Fiberglass Mesh Research Articles

Effect of Knitting Pattern of PP Mesh on the Flexural Properties of Heat-cured PMMA Denture Base Resin

Heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate is (PMMA) is the most common denture base material and some mechanical properties such as flexural strength and impact resistance etc. may lead to fail, besides its excellent properties. Polypropylene (PP) hernia mesh is a commercially available medical textile used in surgical repair of different types of hernia. It was aimed to investigate the effect of two different knitting patterns of PP meshes on the flexural properties of the PMMA denture base resin when they are used as reinforcement and compare with glass fiber mesh reinforced and no mesh used resins. Knitting patterns of the PP mesh structures were hexagonal honeycomb pattern and square pattern and these were used as single or double layer as reinforcement. 6 groups were established in the study: control group with no mesh and 5 reinforced groups with meshes (glass fiber mesh, single layer honeycomb patterned PP mesh, double layer honeycomb patterned PP mesh, single layer square patterned PP mesh, double layer square patterned PP mesh). A total of 60 samples with the dimensions of 65x10x3 mm, n=10 in each group were fabricated. The flexural strength, maximum deformation, and flexural modulus were determined by three-point bending test. Fracture surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The obtained data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA test with Bonferroni corrections. The single layer square patterned PP mesh group exhibited the highest (76.67 ± 7.64 MPa), and the control group showed the lowest (63.49 ± 7.18 MPa) flexural strength values. The single layer glass fiber mesh group showed the highest (7.13 ± 0.55 mm) and the control group showed the lowest (4.72 ± 0.81 mm) maximum deformation values. The single layer glass fiber mesh group exhibited the highest (2131.87 ± 205.76 MPa), and the control group exhibited the lowest (1582.26 ± 98.63 MPa) flexural modulus values. Significant increase in flexural strength was observed in all polypropylene mesh-reinforced groups compared to the control group except double layer honeycomb patterned PP mesh group (p < 0.05). Using PP fiber mesh for reinforcement provide a very favorable aesthetic view and PP fiber mesh is concluded to be a promising material for reinforcement of heat-cured PMMA denture base resins.

An In Vitro Study Comparing the Impact and Flexural Strength of Leucitone 199 Denture Base Resin and Conventional Denture Base Resin Enhanced With Glass Fibre Mesh and Polyethylene Fibre Mesh.

Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare and evaluate the impact and flexural strength of conventional denture base resin reinforced with glass fiber mesh and polyethylene fiber mesh with Leucitone 199 denture base resin (Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, USA). Leucitone is an expensive denture base material. To come up with a cheaper solution for reinforced denture base resin with superior impactand flexural strength was the goal of this study Material and methods The specimens (maxillary denture bases) were fabricated using a standard polyvinylsiloxane mold with conventional heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate resin (ISO 1567:1999). The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10). Group I specimens, or the control group, were pre-reinforced Leucitone 199. Group II and Group IIIspecimens were reinforced with 3% by weight of glass fibers and polyethylene fibers in weave form, respectively. All the specimens were immersed in water for 1 week before testing. The impact strength was measured with a falling weight impact testing machine. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. The flexural strength was measured with the three-point bending test in a universal testing machine. Results The highest impact strength values were exhibited by the Leucitone 199 group, followed by the polyethylene fiber mesh group, followed by the glass fibers mesh group. The highest flexural strength was seen in the Leucitone 199 group, followed by the glass fiber mesh group. The least flexural strength was seen in the polyethylene fiber mesh-reinforced group. Conclusion Reinforcement of maxillary complete dentures showed a significant increase in impact strength and flexural strength, but not in comparison to pre-reinforced Leucitone 199 dentures. By using pre-impregnated glass and polyethylene fibers in woven form (prepregs), the impact strength of the denture bases can be increased effectively.

