Experimental and numerical analysis of large ferrocement water tanks

Abstract

In the current work the ferrocement construction technique is revisited with the purpose of applying the material in civil engineering structures, particularly in large water tanks for water treatment stations. Although it is not a new technology, ferrocement continues to be an attractive alternative. The plastic potential, the unsophisticated construction techniques and the low cost justify its use, especially suitable for developing countries. However, modelling studies of this material are rare in the literature; this is what justifies the studies currently being conducted to improve current practices of design, as well as to further advance the understanding of the material. This work describes experimental and numerical tests for large ferrocement tanks, part of the water treatment facility in Divinópolis, Brazil. Different finite element models have been used in the analyses in order to evaluate the effect of some adopted simplifications. Some comparisons of the investigated approaches with the experimental data are also included, as well as remarks on the use of different constitutive models, homogenisation techniques and accuracy of the modelling data.