r

M1CRc; 1;:;1.\EO J
~
,,.~· ISSN-0125 1759
Vol. 2 2, No . 1, January 1992

JOURNAL OF
FERRDCEMENT

FOCUS ON THE
FOURTH
INTERNATIONAU
SYMPOSIUM ON
FERROCEMENT

-
0 Jl

!(~I
International Ferrocement Information Center
 ISSN 0125 - 1759

JOURNAL OF
FERROCEMENT
Abstracted in: Cambridge Scientific Abstract; USSRs Referativni Zhumal; ACI Concrete Abstracts;
Engineered Materials Abstracts; International Civil Engineering Abstracts.
Reviewed in: Applied Mechanics Review

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Ricardo P. Pama Lilia Robles-Austriaco H. Arthur Vespry
Professor, Structural Engineering and Senior Information Scientist Director, IFIC/Library and
Construction Division IFIC Regional Documentation Center
Vice-President for Development AIT
AIT
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
S. Nawshad Parvez Mahmood Hossain
Information Scientist Information Scientist
IFIC IFIC

EDITORIAL BOARD

Mr. D.J. Alexander Alexander and Associates, Consulting Engineering, Auckland, New Zealand.
Professor A.R. Cusens Head, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT,
England, U.K.
Mr. J. Fyson Fishery Industry Officer (Vessels), Fish Production and Marketing Service, UN-
FAO, Rome, Italy.
Mr. M.E. Ioms Ferrocement International Co., 1512 Lakewood Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95691,
U.S.A.
Professor A.E. Naaman Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Michigan, 304 West Engineering
Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1092, U.S.A.
Professor J.P. Romualdi Professor of Civil Engineering, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Professor S.P. Shah Department of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
60201, U.S.A.
Professor D.N. Trikha Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Roorkec, Roorkee, U.P., India.
Professor B.R. Walkus Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Czcstochowa
Malchowskiego 80, 90-159 Lodz, Poland.

CORRESPONDENTS
Mr. D.P. Barnard Director, New Zealand Concrete Research Association, Private Bag, Porirua, New
Zealand.
Dr. G.L. Bowen P.O. Box 2311, Sitka, Alaska 99835, U.S.A.
Dr. M.D. Daulat Hussain Associate Professor, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Bangladesh Agricultural
University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
Mr. Lawrence Mahan 737 Race Lane, R.F.D. No. 1, Marstons Mills, Mass. 02648, U.S.A.
Mr. Prem Chandra Sharma Scientist and Project Leader, Drinking Water Project Mission Project, Structural
Engineering Research Centre, Sector 19, Central Government, Enclare Kamla Nehru
Nagu Ghaziabad, U.P., India.
Dr. B.V. Subrahmanyam Chief Executive, Dr. BVS Consultants, 76 Third Cross Street Raghava Reddy Colony,
Madras 600 095, India.
Mr. S.A. Qadeer Managing Director, Safety Sealers (Eastern) Ltd., P.O. Box No. 8048, Karachi, 29
Pakistan.

1------- - - - -
 JOURNAL OF FERROCEMENT
Volume 22, Number 1, January 1992

CONTENTS
ABOUTIFIC ii
EDITORIAL iii

PAPERS ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Aspects Concerning the Behavior of Ferrocement in Flexure 1
Train Onet, C. Magureanu and V. Vescan

Deflection Evaluation of Ferrocement Plates in Bending 11

A. W. Ballarin and J.B. de Hanai

Mathematical Modes of Determination of Critical Cracking Force at Tension 17

Zone of Ferrocement
R. Walkus and R. Cackowski
Durability of Polymer-Ferrocement 27
Y. Ohama and A. Shirai

PAPERS ON APPLICATIONS AND TECHNIQUES

Ferrocement Prefabricated Housing : The Next Generation 35
A. E. Naaman and II. Hammoud

Study of a Two Story Precast Ferrocement Model Building 49

N. M. Bhandari, D. N. Trikha and V. Syam Prakash

What is Ferrocement ? 61
D. Alexander

Bibliographic List 66
News and Notes 80
IFS 89
IFIC Reference Centers 95
Authors' Profile 103
Abstracts 105
International Meetings 108
IFIC Publications and Price List 110
Advertisement 118

Discussion of the technical material published in this issue is open until I April 1992 for publication in the Journal.
The Editors and the Publishers are not responsible for any statement made or any opinion expressed by the authors in the
Journal. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without wrillen permission from the publisher. All
correspondences related to manuscript submission, discussions, permission to reprint, advertising, subscriptions or change of
address should be sent to: The Editor, Journal of Ferrocement, IFIC/AIT, G.P.O. Box 2754, Bangkok 10501, Thailand.
 The International Ferocement Information Center (IFIC) was founded in October 1976 at
the Asian Institute of Technology under the joint sponshirship of Institute's Division of Structural
Engineering and Construction and the Library and Documentation Center. IFIC was established as
a result of the recommendations made in 1972 by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences' Advisory
Committee on Technological Innovation (ACTI). IFIC receives financial support from the Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA) and the International Development Research
Center (IDRC) of Canada.

Basically, IFIC serves as a clearing house for information on Ferrocement and related materials.
In cooperation with national societies, universities, libraries, information centers, government
agencies, research organizations, engineering and consulting firms all over the world, IFIC attempts
to collect information on all forms of ferrocement applications either published or unpublished. This
information is identified and sorted before it is repackaged and disseminated as widely as possible
through IFIC 's publication, reference and reprographic services and technology transfer activities.
All information collected by IFIC are entered into a computerized data base using ISIS system. These
informations are available on request. In addition, IFIC offers referral services.

A quarterly publication, the Journal of Ferrocement, is the main disseminating tool of IFIC.
IFIC has also published the monograph Ferrocement, Do It Yourself Booklets, slide Presentation
Series, State-of-the-Art Reviews, Ferrocement Abstracts, bibliographics and reports. FOCUS, the
information brochure ofIFIC, is published in 19 languages as part ofIFIC's attempt to reach out to
the rural areas of the developing countries. IFIC is compling a directory of consultants and
ferrocement experts. The first volume, International Directory of Ferrocement Organizations and
Experts 1982-1984, is now being updated.

To transfer ferrocement technology to the rural areas of the developing countries, IFI C organizes
training programs, seminars, study-tours, conference and symposia. For these activities, IFIC acts as
an initiator; identifying needs, soliciting funding, identifying experts, and bringing people together.
So far, IFIC has successfully undertaken training programs for Indonesia and Malaysia; a regional
symposium and training course in India; a seminar to introduce ferrocement in Malaysia; another
seminar to introduce ferrocement to Africans; study-tour in Thailand and Indonesia for African
officials; the Second International Symposium on Ferrocement and a short Course on Design and
Construction of Ferrocement Structures, and the Ferrocement Corrosion: An International
Correspondance Symposium. IFIC has successfully established the Ferrocement Information
Network (FIN), the IFIC Reference Centers Network and the IFIC Consultants network. IFIC has
promoted the introduction of ferrocement technology in the engineering and architecture curricula of
144 universities in 51 countries. Currently, IFIC is involved to strengthen the outreach programs of
the nodes of FIN.

ll
l~o
~1 0

The International Ferrocement Information Center ( IFIC ) has

always been concerned with people, putting them in touch with each
other, encouraging them to exchange resources and experiences,
providing forum for the exchange and upgrading their knowledge
through training courses, seminars, workshops and symposia. The
International Symposium on Ferrocement, held every three years,
particularly achieves these objectives. During the Fourth International
Symposium on Ferrocement in Cuba last October many new
developments in material properties, applications and techniques of
construction were presented. To instill confidence to many users, we
reprint selected papers in this issue and in subsequent issues of
the Journal of Ferrocement.

The birth of the International Ferrocement Society (IFS) in Havana,

Cuba last 25 October 1991, was specially rewarding for the staff of IFIC
and the members of the Steering Committee under the leadership of
Dr.Ricardo P. Pama. They worked for the formation of the IFS to give
the ferrocement industry an international identity. The IFS will unify
all users of ferrocement and provide opportunities for collaboration
among members. IFS will provide leadership, direction and
organization for research and development on ferrocement.

Users of ferrocement worldwide, you are invited to be a member of

IFS. Join IFS, influence the direction of the society, play a vital role
and make a difference.

Congratulations to the awardees during the Fourth International

Symposium on Ferrocement. These pioneering individuals were
recognized for their contribution to research, development and transfer
of ferrocement technology. All IFIC staff are proud of the award for
IFIC, this is a recognition that IFIC have attained its objectives
effectively.

