Effect of corrosion on flexural behavior of ferrocement

Abstract

Over the past decade, corrosion became a crucial problem on two counts: (a) it is expensive to repair and (b) it has widespread occurrence. The research evaluated the effects of corrosion on the properties and flexural behavior of ferrocement. Two series of specimens were tested. The first series were cast, placed in water and a suitable environment for 28 days, and then subjected to flexural test. The second series were placed in a weather simulator tank, with corrosive environmental conditions and after three months, were tested for flexure. From a careful examination of the results of the flexural tests it emerges that: 1. The presence of NaCl and temperature, as well as the prevalence of wet and dry conditions, have a considerable effect on the flexural behavior of ferrocement: it increases the brittleness of mortar, reduces the number of cracks and increases the crack width. 2. Slight increase in the first crack strength and maximum strength of specimens. 3. The effect of corrosion in reducing the strength of ferrocement specimens with ungalvanized wire meshes, is greater than its effect on specimens with galvanized wire meshes.