UHPC-XPS insulation composite board reinforced by glass fiber mesh: Effect of structural design on the heat transfer, mechanical properties and impact resistance

Extruded foamed polystyrene (XPS) and ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) are the ideal insulation and structural materials for preparing sandwich composite boards, respectively. However, how to design the multilayer structure of composite board to maximize thermal insulation, mechanical properties and impact resistance has not been clarified yet. In this study, styrene-acrylic emulsion was coated on the surface of XPS to improve its wettability, and glass fiber mesh-reinforced bonding mortar with vac-ethylene copolymer emulsion was used to improve the adhesive properties between UHPC and XPS layers. Then the contribution of each layer in heat-transfer, load-bearing, and impact resistance were investigated and simulated by finite element analysis. By separating XPS and UHPC into serval layers, the midspan displacement at peak load and fracture energy of composite boards increased by 689.4% and 39.1% respectively, then roles of each layer in composite board were discussed. The results provide an effective method to prepare high performance composite board by multilayer structural design, and then promote energy-saving and emission-reduction of prefabricated wall system and even building industrialization.

Flexural behavior of a box ferrocement beams consisting of self-compacted mortar reinforced by fiber glass mesh and GFRP bars after exposure to high temperatures

The subject of the study deals with the investigation into the bending response of box-ferrocement beams with cement mortar that is self-compacted after being exposed to elevated temperatures. Beams were reinforced by GFRP, consisting of rebars and mesh of fiber glass, and compared with beams reinforced by conventional steel rebars and steel wire mesh. The experimental program consisted of twelve beams have sizes (225 × 150 × 1000) mm, with a 50 mm thickness as well as hollow of (125 × 50) mm. Six beams were reinforced by GFRP, and the other six beams were reinforced with steel. The beams were subjected to different temperatures: ambient temperature, 200 °C, 300 °C, and 400 °C. The bending performance of all beams was tested under a two-point load after extracting them from the furnace and after they had cooled. The study showed that the beams with steel or GFRP, they lose their properties when exposed to high temperatures. At 400 °C, an ultimate load, ductility, and toughness of GFRP-hollow beams were reduced by 86.34%, 36.82%, and 92.25%, respectively compared with the same beam at ambient temperature. The reduction in steel-hollow beams was less than GFRP-hollow beams. At 400 °C, the ultimate load, ductility, and toughness steel-hollow beams were decreased by 24.78%, 17.6%, and 63.86%, respectively compared with the same beam at ambient temperature. These beams still have not completely lost their strength, so they are able to withstand temperatures of more than 400 °C. The results proved that ferrocement beams reinforced by conventional steel have good properties in regard to higher ductility, higher first crack load, lower deflection, better controlling crack width, and are better than beams reinforced by GFRP after exposed to heat, where the ferrocement beams reinforced by GFRP were inefficient for heat resistance. Although these beams were given a higher ultimate load at ambient temperature than steel-reinforced beams.

Methods of strengthening cross-laminated timber manufactured using Irish Sitka Spruce: a preliminary study

ABSTRACT Climate change is a current global issue which must be addressed in order to create a sustainable future. While European countries have embraced the use of sustainable, naturally sourced materials, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), their use in the UK and Ireland is much more limited. Currently, CLT is only manufactured in mainland Europe using C24 timber. This has higher characteristic properties than the most common grade of timber grown in the UK and Ireland. The UK climate generally results in fast growing trees, leading to lower density timber which is often correlated to lower strength properties. This research investigates the drying and conditioning methods used to achieve a moisture content of 12%, which is required to produce CLT panels according to European standards. The addition of a strengthening material, glass fibre mesh produces a novel product for the construction industry while improving a CLT panels overall performance in bending and shear, examined through a 4-point bending test. The research also focuses on finding the most suitable way of incorporating the glass fibre mesh between the bottom two layers of CLT panels with various adhesive techniques, examined through shear tests.