The Editor

Ill
Journal of Fe"ocenuml: Vol. 22, No. J, JaflJlllry 1992

Aspects Concerning the Behavior of Ferrocement

in Flexure+

Train Onet• , C. Magureanu•• and V. Vescan••

Theferrocement elements ofplate and beam have a good behavior under working load due to the
fact that the width of cracks appears to be very small than in the reinforced concrete. The good
behavior at failure regarding the aspect of ductility and ultimate moment of the elements shows the
capability of using ferrocement efficiently. The present paper presents some specific aspects
concerning the behavior offerrocement in a short time bending.

INlRODUCTION

The uniform distribution of the reinforcement of a relatively small diameter in the composite ma-
terial, which is ferrocement, offers special performances, a mechanical behavior and distinct potential
applications as compared with the conventional reinforced concrete. Consequently it has been
classified and researched as a special material, for which there have been elaborated a code or design
guide [l].
Such concerns began in Romania too, in 1989, within a program for promoting the use of this ma-
terial in constructions [2].
The results obtained in this program concerning the physical and mechanical properties of the fer-
rocement constitute the subject of an independent paper.

TESTS ON FERROCEMENT PLATES

The experimental members with the dimensions from Fig. 1 have been reinforced with 2,4 and
6 layers of woven hexagonal meshes, uniformly distributed across the thickness, respectively with 3,
4 and 5 layers of welded square meshes. On both types of meshes, in each layer, two superimposed
meshes were placed. The achieved volumetric percentages (pv ) are indicated in Table 1. The
microconcrete grade was Be 25.
The plates have been equiped for measuring the concrete strains, the deflections and the opening
of the cracks. The plates were tested according to the scheme from Fig. 1 by a step loading of 1/10 from
calculated ultimate load.

The Cracking of the Plates

Table 1 presents the cracking state of the plates reinforced with hexagonal meshes, defined by:
the loading step PIP. (P, - representing the ultimate load) at the appearance of the cracks (ar 0.05) re-
spectively, at their medium opening ofO. l mm (a1 0.1 ), the loading step corresponding to the working

+Reprinted with changes from the Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Ferrocement (22 - 25 October
199 l) Havana, Cuba, by permission of the publisher.
• Professor, •• Assistant Professor, Polytechnic Institute of Cluj - Napoca, Romania.
 2 Jownalo/Fe"ocenumJ: Vol.22, No.l, Janwuyl992

load (P. IP, = 1/1.3 = 0.769), the maximum measured crack width (a/ max) and calculated one
according to [3] (a/ max), corresponding to the working load and the maximum number of cracks.

The following were noticed:

- at reduced reinforcing percentages (py =0.212%) the appearance of the cracks coincides with
the failure of the elements while, at high reinforcing percentages (p =0.636%) the appearance of the
y

cracks took place at a loading step, of about 0.525;

-the number of the cracks increases with the volumetric reinforcing percentage;
- the maximum crack width, experimentally measured, increases with the volumetric reinforcing
percentage while, the calculated one decreases;
- the value of the crack width calculated according to [3) is conservative only at reduced
percentages of reinforcements. But it is true that the calculation relation from the mentioned guide has
been concluded for the square meshes.
Concerning the reinforced plates with square meshes, the appearance of the cracks in the
experiments has coincided, in all cases, with the failure of the units. Therefore, such elements were
considered as having unsatisfactory behavior.

Deformation of the Plates

The maximum values of deflections <f ) measured at the appearance of cracks ( ut. 0.05 ) and, at
an opening of 0.1 mm (a 001 ) are presented in Table 1. The evolution of the measure<I deflections,
at the plate reinforced wiih hexagonal meshes, is presented in Fig. 2. There may be seen that, although
the flexibility of the elemen ts is obvious, for a loading step corresponding to a a1 =0 .1 mm crack
opening the measured deflection does not exceed the l/20CJh of the span.
With the help of the deflection values, experimentally measured (f ) theze have been calculated
the values of the modulus of rigidity at short tenn bending using the relation:

Ks= 23 Mf ........ (1)

216 I
and these values are presented in Fig. 3, in accordance with the loading step (MIM :>as well as the
volumetric reinforcing percentage, (p y ).

It was noticed that the gradual decrease of the stiffness is simultaneous with the increase of
loading, especially after the cracks appeared.
The tests led to the conclusion that at loading steps below 60% from the failure load the modulus
of rigidites may be evaluated by the relation:
Ks=Eb(l-A.)Ib ........ (2)
without considering the reinforcement.
In the above, relation, E and I , are the modulus of elasticity and the modulus of inertia of the
concrete section respectively and is the plasticity factor, whose value is determined experimentally.

Failure of Plates

The values of the (M; ) ultimate bending moments experimentally measured as well as the
(M,") calculated according to the American guide [3], are presented in Table 2. Table 2 also presents
the ultimate strain in the compressed concrete ( e.) and in the extreme extended reinforcement (e0 ) .
Joumal of Fe"ocemenJ: Vol. 22, No. l, l<JlllllJTY 1992 3

Table 1
aODS ao.1 Total
P.
---1 number
Type "/ "/
Pv cf.fr-% ac
of fr-% Pr 3
of
mesh PIP f PIP el el
' ' b
" f cracks
% mm % % mm mm mm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

HEXA 1.00 0.210 0.251 1/738 1

1.00 0.200 0.249 1/685 1
GONAL
0.212 1.00 0.205 0.263 1/685 0.100 0.127 0.768 1
1.00 0.203 0.275 1/640 1
1· 1.00 0.204 0.260 1/685 0.100

1.00 0.975 1.330 1/ 369 0.180 2

0.95 0.895 1.317 1/320 0.180 0.080 0.768 2
0.424 0.681 0.950 1.285 1/480 0.150 3
0.762 0.960 1.270 1£ 480 0.260 3

1· 0.848 0.945 1.300 1/400 0.193 I

0.513 1I564 0.640 2.590 5.770 1/400 0.150 3
0.486 1 /505 0.794 2.660 5.975 1/240 0.200 0.067 0.768 5
0.634 0.545 1I331 0.727 2.600 5.900 1/ 140 0.200 4
0.555 1 /615 0.611 2.615 6.111 1/ 369 0.350 4
I· 0.525 1I486 0.693 2.616 5.939 1/287 0.225
* Mean Values
Table2
•
M,
No. M• Mc c
Pv ' ' M, Eb.- E
"
% N.mm N.mm % %

1 0.212 194.960 107944 1.806 0.200 0.240

2 0.424 250.400 238066.5 1.052 2.700 6.600
3 0.636 380.800 337205.8 1.129 3.650 15.00
4 Jownal ofFe"ocemenJ: Vol. 22, No. J, Janwuy 1992

Hexagonal mesh Squane mesh

[I ~ ii r t
I l 110
&
l 140 l 200 l 140
z
l 110 l
+---
700 mm
~' 1 1 1 1 1 1

Fig. 1. Dimension and loading of experimental members.

-3
2Px10 lN)

4 curves

3 • - 0.212 %
0 - 0.424 %
a- 0.636%
fc - Deflection at yielding
2

1/640 1/85.7 1/40

Fig. 2. Deflection of the plate reinforced with hexagonal meshes.

e -9 2
Ks· 10 (N.mm )
13
12
•
0
0.212 °/o
0.424 °/o
II D 0.636 °/o
10
9
8
7
6
I I
5 I
cl
4 ol 15
I:;:
:;:I
IC
3 ~I IE
~I 1~

2 -1 12
tj I 1-"'
I Cl I c<>
u'
0-'-~-,--~-,-~-.~-.--'~~--,.----'-.--~.--~..--~,-'-~,.-~
·~
u M

0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 I.I M~

Fig. 3. Modulus of rigidity al short tenn bending.

Journal o/Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No.1, Janwuy 1992 5

There is a good correspondence between the calculated and measured values of the bending
moments. Exceptions are the elements with low reinforcing percentage (pv =0.212% ), which, in fact,
have factured without preventing, at the same time with the appearence of the first cracks.

TEST ON FERROCEMENT BEAMS

The tested beams, six in number, had the dimensions of 100 mm x 250 mm x 3200 mm and the
reinforcement of hexagonal meshes, as it is seen in Fig. 4.
The letter F from the symbol of the beam indicates that, in preparing the microconcrete the
FLUBET admixture has been used. The presumed and perfonned microconcrete grade was Be 25.
The beams were simply supported and were tested under two concentrated loads applied on the
third of the span. The measuring device used was identical with that of the ferrocement plates.
The stages of behavior noticed while testing the beams coincide with those described by Paul B.K.
andPamaR.P.[4].

