THE STUDY OF MASONRY AND CGI SHEET COMPOSITES WITH FERROCEMENT

Abstract

Ferro cement is a type of thin walled reinforced mortar construction in which usually cement mortar is reinforced with layers of continuous and relatively small diameter steel wire mesh. The basic idea behind this material is that mortar can undergo large strains in the neighbourhood of the reinforcement and the magnitude of the strains depends on the distribution and subdivision of the reinforcement throughout the mortar mass. This fact results in achieving many improved properties of ferrocement such as crack resistance, corrosion resistance, impact resistance, fatigue, tensile and flexural strength. The flexibility of the ferroment elements is its main disadvantage. However the stiffness of the elements can be improved by adopting composite construction with ferrocement. Composite construction consists of using two or more materials together in one structural unit and using each material to its best advantage. In. this thesis composite construction of ferro--. cement with brick masonry and CGI sheets have been studied. Masonry is used for its inherent advantages of high stiffness and ease of construction, where as ferrocement is used for its high tensile strength and water proofing properties. Various test specimens in the form of composite brick masonry ferrocement, beams, slabs, walls, columns, bond specimen and pipe were constructed and tested. The construction procedure and other details of the test specimens constructed have been explained. Various areas of applications of this composite• constructions have been highlighted. Various test specimens of the composite ferrocement--CGI Sheet were constructed and tested. Details of the construction procedures and special equipment and tools required have been explained. The areas of applications of this composite have been highlighted. Based on the test results of the test specimens tested the recommendation for the analysis and design of these composite constructions have been presented. Finally the scope for future work in this area has been indicated.