A Study On Use Of Blended Ferrocement:A High Performance Material ForRepair/strengthening Of Brick Masonry Columns

Abstract

The use of ferrocement, containing blended cement, to repair and enhance the strength of brick masonry columns of old buildings and structures showing distress has been investigated for use as a rehabilitation/strengthening material. Intensive experimental study has been carried out on plain brick masonry columns and brick masonry columns with single, double and triple layers of ferrocement, with/without the use of chemical bonding agents. Use of blended cements containing agricultural waste i.e. rice husk ash have not as yet been investigated at all for use in ferrocement. Blended cement containing 75% OPC and 25% rice husk ash has now been investigated for use in ferrocement. Ferrocement containing blended cement has been observed to substantially increase the load carrying capacity of brick masonry columns along with decreasing the strains by about 50%. Strength improvements of up to 160% in the load carrying capacity of columns with single layered ferrocement have been observed whilst about 100% strength improvements have been observed in columns with 2/3 layers of ferrocement applications. The slope of the stress-strain curve resembles typical curves characteristic of high strengths. The results of this study have been highly encouraging and the use of ferrocement with blended cement is recommended for the repair and rehabilitation/strengthening of brick masonry columns. The use of rice husk ash for blending with ordinary Portland cement produces a stronger, impermeable and durable material in addition to ease of in-situ application, reducing the disposal problem of this agricultural waste and reducing the costs of repairs.