Cracking of the Beams

The values of the cracking moments, experimentally established (Mi) are presented in Table 3
comparatively with the calculated values (MJ ) admitting the calculation diagrams in Fig. 5. As an
experimental value for the cracking moment, the value corresponding to an a1 =0.05 mm crack width
has been admitted.
From the data presented in the table it results that at reinforcing percentages, P v < 0. 746%, the
best correspondence is obtained admitting a trapezoidal diagram of strains in the tensile concrete and
a factor of plasticity I. =0.7. At higher values of the reinforcing percentage, the triangular diagram
leads to the most satisfactory results.Thecracking state of the beams, after testing, is presented in Fig.6.
Table 4 gives the maximum and medium values of the crack width (ai max, ai med) measured
experimentally at different load steps, the maximum number of cracks, the medium crack spacing and
the maximum values (a; max) calculated according to the American guide [3], It should be mentioned
that although this relation of calculation was deduced for elements reinforced with square meshes,
while the experimental elements are reinforced with hexagonal meshes, yet it leads to satisfactory
results.
It may be noticed that the cracking took place at reduced load steps (0.34 ... 0.46), that the number
of crackings has rapidly increased with the load step but their width grew slowly as reported from the
researches perfonned by Jiang E.E. [5].
The cracking process is established around a load step of M!M1=0.6 further increasing the crack
width.

Deformation of Beams

The evolution of the deflections according to the load step is similar with that from Fig. 2. The
flexibility of the elements is very high, reason for which the American guide [3], recomends to take
into account in design, other criteria than the defonnations limitaiton. However, at load steps below
M!M c=0.6 the maximum values of the deflections represent 1/366- 1/255 of the span of the beams.
The modulus of rigidity at short time bending, calculated with the Eq. (1) increases with the
volumetric reinforcing percentage (p) and decreases with the load step (MIM). The drastic decrease
of the stiffness after the cracking of the elements, is obvious as shown in Fig. 3.
The numerical tests led to the conclusion that, in the uncracked stage the modulus of rigidity in
6 Jo11n1al of Fe"ocemenl: Vol. 22, No. l, Janwuy 1992

G24 G 36 G 48
GF24 GF 36 GF48
Py =0.502 °/o Py = 0.746 °/o PY= 0.995 °/o

6x4 Meshes l2x6+6x4) Meshes 8x6 Meshes

IO
100

Fig. 4. Cross section of beams.

0
.c .c

l b l
1 1 1
©
Fig. S. Stress diagram.
Journal o/Fe"ocUMnl: Vol. 22, No. I, Janwuy 1992 7

Table 3

Pv
c
Mr x 10
-6 i c -6
e
~ -6 Mr
c
I Mr
c
Mr c c -6
Mrx 10 Mrx 10 c Mrx 10 c
c
Mr Mr
% Nmm Nmm Nmm Nmm
0.502 4.100 0.740 5.540 4.015 1.021 6.148 0.667
0.746 5.000 0.820 6.('1)7 3.903 1.281 4.174 1.198
0.995 6.000 0.782 7.672 3.808 1.575 4.795 1.251

Table4

M Number A.-d ac7,,.,..,

Pv Load Step u!fmax aj_d of Cracks
M, 7

% mm mm mm mm
Mon5
0.340 M, 0.05 0.030 5 283.3

Mo.10
0.502 0.476 0.10 0.061 14 95.4 0.250
M,
Mo20
0.20 0.137 27 57.8
0.714 M,
Mon5
0.452 0.05 0.030 5 223.3
M,
Mon 0.053 30
0.746 0.638 0.12 468.0 0.249
M,
Mo20
0.851 0.20 0.105 39 465.0
M,
Mon5
0.460 0.05 0.020 10 356.0
M,
MoJo 83.1
0.520 0.10 0.300 20 0.248
M,
0.995
MoJ7
0.689 0.17 0.065 30 51.7
M,
Mo20
0.996 0.20 0.088 32 50.9
M,
8 Journal of Fe"ocemenJ: Vol. 22, No. l, Janwuy 1992

short time bending may be estimated with the Eq. (2). After the cracks appeared the modulus of
rigidity at bending may be using the calculus relation estimated from the Romanian code [6] for the
reinforced concrete elements.

Failure of the Beams

The values of the bending moments at failure measured experimentally (M; ) are given in
Table 5 in accordance with the volumetric reinforcing percentage (pv ). In the same table, for
comparison are presented values of bending moments at failure, calculated (M/ ):
- after the procedure proposed by Mansur and Paramasivan [7] for elements of ferrocement;
-according to the procedure in the Romanian code of design [6] for reinforced concrete elements,
that supposes a rectangular stress block in compression concrete and a stress in the reinforcements
distributed on the tension zone proportional with the distance to the neutral axis.
It is obvious that the two calculation procedures lead to close results in between and in a
satisfactory concordance with the experimental data.

Table 5

M< x J0· 6
' Col2 Col 2
Pv M• x J0· 6 £ b,u
' [ 7] Col 3 Col4
[ 6]

% Nmm Nmm Nmm %

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
0.502 10.50 7.583 7.510 1.384 1.398 4.05

0.746 11.75 10.614 10.55 1.107 1.113 3.95

0.995 14.25 13.437 13.41 1.060 1.063 3.05

CONCLUSIONS

The achieved tests have led to the following conclusions:

a. The ferrocement elements of plate and beam types tested have a good behavior under working load
due to the fact that the width of cracks appears to be very small than in the reinforced concrete.
Consequently, the impermeability, stiffness and durability of the ferrocement elements is much
improved.
b. The good behavior at failure regarding the aspect of ductility and ultimate moment of the elements
shows the capability of using efficiently the ferrocement in the country.
Jo11TNJl ofFe"ocemenJ: Vol. 22, No. l, Janwuy 1992 9

REFERENCES

I. Pama, R.P. 1990. Research on ferrocement- Global perspective. Journal ofFerrocement 20

(4): 385-410.
2. Onet, T.; Vescan, V; and Szigeti, L. 1991. Achievements and expectations regarding the use
of ferrocement in structures (in Romanian). Constructii, or. 2-3.
3. American Concrete Institute. 1989. Guide for the Design Construction and Repair ofFerro-
cement. ACI 549. 1-88. Detroit: American Concrete Institute.
4. Paul, B.K., and Pama, R.P. 1978. Ferrocement. Bangkok: International Ferrocement In-
formation Center.
5. Jiang, E.D. 1985. Cracking and deformation behaviour of T-beam with tensile ferrocement
flange. Journal of Ferrocement 15(2): 105-116.
6. Stas 10107/0-89. 1989. Civil and Industrial Buildings. Designs of Plain, Reinforced and
Prestressed Concrete Member (in Romanian).
7. Mansur, M.A., and Paramasivan, P. 1986. Cracking behaviour and ultimate strength of
ferrocement in flexure. Journal of Ferrocement 16(4): 405-416.
J""""1l <f Fe"ocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, J011uary 1992 11

Deflection Evaluation of Ferrocement Plates in Bending+

A.W. Ballarln* and J.B. de Hanal**

This paper presents some considerations about deflection evaluation of fe"ocement plates in
bending, when using large opening welded wire meshes.Flexion tests were made on forty specimens,
with thickness of 15 mm to 35 mm and steel ratio of 100 kglm' to 250 kglm' ofmortar. Square meshes
(50 mm x 50 mm) and rectangular meshes (25 mm x 50 mm) with wire diameter of2 5 m (/Jk. =600 MP a)
were used.
Experimental plate deflections were compared with several theoretical formulations, mainly
related to conventional reinforced concrete andfe"ocement standards.

INTRODUCTION

Industrialized ferrocement applications in Brazil have been accomplished with an extensive use
of large opening welded wire meshes [1,2,3].Due to this, ferrocement general fonnulations have not
adequately responded to all of the mechanical property prediction needs [3].Therefore, to provide a
more rational basis for design, an extensive series of tests has been made to evaluate ferrocement
mechanical properties when using several mesh types with larger openings than the usual ones.
This paper presents a part of this work, mainly related to large opening welded wire meshes,
discussing the deflection evaluation of ferrocement plates in bending, by means of theoretical and
experimental result comparisons.

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM

Ferrocement flexural specimens - here called plates - were 1000 mm long and 210 mm wide.
The plates had a variable thickness, according to the reinforcement arrangement for each series.
Square openings (50 mm x 50 mm) and rectangular openings (25 mm x 50 mm) welded wire mesh
reinforcement were used. The wires were 2.5 mm diameter and the nominal yielding tensile strength
was600MPa.
The mortar consisted of ordinary portland cement, confonning to NBR 5732 [4], river sand and
water, with a 0.40 water-cement ratio and a 2.0 sand-cement ratio, by weight.
Forty specimens gathered in five groups with distinct reinforcement arrangement were tested
(Fig. 1). In each group two series - square and rectangular openings reinforcement - were perfonned
with four specimens in each series (Table 1).
Flexion tests were made in a specially designed testing frame. A two point loading system with
900 mm span was used, and so a 300 mm constant moment zone was obtained (Fig. 2). Plates were
loaded until failure.
Deflection measurement was made with Mitutoyo mechanical gauges with 0.01 mm sensibility
and 50 mm range. Deflection higher than 50 mm was evaluated with standard scale.

