الفهرس 
Ferrocement in Water ConstuctionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Ferrocement is a composite material in which the inherent properties of
two constituent materials are optimally utilized. The filler material is reinforced
with layers of reinforcement mesh in both the principal directions. However,
the subdivision and distribution of ductile material (wire mesh) throughout the
matrix increases its elasticity.
This thesis aims at developing structural beams consisting of ferrocement
beams filled with different types of core material to be used as a viable
alternative to the conventional reinforced concrete beam. Achieving low cost,
easy to cast, light weight, and environmentally friendly beams would have
economic and ecological merits.
To accomplish this objective, an experimental program was conducted. In
addition, theoretical models as well as finite element models were developed to
simulate the behavior of the proposed beams.
The experimental program comprised casting and testing of eleven
reinforced concrete beams of dimensions 200x100x2000mm.These beams are
organized in four groups, each group comprised approximately three beams.
group number one is the control group in which beams are cast using ordinary
formwork and ferrocement beam. The beams in this group were reinforced with
two steel bars of 10 mm diameter at the top and12mm diameter bottom of the
beam. On the other hand, the beams in the other three groups were cast using
Ferrocement beams. The core of these beams was reinforced with two steel
bars of 10 mm diameter at the top and12 mm bottom of the beam.
Two types of steel mesh used to reinforce the ferrocement shaped beams
were investigated; namely expanded steel mesh, and welded wires mesh. Single
mesh and double layers consisting of mesh together with a strip steel mesh
were studied. Three types of core material were investigated: light brick, foam, and light weight concrete. The test specimens were tested as simple beams under three-point loading condition on a span of 1800 mm. The performance of the test beams in terms of strength, cracking behavior, ductility, and energy absorption properties was investigated. The behavior of the developed beams was compared to that of the control beams.
Two analytical models were modified and used to suit the developed composite beams one to predict the first crack load based on the well-known
principles of strength of materials, and the other one to determine the ultimate
strength and mode of failure based on the ultimate strength theory. Experimental results are then compared to analytical models using (ABAQUS/CEA) programs. The experimental results showed that high ultimate and serviceability loads, better crack resistance control, high ductility, and good energy absorption properties could be achieved by using the proposed beams.
Comparison between the experimental results and the results obtained from
both the theoretical model as well as the finite element one showed that there is a close agreement for all beams. This agreement verified the validity of these
models. The experimental, theoretical and finite element results verified the
viability of using the developed beams as an alternative to the traditional
reinforced concrete beams. This could be of great economic and environmental
advantages for both developed and developing countries.