Effect of cover and arrangement of reinforcement on the behavior of ferrocement in tension

Abstract

Ferrocement is a type of thin wall reinforced concrete construction where real composite action between the matrix phases and the reinforcement exists. This composite action results in excellent control of cracking, high tensile strength and durability [1]. This investigation is concerning with the experimental and theoretical behavior of ferrocement under tension. The effects of different arrangements of mesh reinforcement, with particular respect to the specimen thickness and mortar cover, on the cracking behavior and both first crack strength and ultimate strength were studied. The mechanical properties of the wire mesh and mortar which was used in this investigation were also studied. The results show that, under direct tension, the strength of ferrocement at first crack and ultimate load is not affected significantly by the arrangement of the reinforcement. However, specimens having reinforcement evenly distributed with minimum cover showed reduced crack widths and an increased number of small cracks at failure. The contribution of the tensile strength of the mortar and the specimen thickness on first crack strength is considered to be significant, while it can be considered negligible at ultimate strength.