+Reprinted from the Proceedings of the Founh Intematiooal Symposium in Fenocement (22-25 October 1991) Havana,
Cuba, by permission of the publisher.
* Aniltant Professor 111d **Associate Professor, Univenity of S. Paulo at S. Carlos, Bolllcatu, S. Carl<>1, Brazil
 12 .Jo11rnal o/Fe"ocetrVnt: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992

(I) (II-a) (II-b II-cl (ill)

layer I
' layer 3
layer 2 layer 4

o0 ~~ N

"'
N

I· I • I ·I J 25 mm
·1,;;~m ~
• I

. .. I
.
I I I I
·jl2.5mm
or
25mm *
I 9 9 9 9
o o oo o "I ·j25mm
or
50mm
~
~
~
•
12.5mm

j 25mm
or

Fig. I. Reinforcement arrangements

Experimental mortar modulus of elasticity was evaluated in cylindrical samples of 50 mm mm

length using electric strain gages.
Experimental plate deflections were compared with theoretical fonnulation proposed by strength
of materials theory. In this considerations, several theoretical values of I (moment of inertia) were
used according to the referred test stage (P < P, or P> P,, where P, is the cracking load).
Likewise, several theoretical and experimental values of E (modulus of elasticity) were adopted.

1EST RES ULTS AND ANALYSIS

Load-deflection experimental diagrams obtained from tests are showed in Fig. 3. Each diagram
results from four samples on average.

Table 1 Characteristics of the Specimens

Characteristics Steel
Group Mesh opening Thickness Series
(mm) (%) A.i (mm-1) A.i 1(mm1) ratio
Square FIQ15 0.78 0.0249 0.0124 109
I 15
Rectangular FIR15 1.40 0.0336 0.0224 158
Square FIIQ17.5 1.20 0.0334 0.0192 177
II-a 17.5
Rectangular FIIR17.5 2.27 0.0545 0.0363 260
Square FIIQ25 0.93 0.0299 0.0149 131
11-b 25
Rectangular FIIR25 1.68 0.0404 0.0269 190
Square FIIQ30 0.78 0.0249 0.0124 109
11-c Rectangular 30 FIIR30 1.40 0.0336 0.0224 158
Square FIIIQ35 1.20 0.0384 0.0192 177
III Rectangular 35
FIIIR35 2.27 0.0545 0.0363 260
Jowntal of Femx:e-111: Vol. 22, No. 1, iOllWJry 1992 13

t P/2 iP/2
.A.. :A_
300 300 300

900mm
3
23P1
y = 1296EI
EI I

450 450
900mm

Fig. 2. Two point loading flexion test.

Theoretical central deflection for two point loading flexion test (Fig. 2) can be calculated by:
3
23pl ........ (1)
y -1296E/
where,
P = acting load;
I = plate span;
E = modulus of elasticity;
I = moment of inertia.

According to the test stage, theoretical deflections may be calculated with:

3 IO

9 FIII R35
FIIQ25
2.5
FllR 17.5 8
7
2
...z ~6
z
..., 1.5 ~5
0
0
...,
..J g4
..J
3
2
0.5

0-+-~~---.-~-.--~~---.-~--.--~~-t

o ~ w ~ ~ ~ oo ro oo 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Deflection (mm) Deflection (mm)

Fig. 3. Load-deflection experimental diagrams.

 14 Jo11rNJJ of Fe"ocerMnl: Vol. 22, No. I, JQJlwuy 1992

I= 11 =moment of inertia referred to non-cracked section, when P < P,

I = I 2 = moment of inertia of cracked section, when P > P,
I = 12 =moment of inertia of cracked section, when P '::} P,

Furthermore, when P ~ P, , Branson's [5,6] equation can be utilized in order to take into account
the variable rigidity of the plates :

........ {I)

where,
11 = moment of inertia, non-cracked section;
12 = moment of inertia, cracked section;
M = acting moment;
M, = cracking moment.

Brazilian Ferrocement Codes [7] have suggested the theoretical formulation of equation (2) for
deflection evaluation.
The modulus of elasticity to be adopted in Eq. l should be selected from five distinct values, as
showed:

E1 = E = tangent experimental modulus of elasticity

(obtained from 50 mm x 100 mm cylindrical samples);
E2 = 0.85 E =secant experimental modulus of elasticity<+>;
E3 = 6600. f]cd , conforming to Brazilian Concrete Codes [8], where/a1 is the design
strength of concrete;
E" = 0.80 (6600. Yfa1 ) (++)
E5 = 0.85 . 0.80 (6600 . YJa1 ).

Table No. 2 shows experimental/theoretical deflection relationships. Experimental deflection

values were obtained from Fig. 3. Theoretical deflection values were obtained from Eq. 1 with defined
values of moment of inertia (according to test stage) and modulus of elasticity.
From Table 2 one can say that experimental I theoretical relationships with I = 13 (Eq. 2) did not
show good results. Studying these data and others not exposed here, it was noted that Eq. 2 gives good
values of moment of inertia only to test stages surrounding the cracking load (P, ~ P < 1.8 P, ). In
the majority of these tests P. = 4.0 P, .
Table 2 shows that E 1 andE4 (tangent modulus of elasticity) when combined to/1 in Eq. 1 give
a good deflection prevision in non-cracked test stages (experimental/theoretical relationships of 1.05).
Likewise, it can be seen that good results are achieved when using E 2 and E 5 combined to 12 , in
cracked test stages (experimental/theoretical relationships of 1.00 and 1.01).
Modulus of elasticity E3 - obtained from Brazilian Concrete Codes [8] - in Eq. 1 suggested lower
theoretical deflection values.

(+)The factor 0.85 utiliz.ed to oblain secant modulus of elasticity, is an assumption of the Brazilian Fe"ocerMnl Codes [7).
(++)The factor 0.80 is a suggestion of Brazilian Fe"ocerMnJ Codes [7) to obtain ferrocement modulus of elasticity from
concrete modulus of elasticity.
JOIU7tlll <f F1"oc1-111: Vol. 22, No. J, /OlllllJTY 1992 15

Table 2 Experimental I Theoretical Deflection Relationships

Series

FIQ15 1.03 1.05 2.70 0.87 0.89 2.30 1.30 1.33 3.42 1.04 1.06 2.73 0.88 0.90 2.32
FIR15 0.87 1.24 1.59 0.74 1.05 1.35 1.07 1.53 1.96 0.86 1.22 1.57 0.73 1.04 1.33
FIIQ17.5 0.36 1.17 1.79 0.73 0.99 1.52 1.25 1.69 2.60 1.00 1.35 2.08 0.85 1.15 1.76
FIIR17.5 0.91 1.57 1.76 0.77 1.33 1.50 1.17 2.02 2.27 0.94 1.61 1.82 0.80 1.37 1.54
FIIQ25 1.07 1.10 2.15 0.91 0.94 1.03 1.31 1.36 2.64 1.05 1.00 2.11 0.89 0.92 1.80
FIIR25 1.12 1.04 1.31 0.95 0.88 1.11 1.38 1.28 1.61 1.11 1.03 1.29 0.94 0.87 1.10
FIIQ30 1.11 1.01 1.79 0.94 0.86 1.52 1.30 1.10 2.10 1.04 0.95 1.68 0.88 0.80 1.43
FIIR30 0.96 0.95 1.12 0.81 0.81 0.96 1.12 1.19 1.41 0.96 0.95 1.12 0.81 0.81 0.95
FIIIQ35 1.59 1.43 1.80 1.35 1.22 1.53 1.87 1.69 2.12 1.49 1.35 1.69 1.27 1.14 1.44
FIIIR35 0.95 1.22 1.30 0.81 1.04 1.11 1.28 1.64 1.75 1.02 1.31 1.40 0.87 1.12 1.99

x 1.05 1.18 1.73 0.89 1.00 1.47 1.31 1.49 2.19 1.05 1.19 1.75 0.89 1.01 1.49
s 0.21 0.20 0.46 0.18 0.17 0.39 0.22 0.40 0.59 0.17 0.21 0.47 0.15 0.18 0.40

CONCLUSIONS

From this test program, for ferrocement plates with large opening welded wire meshes, the results
are:

a. Theoretical formulation proposed by strength of materials theory can be applied on deflection

evaluation of ferrocement plates in bending;
b. In deflection theoretical formulation, plate rigidity can be utilized as the product of:
- tangent modulus of elasticity (either experimental or theoretical value) and non-cracked moment
of inertia, for non- cracked behavior stage analysis;
- secant modulus of elasticity (either experimental or theoretical value) and cracked moment of
inertia, for cracked behavior stage analysis;
c. Ferrocement theoretical modulus of elasticity can be obtained from concrete's theory using a
reduction factor - in this work, the adopted factor was 0.80;
d. Branson's moment of inertia give good results in plate defection analysis only at the stages
surrounding the cracking load.