The Fire Resistance of Transformable Barriers: Influence of the Large-Scale Factor

The paper presents the results of the development of a multi-layer protective product, which is a transformable fire barrier, installed in buildings and structures to limit the spread of flame, heat flow and smoke. Based on the results of the simulation of eight samples of fire curtains, three promising samples of different compositions were selected, demonstrating a fire resistance limit on the loss of thermal insulating capacity (I) of 30 min. During the small-scale tests, it was found that the multilayer fabric of the following composition was promising: heat-treated silica fabric, aluminum foil, mineral fiber heat insulation material, stitched by needle-punching with silica thread, fabric reinforced with fiberglass mesh and stitched through with basalt thread, with seams treated with a fire-resistant elastic sealant. According to the results of a standard large-scale experimental study, a fire curtain with a loss of integrity not less than 60 min, and a loss of thermal insulating ability not less than 15 min were obtained. The results of the study assess the impact of the scale factor on the fire resistance limit of fire curtains in a fire.

Evaluation of the influence of the glass fiber mesh on the deflection basin parameters of a flexible pavement located in the area of mining activity

Evaluation of the influence of the glass fiber mesh on the deflection basin parameters of a flexible pavement located in the area of mining activity

Dual‐Supporter and Dual‐Salt Strategy for Solid Polymer Electrolyte with High Ionic Conductivity and Elastic Toughness

AbstractIn recent years, ionic liquid (IL)‐based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have attracted much attention as conducting or capacitive materials for stretchable electronics. To fabricate fast and mechanically robust electronic devices, the high ionic conductivity and high elastic toughness of the SPE are essential. However, it has been challenging to achieve both high ionic conductivity and high elastic toughness simultaneously because high ionic conductivity generally requires low crystallinity of the polymer chains. Herein, a facile strategy for fabricating highly conductive, mechanically robust, and thermally stable SPE is demonstrated. A glass fiber mesh and La0.57Li0.29TiO3 particles as dual‐supporters are introduced, and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][TFSI]) and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amine lithium salt (LiTFSI) (having the same anion) as the dual salt in the polymer electrolyte is introduced. Consequently, the SPE exhibits a superior ionic conductivity of 2.4 × 10−2 S cm−1 at room temperature and an outstanding elastic toughness of ≈170.3 kJ m−2. Finally, the dual‐salt/dual‐supporter SPE is successfully applied to high‐performance organic electrolyte‐gated transistors as gate dielectric materials and highly sensitive capacitive pressure sensors as force‐sensitive dielectric layers.

Performance of ferrocement composites circular tanks as a new approach for RC tanks

Due to ferrocement high strength-to-weight ratio, flexibility, and adaptability to diverse forms and shapes, ferrocement had been seen as a possible alternative to traditional construction materials. In this research, the behavior of ferrocement composites tanks under static pressure loads was investigated experimentally and numerically. The investigational work includes testing twelve ferrocement composites circular tanks with dimensions 400 mm outer diameters, 500 mm height, and 25 mm thicknesses. The tanks are reinforced with welded and expanded steel meshes, as well as glass fiber mesh. According to the findings of the experiments, the ferrocement composites tanks have a higher failure load than traditional RC tanks, especially tanks reinforced with fiberglass polymer-mesh. The tank reinforced with three layers of Fiberglass polymers-mesh has the greatest first crack and ultimate load, as well as the highest ductility ratio and energy absorption. The non-corrosive fiberglass reinforcement mesh offers several advantages over structural steel meshes. In addition to its corrosion resistance, it boasts a significantly higher tensile strength (up to twice as high), is extremely lightweight, is non-conductive, and has very low thermal conductivity. The experimental results are compared to analytical models using (ANSYS ver. 16.2) software. The finite element simulations generated better results than the experimental data. The consistency ratio between the NLFEA and experimental results (Pu NLFEA/Pu exp.) was found to be outstanding, with an average of 0.902 and a standard deviation of 0.024. The correlation between the load-deflection curves of the NLFEA and experimental results was also found to be appropriate, with a mean correlation of 88 %. Furthermore, the matching ratio between the NLFEA and experimental results (∆u NLFEA/∆u exp.) was found to be high, with a mean matching ratio of 0.929 for all samples and a variation of 0.022. These results indicate that the NLFEA model accurately anticipates the performance of the investigated samples, making it a useful tool for predicting the behavior of similar structures. Ferrocement composite tanks have several advantages over traditional reinforced concrete (RC) tanks, including increased strength of up to 70 % when using ferrocement composites, resistance to cracking, cost-effectiveness, and resistance to corrosive substances. Finite element analysis (FEA) accurately predicts the behavior of ferrocement composite tanks, enabling engineers to design and optimize these tanks more efficiently. These advantages make ferrocement composite tanks a suitable option for various industrial and developing country applications, especially when cost and strength are crucial factors.

