Behaviour of Multi-layered Hybrid Fibrous Ferrocement Panels

Abstract

The present study shows the flexural behaviour of fibrous ferrocement panels reinforced with multiple layers of combined wire mesh (recycled wire mesh obtained from industry) and varying percentages of alkali-resistant glass fibres and polypropylene fibres (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1%). Fibrous mortar cubes with varying percentages of glass and polypropylene fibres (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1%) by weight of cement were cast, and compressive strength test is done to know the optimum dosage of fibres to be used. With the optimum dosage of fibres, fibrous ferrocement panels of size (600 mm × 200 mm × 30 mm) with varying layers of recycled wire mesh were cast, and flexural test is performed. From the test results, it was found that there was significant increase in flexural strength of ferrocement panels with increase in layers of wire mesh and increase in fibres up to 0.8%. This work can lay a path to development of lightweight roofing and supporting structures like thin shells, silos, etc.