ACKNOWLEOOEMENT

This research was financially supported by F APESP - Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado
de Sao Paulo. The authors gratefully acknowledge this valuable help.
 16 Jo11Tnal o/Fe"ocement: Vol. 22, No. l, January 1992

REFERENCES

I. Hanai, J.B. and Debs, M.K. 1991. 30 years of reinforced mortar experiences in Brazil. In the
Proceeding of the Fourth International Symposium on Ferrocement. Havana: UNAICC.
2. Hanai,J.B.1987. ArgamassaArmada: FundamentosTecnologicos paraProjectoeExecucao
(Ferrocement Design andConstruction). Sao Carlos. Associate Professor Thesis, University
of S. Pauls at S. Carlos.
3. Ballarin, A.W. and Hanai, J.B. 1988. Mechanical properties of ferrocement reinforced with
large openings welded wire meshes. In the Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium
of Ferrocement. 29-36. Roorkee: University of Roorkee.
4. Associacao Brasileira de Normas Technicas (ABNl). 1988. Cimento Portland Comum; NBR
5732. Rio de Janeiro: Associacao Brasileira de Normas Tecnicas.
5. Branson, D.E. 1965. Design procedures for computing deflections. Proceedings of the Ameri-
can Concrete Institute 65 (9): 730-40.
6. Branson, D.E. 1966. Design of reinforced concrete flexural members.Proceedings of the
American Concrete Institute 63 (6) : 673-74.
7. Associacao Brasileira de Normas Tecnicas (ABNl) 1978. Projeto Execucao de Obras de
Concreto Armado; NBR 6118. Rio de Janeiro: Associacao Brasilira de Normas Tecnicas.
Jowrnal of Femx:e~nl: Vol. 22, No. J, ]Qllwary 1992 17

Mathematical Mode of Determination of Critical Cracking

Force at Tension Zone of Ferrocement
R. Walkus* and R. Gackowskl*

Generally, it has been established that during setting and hardening time of concrete the
microcracks in the reinforced concrete-matrix composites have been formed, as a result of contact
stresses on the contact surfaces "binder-aggregate" and as shrinkage effect and technological
treatment. Cracks of this type are known in the literature as "structural microcracks". Exposing
specimen of ferrocement to the action of axial tension it has been established that the structural
microcracks have their direction being perpendicular to the tensile force and broadening themselves
with the increase of the applied load.

EFFECT OF AXIAL TENSION ON FERROCEMENT BEHAVIOR

In the sixties of the20th century the problem of defonnability of reinforced concrete has emerged
as a result of many experimental tests. Some of the researchers that have been dealing with this
problem have different opinions in the matter of ferrocement extension at the moment of cracking.
Ciakreli G.D. [2] maintained that at the moment of cracking the cracks of the order e1 = 0.7 + 1.2%
exist; Lysenko E.F. [3] assumed that the first crack appears with the longitudinal stram of the order
e = 0.1 + 0.2 % saying that the size of the cracks does not differ from the cracks in concrete.

At a certain stage of ferrocement specimen operation the cracks called "operational microcracks",
[5] are developed.

In Fig. 1 the ideographic process of ferrocement tension, reinforced concrete and concrete [4] are
shown, and also shown is the successive growing and development of the fonned "operational
microcracks". One may observe that the prolonged phase of the microcracks in which the cooperation
of microreinforcement with the matrix is noted, constitutes the specific feature of the ferrocement.
Stresses and defonnation of material in this phase are dependent upon microcracks development

Behavior of ferrocement being axially stretched has been shown in Fig. 2[4].

ANALYSIS OF CRACKING AS A FUNCTION OF LOAD

Ferrocement specimens of the strip type have been analysed with axial tension. Distribution of
the internal forces and stresses existing in every node of the net have been shown in Figs. 3 and4[1].
The aim of this work is to detennine the critical tensile force which is causing the first microcrack. The
authors have assumed that at the point of contact "matrix microreinforcement" the adherence stresses,
t'P have been fonned as a result of axial tensile of the ferrocement specimen. This results in a kind
of cooperation between microreinforcement and the matrix.

+Reprinted with changes from the Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Ferrocement (22-25 October 1991 ),
Havana, Cuba, by permission of the publisher.
*Civil Engineering Department, Technical University of Czestochowa, Poland
18 Jo11Tnal of Fe"ocerMnl: Vol. 22, No. l, Jan.lllJT] 1992

Cl[MP J
II Ill

I a lb Ila II b Ill
5.0 f-~'-----,j<--,1''--------,f'----------='"""'
4.3 -+-=-7=-F--'-+-----:---
a <20 um
3. 6 --1---,='=:--::T-~
3.3-+-"~~ 20 (a ~50 um
2.7 50(a~IOO um
a)IOO um

Fig.2. Behavior of ferrocemenl in axial tension.

 JOllTNJI ef FemxerMfll: Vol. 22, No. l, J011uary 1992 19

' ',
' '
'-...., /
N-cos cp

~~,..__ .~~----"""= ;~_____,,~;<----::.,......___ ~r-----==--_,1-"..._+---!

'r"":

I
://///i///////////// // (1(/((/((/ ( /( (/((/(1(((/4
l 5x l 5x L
1 1 1
Fig.3. Disuibution of internal forces in axial tensim.

V{ 12
1
~12
y
N lO:)
CTx N
N
lClxl

..
-
-
~

z
>-
~

>-
)(
ID

t x
l
1
l
1 \

Fig. 4. Stresses existing in every node of the net.

20 Jownolo/Fe"oce~nl: Vol.22, No.l, Januaryl992

As the tensile force increases, the stresses -r approaches the critical value. At this value, loss of
bond between the microreinforcement and matrfx occurs. The longitudinal wires of the net are then
stretched, resulting in their gradual straightening (Fig.3) in the direction of the tensile force.
Straightening effects the cross-wire of the net on the casing, generating an increase of the compressive
stresses on the contact surface between the cross-reinforcement and the casing. It should be noted that
in the lateral direction, the net wires have been waved more and more and thus the self-tensionning
phenomenon in this direction is taking place. After exceeding the concrete strength on the local com-
pression, cracking of the specimen occurred. Value of the applied external load, at the moment of
crack, may be treated as the critical force, N 17 • The magnitude of N 17 depends on the thickness of
casing and concrete strength on compression at the contact points.

The unit elongation of the wire resulting from its complete straightening may be determined
approximately from the geometrical relationship (Fig. 3):

........ (1)

where:

!., = is deflection of the axis of longitudinal net wire,

S" =is the size of the net mesh (assuming the square dimension of net ( S" = s,)

To ascertain what is the effect of the angle rp, contained between longitudinal wire of the net and
direction of the force operation, on the value of N17 - the adherence analysis of the fiber group to the
matrix has been carried out.

Assuming that P. is the force, which is causing the separation of the fibers from the matrix (loss
of bond), the nominal bond should be calculated as the quotient between component of the pulling
force P. on the fiber axis, and contact surface of the fiber with the matrix:

P ,.cos<P
'l',.=---- ........ (2)
nwtrd lw

under assumption of the uniform force distribution on all fibers (longitudinal wires of the net).
where

d = diameter of the longitudinal wire of net,

l., =the length of the longitudinal wire of net,
n., = number of wires in the cross-section of the specimen.

rv
Length of the longitudinal wire can be calculated according to the formula:

1. = 1+(~)'dx ........ (3)

:u
Jovrnai of Fe"ocetMnl: Vol. 22, No. 1, ]Qllllllry 1992 21

As the longitudinal wires of the net have the parabolic shape (Fig.5) of the equation:
4d 2 ........ (4)
y =-2X
s,.
thus
s.
lw=f
-~
2
2 I+!(~~ xf dx = J/,J l+(~~)'f
2
dx

Substituting
2 2
_64.d
0 - 2 ........ (5)
s,.

we can obtain

s,.+{ri"+1
2 4 2
0
lw =0-1-.n
20
2
s,. +
2 ~
rs::;-
4T7
After some transformations

2
I,., =~.In V16d+S,. +2d
........ (6)
64 d 1/I6d+S,.-2d

Taking into account the length of the net wire I , on which the force N. N. cos t/J is acting in
the wire axis, all the variable have been made depend"ent upon coordinates along the axis of the wire.
 22 Jol/TMJ of Furocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, Janwuy 1992

It was assumed that skeleton of the net is undefonnable in the direction bein~ perpendicular to its
axis. Poisson's ratio has been assumed equal to rero (v =0). Between the maanx and the wire exist
only the action of the tangential forces but after loosing the contact, there is no interaction. Also, linear
relation between 1'11 on the wire surface and displacement u (x ) of the wire in x-axis direction has
been assumed:

-r11 ( x ) = -k. u (x ) ........ (7)

where k =adherence (bond) parameter.

