Structural behavior of light weight ferrocement walls

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental results of research to develop ferrocement sandwich panels for use as wall bearing units. The proposed panels are lighter in weight relative to the conventional reinforced concrete panels The sandwich panels consisted of two thin ferrocement layers reinforced with one or two layers of closely spaced galvanized welded wire mesh and expanded steel mesh. The core of the panel was made of light weight brick. Steel wires were used to tie the steel meshes of the two skin layers together and to act as shear connectors to transfer shear between the two ferrocement skin layers. These steel wires were embedded in the mortar joints of the brick. The thickness of the ferrocement skin layer was 10mm when single layer of wire mesh was used and 15mm when two layers of mesh reinforcement were used. Experimental investigation was conducted on the proposed panels. A total of 10 sandwich panels Having the dimensions of 600mm width and 700mm height were tested under compressive loadings until failure. The deformation characteristics and cracking behavior were measured and observed for each wall panel. The results showed that high ultimate and serviceability loads, crack resistance control, high ductility, and good energy absorption properties could be achieved by using the proposed panels. This could be of great construction advantages for both developed and developing counties.