الفهرس 
CHAPTER (1) INTRODUCTION.Only 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Ferrocement slabs, comprising reinforced cement and steel wire mesh layers, excel
in structural versatility, finding use in diverse applications like retaining walls, ships,
and flood protection due to their robustness, crack resistance, and adaptability. Their
lightweight, energy-efficient nature presents a compelling alternative to conventional
materials. This study delves into the punching shear behavior of lightweight composite
ferrocement concrete slabs, recognized for their strength, crack resistance, ductility, and
energy absorption, ideal for dynamic applications in contrast to standard concrete slabs.
The study employs two variants of wire meshes, welded galvanized wire mesh,
and welded steel bars mesh, to offer supplementary reinforcement to the slabs, forming
a composite material capable of withstanding substantial shear forces and resisting
cracks. Conducting an experimental program, sixteen slabs using three concrete mix
types were cast and subjected to tests, each slab measuring 1000mm x 1000mm x 50mm.
The study aims to evaluate the punching shear behavior of lightweight ferrocement slabs
in various conditions to improve their design and application in construction. The
research reveals notable trends: the ultimate load and weight of the slabs experienced an
average reduction of 81% and 59% respectively, comparing adipour group concrete to
brick group; a decrease of 77% in ultimate load and 92% in weight, comparing concrete
in the brick group to the perlite group; and a decrease of 60% in ultimate load, comparing
addipor 55 slabs to both the control and perlite groups.
Through a detailed experimental program and ABAQUS finite element model, the
behavior of tested lightweight slabs was analyzed, encompassing aspects like initial
cracking, ultimate load, deflection, cracking pattern, energy absorption, and ductility
index under different loading stages. Strong alignment between theoretical and
experimental outcomes was evident, affirming the reliability of the study. These
lightweight slabs hold significant promise for developed and developing nations alike.