Experimental Behavior of Confined Masonry Walls Rehabilitated with Reinforced Mortar Jacketing Subjected to Cyclic Loading

Results of an experimental program of 13 confined masonry walls rehabilitated with different techniques are presented. All specimens were built to full-scale with an aspect ratio (height to length) of 1. Vertical confining elements of one wall were built with 6.4 mm diameter welded wire reinforcing cages. Before rehabilitation, 11 of the 13 walls were initially tested to induce repairable damage; the other 2 were strengthened in an undamaged state. During testing, walls were subjected to a constant vertical load. Initially, damaged walls were rehabilitated using various techniques, such as jacketing made of mortar and welded wire mesh and synthetic or steel fibers. One initially damaged wall was rehabilitated with premixed mortar and fiberglass mesh. After rehabilitation, specimens were tested for failure. The experimental program is discussed, including materials characterization and main test results. Recommendations to practicing engineers involved in rehabilitating earthquake-damaged masonry structures are presented. It was found that the original capacity of the walls, in terms of strength, stiffness, and deformation, was increased considerably using the studied techniques. It is concluded that the techniques evaluated in this project are adequate for the seismic rehabilitation of masonry structures.

ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF LIGHTWEIGHT FOAMED CONCRETE STRENGTHEN WITH FIBREGLASS NETTING

Lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) is widely recognised as a low-density concrete with multiple applications. Yet, since its weight is approximately half that of conventional concrete, its strength should also be lower. Hence, synthetic and natural short fibres were utilised by previous researchers to enhance the performance of LFC. The use of textiles as reinforcing elements has attracted substantial attention in recent years. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to conduct an experimental investigation to determine the engineering properties of LFC reinforced with fibreglass mesh netting. In this study, LFC samples with densities of 550 kg/m3 and 1150 kg/m3 were formulated using a constant cement-to-sand ratio of 1:1.5, and a cement-to-water ratio of 0.45. The LFC specimens were jacketed with 1 layer, 2 layers and 3 layers fibreglass netting. The properties determined were compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile strength, porosity, water absorption, UPV and drying shrinkage. Accordingly, the results showed that the incorporation of fibreglass netting in LFC helps reduce the absorption of water and the porosity of LFC for all densities. In addition to crack control, fibreglass netting also improves the drying shrinkage, flexural, compressive, tensile strengths and UPV. The optimal engineering properties were achieved with the addition of 3-layer fiberglass netting for 1150 kg/m3 density LFC.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Fiber/Glass Fiber Mesh Reinforced Epoxy Resin Hybrid Composites: Effect of Fiber Stacking Sequence

