Flexural Capacity of Hollow Core Ferrocement Slabs Reinforced with WWM: Experimental and Analytical Assessment

The present paper introduces an experimental and analytical evaluation of hollow-core ferrocement slabs (HCFCS) reinforced with welded wire meshes (WWM) under three core configurations (empty, foam-filled, and PVC pipes). All the involved material properties were determined experimentally including: mortar matrix, steel meshes, and PVC pipes. Flexural behavior was assessed via three-point bending tests, with results evaluated using a section analysis approach. Key findings reveal that HCFCS reduce self-weight by 26–38% compared to solid slabs, while flexural capacity increases with additional mesh layers but remains unaffected by passive (empty/foam) cores. PVC pipe cores significantly enhance flexural strength, stiffness, and ductility relative to hollow or foam cores. The strain compatibility method effectively predicts HCFCS capacity, though it underestimates performance for PVC-cored slabs, suggesting the need for nonlinear finite element (FE) modeling to capture composite action and other probable nonlinearities. This work highlights PVC pipes as active structural components in hollow-core ferrocement slabs (HCFCS).