bar is the same for all samples so the quantity of the top bar is varied due to spacing. Each composite of the Ferro-cement has the same quantity and ratio of cement, sand, water, welded wire mesh, and reinforcing steel bars. All samples utilize ten (10) bottom bars with eight (8) mm diameter. With the Universal Testing Machine (UTM) subjected to mid-point loading, the samples were tested after 28 days curing period. The result shows that panels with a thickness of 35 mm having three top bar (3-8mm) have reached the maximum flexural stress (σ_b) of 33.83Mpa indicating that the quantity of top bar is significantly affecting the flexural strength. The 35mm thickness of ferrocement yields better σ_b compared to both the 30 and 40mm which suggests that there is no direct relationship between thickness and the strength of the ferrocement. It is not necessary that it would have thicker panel and more steel bar reinforcement. Triangulation of data reveals that the higher flexural stress occurs when the mode of failure is flexure/bending.