Loss of the adherence on the contact wire - matrix is taking place after reaching the critical value
of the wire displacement u (x ) =u,,.

Taking into account the equilibrium state of the wire section of the length dx (Fig. 6) it has been
obtained
N
u. =- ........ (8)
" F

where F = cross-sectional area of the single wire of skeleton

The equation of equilibrium is as follows:

........ (9)

where S = circumference of the wire equal to tr d,

d = diameter of the wire
Axial defonnation du of the wire is equal to:
dx

duW=~
........ (IO)
dx Ea
Making use of the Eqs. (7) and (9) one can obtain:
2
du (x) '--)
F.Ea.--dx
2
+k u S dx =0 "° ........ (11)
dx A [E.;F
Introducing the parameter mo= 'V -fs
differential equation has been obtained:
2
au (x) _ u (x) =O
........ (12)
ai mo
2

Solution of the Eq. (12) is in the form:

u (x) =C 1 .e (-*) +C2.e (-*) . - ...... (13)

J011TNJ1 <f Femx:etMnl: Vol. 22, No. l, J011uary 1992 23

Fig.5. Stresses in the loogitudinal wires of the neL

I
I

~-
tn I -----

l1 dx
1
l
Fig.6. A wire section of length tb: in a state of equilibrium.
24 JollnflJl of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. J, Janw:uy 1992

Intergration constants have been derived after using the boundary conditions:

For x =0 <1 (x) =<1,.

For x =1.,12 CJ (x) =0

After differentiation of the Eq. ( 13) one may obtain:

<1 (x ) =<1 --;:.. E,.. du (x) =CJ,.

" dx
x =0

--;:..

<1 (x) =0 --;:..

- C 2-e
( ~J +
C _ u,. . m0
2---
( I.,~
m
E,.

Finally,
JOWTNJI cf Fe"oce~fll: Vol. 22, No. l, J011uary 1992 25

C - a,.. CiJo
........ (14)

E:~l-e (~]
2

The equation of displacement is in the form:

M {x) =.,, _.,

IT,.-.AL• ( ~J e (· ~ IT '•l-e
+---"11-·-v
__ o>J_ (~\ ........ (15)

E.[1-e (~J] E.[1-e (~]

Stress distribution in the skeleton wires, with consideration of the Eq. (10), is the following

........ (16)

Finally,

........ (17)

Eqs. (16) and (17) allow one to detennine the stress distribution in the skeleton and the adherence
stresses. Value of the coefficient k has been detennined on the grounds of the experimental te~ts. The
critical force, which is causing separation of skeleton and matrix, has been calculated accoridng to the
equation:

4 r.Jd
I +exp ( 2/w
E 0 .d -u
( J

where,

U 0 = U" --;>< U
_a,. .a)o [1 + e {~J]
o--E-·~
..
a -
x =0 (I)
1-e
 26 Jo11rl'llll of Fe"oce~nl: Vol. 22, No. 1, Janwuy 1992

REFERENCES

I. Walkus,B.R.,andMucha,M.19??. Theeffectofthe undersurfacelayerofreinforcementon

cracking of ferrocement

2. Ciskreli, C.D. 1962. K. rascziobJ procznosti sieczenija armocement nych konstrukcju. Beton
i z.elazobeton.

3. Lysenko, E.F. 1974. Annocementnyje Konstrukcji. Izdat Wyzsza Szkola Kijew.

4. Walkus,B.R.1965. AnalysisoftheStructureandMechanicalPropertiesofFerrocement Ph.D

Thesis. Technical University of Warsaw, Poland.

5. Mackiewicz, A. 1981. Effect of Long-Lasting Loads on Ferrocement Behaviour while

Tension. Doctor's Thesis, Warsaw, Poland.
JowMlofFe"ocemefll: Vol.22, No.I, }Q1111QT]/992 27

Durability of Polymer-Ferrocement +

Y. Ohama* and A. Shirai**

This paper discusses the durability of polymer{errocemenl in comparison with conventional

ferrocement. The polymer{errocement, using a styrene-butadiene rubber latex, are prepared with
various polymer-cement-ratios, and tested/or accelerated carbonation, chloride ion penetration and
accelerated corrosion. It is concludedfrom the test results that the carbonation resistance, chloride
ion penetration resistance and corrosion-inhibiting property of the polymer{errocement are re-
marlcably improved with increase in polymer-cement ratio.

INTRODUCTION

Ferrocement is popularly used in many applications such as boats, marine structures, roofings and
water tanks. For some special applications requiring superior properties, it is not advisable to use the
ferrocement because of its limited durability.
In this paper, polymer-ferrocement using a styrene-butadiene rubber latex were prepared with
various polymer-cement ratios, and tested for accelerated carbonation, chloride ion penetration and
accelerated corrosion. From the test results, the carbonation resistance, chloride ion penetration
resistance and corrosion-inhibiting property of the polymer-ferrocements which are important
requirements for their practical applications are discussed.

MATERIALS

Cement and Fine Aggregate

Ordinary portland cement and river sand with a size of 1.2 mm or finer were used for all the mixes.
Polymer Dispersion
A styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex was used as a polymer dispersion. Its basic properties
are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Properties of Polymer Dispersion.

Type of polymer Specific gravity pH Viscosity Toatal solids

dispersion (200C) (200C) (200C, cP) (%)

SBR 1.020 9.7 64 45.0

• Reprinted with changes from Proceedings of the Fourth lntematiooal Symposium on Fenocement (22-25 October 1991),
Havana, Cuba by pennission of the publisher.
' Prdessor, Department of Architecture, College d Engineering, Nihon Univenity, Koriyama, Fakushima-ken, 963 Japan.
"Instructor, Department d Hwsing and Planning, Faculty of Home Ecooomics, Tokyo Kasei Gakuin Univenity, Machida,
194-02 Japan.
 28 Jo111711Jl o/Fe"ocemenJ: Vol. 22, No. l, January 1992

Reinforcements
The reinforcements used were the combinations of the welded wire fabrics formed from wires of
2.6 mm in diameter and the crimped wire cloths formed from wires of 1.5 mm in diameter, specified
in JIS A 3551 (Welded Steel Wire Fabric) and JIS A 3553 (Crimped Wire Cloth), respectively. The
reinforcements consist of one layer of the welded wire fabrics and two layers of the crimped wire
cloths, and the details of the reinforcements are illustrated in Fig. 1.

JESTING PROCEDURES

Preparation of Specimens
Polymer-modified mortars were prepared with the mix proportions given in Table 2 according to
JIS A 1171 (Method of Making Test Sample of Polymer-Modified Mortar in the Laboratory).
Ferrocement specimens 20 mm x 250 mm x 250 mm were molded, and then subjected to a 2-day-
2<1' C-80% R.H.-moist, 5-day-2<1' C-water plus 21-day-2CJ'C -50% R.H.-dry cure.

Acceleratecd Carbonation Test

Specimens were place in a non-pressurizing carbonation test chamber for 7, 14, 21, 28, 56, 91,
182 and 365 days, in which temperature, humidity and C02 gas concentration were controlled to be
3CJ' C, 00% R.H. and 5.0% respectively. After accelerated carbonation, the specimens were split at
the desired immersion periods, and the split cross-sections were sprayed with 1 % phenolphthalein
alcoholic solution. The depth of the rim of each cross- section without color change was measured
by using slide calipers as a carbonation depth as shown in Fig. 2.

Chloride Ion Penetration Test

Specimens were immersed in 2.5 % NaCl Solutionat2CJ'C for7, 14,21, 28, 56, 91, 182and 365
days for chloride ion penetration. After immersion, the specimens were split at the desired immersion
periods, and the split cross-sections were sprayed with 0.1 % sodium fluorescein and 0.1 N silver

Crimped

I I • • • ft • •
•
. . J
• 0
Cover : 4.4 mm
, I I I I I• u
Cover : 4.4 mm

Volume percentage of
reinforcement : 2.84 vol 0 /o

Fig. 1. Combination of reinforcements.

JOIU7UJJ of FerrocetMnJ: Vol. 22, No. /, lanllllTJ 1992 29

nitrate solutions as prescribed UNI 7928 (Concrete-Determination of the Jon Chloride Penetration).
The depth of the rim of each cross-section changed to white color was measured by using slide calipers
as chloride ion penetration depth as shown in Fig. 2.