ABSTRACT To further improve the preparation efficiency and properties of bamboo fiber reinforced polymer composites (BFRPs) fabricated by the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Here, the bamboo fiber/glass fiber mesh reinforced polymer hybrid composites (BGRPs) were fabricated by VARTM to determine the effects of three fiber stacking sequences (namely, GBBGBBG, BGBGBGB, and BBGGGBB; B: bamboo fiber, G: glass fiber mesh) on the physical and mechanical properties, as well as void characteristics of BGRPs (i.e. BGRP-1, BGRP-2, and BGRP-3). The results showed that the incorporation of glass fiber meshes could shorten the injection time of epoxy resin and improve the mechanical properties of BFRPs. BGRP-1 exhibited the lowest water absorption (1.31%) and the highest shear strength (15.55 MPa). Glass fiber meshes on the surface and bottom of BGRP-1, respectively, served as buffer layers to retard mechanical damage, so that BGRP-1 had the best drop hammer impact properties. BGRP-2 represented the highest flexural strength and flexural modulus of 92.22 MPa and 6.69 GPa, respectively. The mechanical properties of BGRP-3 were inferior to those of BGRP-1 and BGRP-2, and more voids were observed in the middle of BGRP-3 in micro-CT slices induced by inadequate epoxy resin impregnation on bamboo fibers.

IMPROVING LOCAL THERMAL COMFORT IN BUILDINGS: A STUDY OF PROPERTIES OF HEATING TEXTILE COMPOSITES IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The focus of this study is to analyze heating and insulating properties of textiles utilized in the construction industry. Research regarding textile heating composites typically centers around their use in the fashion industry and personal thermal comfort. Therefore, the study focuses on the application of textile heating composites as a method for improving the local thermal comfort of the user. The aim of this project was to analyze and describe the heating and insulating properties of electroconductive yarns and insulating textiles used in the construction industry. This goal was achieved by building physical samples that underwent heating tests. The next step was to compare the examined properties and select the best combination of yarn and fabric, which was then tested in the target environment. It was concluded that the best heating results are achieved with steel thread embroidered on fiberglass mesh and combined with extruded polystyrene that can be used to improve the local thermal comfort of the user.

Perlite microsphere for the use in lightweight cementitious composite

This preliminary work explores the possibility of utilizing perlite microsphere (PM) in producing lightweight cementitious composite (LCC). With the use of PM, LCC with dry density of about 1400 kg/m3 (35% reduction in density compared to normal cement mortar) can be obtained. Satisfactory compressive strengths of 32.6–34.5 MPa could be attained by the PM LCC, without and with supplementary cementitious materials such as silica fume and ground granulated blast furnace slag. The specific strength (compressive strength/density ratio) of LCC was also similar as the normal cement mortar. In addition, there was little difference in the flexural strength and drying shrinkage of PM LCC compared to normal cement mortar. Furthermore, similar flexural load–displacement behaviour was found between thin plate specimens produced with alkali-resistant glass fibre mesh reinforced LCC and that of normal cement mortar. In overall, this suggests that PM has the potential to be utilized as lightweight filler in producing LCC.

A Comparative Analysis of Partial Discharge in 13 Combined Insulation Structures of 11 Materials Used in Cast-Resin Dry-Type Transformers

Partial discharge (PD) in cast-resin dry-type transformers (CRDTs) is an important issue that needs to be overcome. In this study, PD in insulation materials used in CRDT windings is investigated. Four types of samples are prepared using 11 different types of materials, including epoxy resin, three-ply glued polyester insulation, prepreg insulation, glass fiber mesh, polyester adhesive tape, polyester film, polyimide film, rectangular conductors with polyester insulation, round conductors with polyester insulation, round conductors with enamel insulation, and foil conductors without insulation, and subjected to PD measurements. The samples are placed into a mold for resin casting that is similar to those used to fabricate large cast-resin windings, and the material behavior is tested. PD measurements are carried out in the high-voltage laboratory of the BEST Transformer Company. The measured data are used as inputs to models of the samples that are simulated using finite element analysis software to determine the PD inception electric field. The PD patterns of the samples are compared with well-known PD patterns in the literature. Finally, a comparative analysis of the materials is performed, and strong and weak materials against PD are identified. The results of this study show that laminated insulation materials or fiberglass meshes, both with epoxy resin, which have PD inception at a mean value of 3.4 kV/mm of electric field intensity, are more susceptible to PD than the other insulation materials investigated. In contrast, insulated conductors or nonlaminated polyester or polyimide films, all with epoxy resin, which have PD inception above a mean value of 5.3 kV/mm of electric field intensity, are robust to PD.

Innovative Application of Interwoven Fiberglass Mesh to Strengthen Lightweight Foamed Concrete

This paper discusses the innovative application of interwoven fiberglass mesh (FM) to strengthen lightweight foamed concrete (LFC).

Study of Photocatalytic Oxidation of Micropollutants in Water and Intensification Case Study

During the last decades, heterogenous photocatalysis has shown as the most promising advanced oxidation process for the removal of micropollutants due to degradation rate, sustainability, non-toxicity, and low-cost. Synergistic interaction of light irradiation, photocatalysts, and highly reactive species are used to break down pollutants toward inert products. Even though titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most researched photocatalyst, to overcome shortcomings, various modifications have been made to intensify photocatalytic activity in visible spectra range among which is modification with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Therefore, photocatalytic oxidation and its intensification by photocatalyst’s modification was studied on the example of four micropollutants (diclofenac, DF; imidacloprid, IMI; 1-H benzotriazole, BT; methylene blue, MB) degradation. Compound parabolic collector (CPC) reactor was used as, nowadays, it has been considered the state-of-the-art system due to its usage of both direct and diffuse solar radiation and quantum efficiency. A commercially available TiO2 P25 and nanocomposite of TiO2 and MWCNT were immobilized on a glass fiber mesh by sol-gel method. Full-spectra solar lamps with appropriate UVB and UVA irradiation levels were used in all experiments. Photocatalytic degradation of DF, IMI, BT, and MB by immobilized TiO2 and TiO2/CNT photocatalysts was achieved. Mathematical modelling which included mass transfer and photon absorption was applied and intrinsic reaction rate constants were estimated: kDF=3.56 × 10−10s−1W−0.5m1.5, kIMI=8.90 × 10−11s−1W−0.5m1.5, kBT=1.20 × 10−9s−1W−0.5m1.5, kMB=1.62 × 10−10s−1W−0.5m1.5. Intensification of photocatalysis by TiO2/CNT was observed for DF, IMI, and MB, while that was not the case for BT. The developed model can be effectively applied for different irradiation conditions which makes it extremely versatile and adaptable when predicting the degradation extents throughout the year using sunlight as the energy source at any location.

Analysis on the impact of recycled ceramic waste, fiber format, and manufacturing techniques on polymer composite properties

Dumping of construction waste is a growing issue in current situation and recycling and reusing are the suitable solutions for solving it. This effort aims to recycle and reuse of ceramic construction waste. This work examines the effects of inclusion of waste tile powder, change in the glass fiber form which was used as a reinforcement, and method of manufacturing method the polymer composite on the properties of the composite. Normal glass-reinforced polymer composites have good tensile, flexural, and toughness properties. The three forms of glass fibers used for the study includes, chopped fiber mat, glass fiber mesh, and woven glass fiber. Fillers are added to improve hardness and tribology related attributes. Composite fabrication was carried out by conventional hand layup, room temperature compression molding, and hot compression molding process. The goal is to harden the composite without reducing the tensile strength of the composite. ASTM D3039, ASTM D2240, and ASTM D570–98 procedures were adapted for measuring tensile, hardness and water intake properties respectively. Characterization was done through SEM image analysis. A result of 160.21 MPa tensile strength, Shore D hardness value of 96.7, and water absorption of 0.71 percent after 24 h of testing was recorded. Adding waste tile powder to the polymer composite increases its hardness and reduces surface defects without affecting tensile properties. Fiber form and manufacturing method also affect the output to some extent. The effect of water absorption on the hardness property of the composite was checked and found to be negligible which makes it durable and reliable to be used in moist environments. This composite can be used in automotive parts, moist environment, window and door frames, and in electrical panels.