Accelerated Corrosion Test

Specimens were tested for accelerated corrosion in two steps including pretreatment and
corrosion test.

Table 2. Mix Proportions of Polymer Modified Mortars

Cement : sand Polymer-cement ratio Water-cement ratio How

(By weight) (%) (%)

0 59.5 Hi6

1: 3 10 38.5 170

20 32.0 167

Pretreatment
For carbonation, the specimens were placed in a sealed vessel, evacuated to 1 mm Hg or less at
ambient temperature for 1 hour, and then exposed to pressurired co2 gas under a pressure of
10kgf/cm2 (0.981 MPa) for 72 hours. The carbonated specimens were dried in an oven at 300 C for
168 hours. After drying, the specimens were evacuated to 1 mmHg or less for 1 hour, and then
impregnated with 2.5 % NaCl solution under a pressure of 10 kgf/cm 2 (0.981 MPa) for 3 hours in the
vessel for chloride ion penetration.

Carbonation or Uncarbonated or
chloride ion unpenetrated
penetration

A, B, C, D, E, F : Measured for carbonation or

chloride ion penetration
depth, and averaged

Fig. 2. Cross-section of specimen after accelemed carbonation or chloride ion penetration test
 30 Journal of Fe"ocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, Janwary 1992

Corrosion Test
After pretreatment, the specimens were subjected to accelerated corrosion of 1,3 and 5 cycles by
the following method: Heating of the specimens wrapped in polyethylene sheets at 80 °C for 24 hours;
Heating of the unwrapped specimens at 30° C for 24 hours Immersion of the unwrapped specimens
in 2.5 % NaO solution at 2C1' C for 24 hours. After accelerated corrosion test, the specimens were split
longitudinally, and the embedded reinforcements were removed. The corroded area of the surfaces
of the reinforcements was measured as a percentage of the number of corroded intersection points in
the reinforcements to the number of all intersection points in the reinforcements.

TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Fig. 3 shows the relation between the exposed period and carbonation depth of the polymer-
ferrocements exposed to air with a col gas concentratioin of 5.0% at 30° C and 60 % R.H. for 1 year.
The carbonation depth of the polymer-ferrocement increases with additional exposure period.
Particularly, the carbonation depth of the ferrocement with a polymer-cement ratio of 0 % increases
sharply, and attains to 10 mm at an exposure period of 63 days, but that of the polymer-ferrocement
with a polymer-cement ratio of 10% attains to 10 mm at an exposure period of 270 days. In addition,
the carbonation depth of the polymer-ferrocement with a poly-cement ratio of 20 % is about 2.6 mm
at an exposure period of 1 year. This can be explained by an excellent effect of inhibiting col gas
diffusion in the polymer-ferrocement because of the filling of pores with the polymer. The carbonation
depth of the polymer-ferrocement is affected to a great extent by factors such as exposure period,

0 Polymer - cement
10 datiol%)

E 7
E
..c 6
a.a>
"O 5
c
-~ 4
cc
0
...
..Q 3
20
c
(.)
2

0 7 21 56 91 182 365
14 28
Exposure period l d)

Fig. 3. Exposure period vs. carbonation depth of polymer-ferrocement exposed to air with C0 2 gas concentration of 5.0%
at 30" C and 60 % R. H.
JoUTNJJ of Femxemenl: Vol. 22, No. J, JQlluary 1992 31

polymer-cement ratio and water-cement ratio. The carbonation depth of the polymer-ferrocement can
generally be expressed as a function of these factors by the following equation:

DC02 = 15.1(1-P/C ) (WIC)T' 14 - 4.38

where DCO2 is the carbonation depth of the polymer-ferrocements,T is the exposure period,
PIC is the polymer-cement ratio, and WIC is the water-cement ratio. This relationship empirically
obtained is shown in Fig.4. Consequently, the prediction of the carbonation depth
polymer- ferrocements is found to be possible by applying the above empirical equation.

Polymer-
10 cement Sign
ratio ( 0/o)
9 0 0 ,,
8 10 t> ,.,,q,0
E
E 7
20
• '\fl.
~
I
~-

~
N
0 6
(.)
0 ~
~
.c
a.
- 5 :-._v
,Q.
CD
"C
c:
4
,,"
0
.....
f<)"
•
-
0
0
c:
0
.c
3

2
<>vo
~ •
...
0
(.) 1 Coefficient of
correlation

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
I
( 1-P/CHW/Cl T Y4

Fig. 4. Predic1ioo of carbonatioo depth of polymer-ferrocemenL

Fig. 5 illustrates the relation between the immersion period and chloride ion penetration depth of
the polymer-ferrocement immersed in 2.5 % NaCl solution for one year. The chloride ion penetration
depth of the polymer-ferrocement increases with an increase in the immersion period. In particular,
the chloride ion penetration depth of the ferrocement with a polymer-cement ratio of 0 % increases
markedly, and attains to 10 mm at an immersion period of 14 days. On the other hand, the chloride
ion penetration depth of the polymer-ferrocement with polymer-cement ratios of 10% and 20% attains
to 10 mm at immersion periods of 36 and 70 days, respectively. However, the corrosion of reinforce-
ments in the polymer-ferrocement is not recognired at an immersion period of one year. It is
considered to intercept the chloride ion penetration into the surfaces of the reinforcements because the
surfaces of the reinforcements are covered with polymer films. The chloride ion penetration depth of
the polymer-ferrocement is affected to a great extent by factors such as the immersion period,
32 Jownal of Fe"ocem£nt: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992

Polymer - cement ratio (%)

0 10 20
10

9
E
E
8
.s::
Ci.
7
""O"'
c
.!:? 6
~
~ 5
c
"'c
Cl.

.!:?

"'
:'!:?
~ 2
.s::
u

0 7 21 56 91 182 365
14 -28

Immersion period (d)

Fig. 5. Immersion period vs. chloride ion penetration, depth of polymer-ferrocement immersed in 2.5% NaO solution.

II
;;;-
0)
10 ,,o·
~
9 0
E
E
8
.slo..... !""
I
Ou CJ'
7 l
-•
.s::.

-0
Q.
6
~
fl-
~
f'C>
Polymer-
c

--•...
.e
c
5 "'
Cb •
,,.....
Cement
Ratio l%)
Sign

I
c
4
Q~
0 0
• 10 ()

•
Q.

c 3 20
0

•
-0
2 1 : Coefficint of
...
..e
.s::.
(.)
• correlation

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8

114
ll-P/C) W/C T

Fig. 6. Prediction of chloride ion penetration depth of polymer-ferrocernenL

Jowrnal of Femx:e~nJ: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992 33

polymer-cement ratio and water-cement ratio. The chloride ion penetration depth of the polymer-
ferrocement can generally be expressed as a function of these factors by the following equation :

DC/= 18.3( 1-PIC)(WIC)T"" - 2.0

Where DC/ is the chloride ion penetration depth of the polymer-ferrocement and Tis the immersion
period. This relationship emperically obtained is shown in Fig. 6. Accordingly, the prediction of the
carbonation depth of the polymer-ferrocement is found to be possible by applying the above emperical
equation.
Fig. 7 indicates the relation between the corrosion rate of reinforcements and the number of
wetting and drying cycles of the polymer-ferrocements subjected to accelerated corrosion. The
surfaces of reinforcement in the ferrocement with a polymer-cement ratio of 0% were already
corroded after pretreatment, and the corrosion rate of the ferrocement increases wih increasing number
of wetting and drying cycles. The surfaces of the reinforcements in the polymer-ferrocement with a
polymer-cement ratio of 10% are first corroded at a number of wetting and drying cycles of 3. The
surfaces of the reinforcements in the polymer-ferrocement with a polymer-cement ratio of 20% are
not corroded at a number of wetting and drying cycles of 5, and pol ymer-ferrocement has an excellent
corrosion-inhibiting property.

100 Crimped wire cloth Welded wire fabric

90
-o:::
o_
0 80
Polymer -
70 Polymer - cement
Q) -
- c:
~ Q) 60 cement ratio ( 0 /o)
c: E ratio ( 0 /o)
0 CD 50
·I/)

.....
..... c:
o·-
u~
-
- 0.....
0 0 40
30
20
10

0 2 3
Number of wetting and
4 5 •0
Number of wetting and
4 5

drying cycle drying cycle

Fig. 7. Corrosioo rate of reinforcement vs. munber of wetting and drying cycles of polymer-ferrocement subjected to
acclerated corrosioo.