Flexural behavior of hollow self compacted mortar ferrocement beam reinforced by GFRP bars

This study aimed to investigate a form of ferrocement that was a hollow ferrocement beam of self-compacting mortar reinforced with various types of metallic (steel bars, steel wire mesh) and non-metallic (GFRP bars, fiber glass mesh) reinforcement. The experimental program comprised casting twenty ferrocement beams with dimensions of 150 × 225 × 2000 mm, incorporating 50 mm of ferrocement thickness and a polystyrene cork core of 50 × 125 mm. The results showed that the hollow ferrocement beams reinforced with GFRP bars and several layers of the fiber glass mesh (one, two and three) gave higher loads by 7.51%, 9.88% and 5.15%, respectively, as well as higher energy by 4.75%, 27% and 15.10%, respectively, However, the ductility of these beams was reduced by 37.84%, 37.33%, and 44.27%, when compared to beams reinforced with steel bars and several layers of steel wire mesh (one, two and three). These beams gave lower first crack loads, high deflections, and wide cracks with no control on crack width compared to beams reinforced with steel. The increasing number of the welded wire mesh and fiber glass mesh layers increases the first crack load, ultimate load, and energy absorption by 20%, 30.25% and 69.2%, respectively, in the ferrocement beams reinforced with (steel bars and steel wire mesh) and 34.36%, 27.1% and 94.92% respectively, in the ferrocement beams reinforced with (GFRB bars and fiber glass mesh) when three layers of mesh were used compared to beams reinforced with bars only without mesh. Also, the study shows that steel wire mesh and fiber glass mesh materials were better at controlling crack width than beams reinforced with bars only without wire mesh. The results showed that the theoretical calculations based on strain and force distribution assumptions that the theoretical and experimental ultimate loads of the beams reinforced with steel were acceptable, with a ratio ranging from 0.98 to 1.12. But, in the beams reinforced with GFRP, the theoretical and experimental ultimate loads of the beams were varied and spaced clearly with a ratio that ranged from 0.82 to 1.36. The study showed that the hollow ferrocement beams reinforced with steel bars and steel wire mesh layers were more efficient than beams reinforced with GFRP bars and fiber glass mesh.

The Utilization of a Fiberglass Mesh-Reinforced Foamcrete Jacketing System to Enhance Mechanical Properties.

Foamcrete is fabricated by combining mortar slurry and constant foam. Owing to the existence of air entrained in its cementitious matrix, foamcrete is tremendously brittle compared to normal-strength concrete. The addition of synthetic and natural plant fibers demonstrates an enhancement to foamcrete’s mechanical performance yet exerts a harmful effect on long-term performance. Depreciation of natural plant fibers and corrosion of synthetic fibers impact the lifespan and durability properties of foamcrete. Hence, this study aims to investigate the mechanical properties and mode of failures of foamcrete reinforced with fiberglass mesh (FM). The parameters assessed were the compression, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths of 1100 kg/m3 density foamcrete confined with various layers of 145 g/m2 of FM. The optimal foamcrete mechanical properties enhancement was attained with three-layer jacketing. Notable augmentations of 108% in the compressive strength, 254% in flexural strength, and 349% in splitting tensile strength were achieved in comparison to the control specimens at day 28. The control foamcrete samples under compressive, flexural, and tensile loads encountered brittle failure in comparison to the confined foamcrete. The mode of failure under the tensile load indicates that only a slight crack occurred at the upper side and a perpendicular mark at the lateral section of the foamcrete with one to three layers of FM jacketing. Thus, the jacketing system of foamcrete with FM enhances the behavior and load carrying capacity of foamcrete to the extent of preventing the propagation of cracks.