CONCLUSIONS

The conclusions obtained from the test results can be summarized as follows:

1. The carbonation and chloride ion penetration depths of polymer ferrocement decrease markedly
with an increase in polymer- cement ratio regardless of exposure and immersion periods.
2. The carbonation and chloride ion penetration depths of polymer- ferrocements are strongly affected
34 Jollnllll of Fe"ocem11nl: Vol. 22, No. J, /Qlluary 1992

by polymer-cement ratio and water-cement ratio. The carbonation and chloride io penetrtion
depths of the polymer-ferrocements can generally be expressed as a function of these factors by the
following equation:
D = a (1-PIC )(WIC) T 114 - b
where D (mm) is the carbonation or chloride ion penetration depth of the polymer-ferrocements,
and T (weeks) is exposure or immersion period, and a and bare empirical constants.
3. The corrosion-inhibiting property of polymer-ferrocement is remarkably improved with an
increase in polymer-cement ratio.

REFERENCE

1. Kashino, N. 1980. Research on Durability of Reinforced ConcreteStructures. Reports of the

Building Research Instiblte, No. 90, Mar. 1980, pp. 38-51.
Joumal ofFe"ocenuml: Vol. 22, No. I, January 1992 35

Ferrocement Prefabricated Housing: The Next Generation+

A.E. Naaman* and H. Hammoud**

Ferrocement is a construction material ideally suitable for high levels of prefabrication.

However, in order for ferrocement prefabricated products to successfully penetrate the housing
sector, it should be demonstrated that high quality housing can be produced withferrocement, in as
an effective way as/or low cost housing. This paper describes part ofan ongoing investigation which
attempts to address this concern. In a first study, published earlier, advanced manufacturing
techniques were considered for the production offerrocement housing units; this led to the develop-
ment ofaferrocement housing system using standardized prefabricated U and box-shaped panels for
the walls,jloors, and roof ofa typical house. It was assumed, in all cases, that joining ofthe panels
can be properly achieved with bolted type connections. After a briefreview ofexistingferrocement
housing systems (which address primarily the low-cost housing sector), this paper provides a brief
summary ofthe progress achieved so far on the study ofbolted connections. Two types ofconnection
are identified, a shear-type and a moment-type connection. Test arrangement and test set-up designed
to identify various failure modes are described. Typical load-deformation response curves are
presented. It is hoped that experimental results will provide the basisfor calibrating analytical mode Is
ofthe connections. Such models can be implemented in a computer program in order to investigate
a large number ofparameters, and eventually develop optimum connection configurations.

INlRODUCTION

Ferrocement has been successfully used in marine applications, with a wide range of material
characteristics, qualities, and finishes. However, there is a common perception that terrestrial
applications such as in housing, are generally low cost, thus of a lower quality. One of the main
advantages of ferrocement is that it can be constructed with a very wide range of qualities, properties,
and cost, according to customers demand and budget While most ferrocement housing applications
have been so far directed toward low cost housing solutions, this does not imply that good quality
housing products cannot be achieved with ferrocement. In fact some of the first applications of
ferrocement used by Nervi were to replace intricate ceiling decorations usually made with gypsum
lath. Indeed ferrocement can, should, and eventually will address the high quality housing sector. It
is a construction material that lends itself to easy manufacturing and transportation. What is needed
above all is: 1) to change the perception of architects, engineers, building authorities, and users about
ferrocement, and 2) to bring the level of technology in ferrocement construction to the level of
progress achieved in other industries such as the manufacturing, automobile and aerospace industries.
Today, an extraordinary confluence of new technologies and a large market for housing products
worldwide can bring a revolution in the way ferrocement is used. Advanced technologies can help
+Reprinted from the Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Ferrocement (22-25 October 1991), Havana,
Cuba, by permission of the publisher.
••Doctoral
• Professor of Civil F.ngineering and Student and Research Assistant, Department of Civil and F.nviromental
F.ngineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, U.S.
 36 Jo11rnalo/Ferrocm11ml: Vol.22, No.I, January/992

expand the applications of ferrocementand greatly improve its subjective acceptance as a high quality,
high technology, luxurious, durable and cost competitive construction material.
Ferrocement is ready for new technologies. Most of its properties have been documented, and
guidelines for its analysis and design have been developed [1,10,13]. While ferrocement housing
components can be built using advanced manufacturing techniques, there is need to develop entire
housing packages where the ferrocement structural sub-system is integrated harmoniously as part of
the whole housing system and occupies a well balanced portion of it. Current advances in robotics,
computerized manufacturing, machine vision, expert systems, and the like allow us to project that such
advanced technologies which are already in use in the auto industry can be successfully utilized in the
production of manufactured housing systems where ferrocement is the primary structural material.

OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE

It has been one of the objective of the research on ferrocement at the University of Michigan to
address advanced production technologies for ferrocement, while taking advantage of the character-
istics offered by ferrocement such as strength, lightweight, fire resistance, durability, ease of
transportation and erection, ductility for seismic woes, and adaptability to high levels prefabrication.
In two previous studies by Naaman [9,11], ferrocement was considered and evaluated in
prefabricated housing systems. In Ref. (9), ferrocement panels were considered the primary material
for flooring and roofing, to reduce the total weight of the prefabricated modular box systems
investigated. Ref. [11] describes a feasibility study where advanced manufacturing techniques were
considered for the production of single family housing units using prefabricated ferrocement panels.
One of the constraints considered was, that the housing system so produced, should be of equal if not
better quality than standard single family housing units currently found on the U.S. market. The study
suggested that most common housing requirements could be satisfied from a pool of about fifteen
standard panel configurations. Although the ferrocement sub-system can occupy a wide range of
structural and protective functions within the housing unit, it was shown that the same group of panels
could be used for the skin (outside bearing wall), the floors, and the roof of the house. In all cases the
connections between the various elements were assumed satisfied by bolting. The main features of
the system are schematically described in Figs. 1 to 3.
The above study [11] showed that the ferrocement system developed is a technically feasible
system suitable for a highly industrialized production facility at a competitive cost It also indicated
that the most pressing problem is that of the connections between the various ferrocement elements.
The properties of the connections between ferrocement elements is the least documented in the
technical literature and should receive high priority in future research. Connections, allowing the use
of bolts to join ferrocement elements produced with high precision surfaces, can save substantial time
and money, if proven structurally acceptable.
After a brief review of various ferrocement housing systems of interest as a background to the
current investigation, a progress report on the status of the study of connections is given.

REVIEW - BACKGROUND ON FERROCEMENT HOUSING SYSTEMS

Numerous conceptual and developmental studies have been undertaken on prefabricated housing
systems made from ferrocement [3-7,9,11,15-24]. Such systems can be as simple as a wall panel
proposed for use in many non-specialized situations [7 ,22,23], or, as complete as the entire structural
system of a house (walls, roof, floors, and foundation) [5,15,16,19,23]. However, to the best of the
Jo11T111JlojFerrocUMnl: Vol.22, No.], Janwuyl992 37

author's knowledge, some systems were only conceptual and never used in practice, while others led
to one or a small number of prototype units. In some systems, the term ferrocementis used generically
and may imply thin reinforced concrete members. In other words, the reinforcing parameters do not
satisfy the minimum recommendations of the AC/ Guide on Ferrocement [1] and other guidelines
[10,13], such as particularly for the minimum amount of reinforcement and its specific surface.
Following is a brief description of five ferrocement housing systems which are relevant to the
present study. They are reviewed by chronological order.
In 1979, Castro [3] reported on the use of prefabricated ferrocement panels to build as many as
350 low cost housing units in Mexico. The panels were reinforced with two to three layers of chicken
wire mesh sandwiching a grid of 6 mm reinforcing bars, placed 250 mm center to center. The panels
were joined using nuts and bolts. The joints were observed to behave properly even in the seismic areas
of Mexico. No further report on the long term behavior of these units is available.

~ ""'''

Wall Corner Window

panel panel panel

Fig. l. Typical panels for prefabricaled ferrocemem housing units.

38 Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. l, Janwuy 1992

In 1981, Tatsa et al. [20] described a composite building system where ferrocement panels were
joined together with cast-in-place concrete. The system consists of three basic precast ferrocement
elements: 1) a horizontally spanning unit for one-way bending, 2) a two-way bending unit, and 3) a
vertical shear panel unit. The beams and columns are cast in place. Continuity is assured by reinforced
concrete poured in place between the ferrocement elements. The primary feature of the panels is that
they incorporate a styrofoam insulation which is used as a permanent form. A system based on bolted
connections instead of poured ones, was also developed later using the same concept. However, little
can be found to date about the application of the system to real housing units.
Gokhale (1983) described the Castone housing system [5] developed in India The system consists
of wall panels attached to a floor slab. The panels are 3 ft x 9 ft (0.91m x 2. 73 m) with a thickness of
1.25 in. (32 mm). The first floor slab (or ceiling of the ground floor) is a lattice girder hollow block

Fig. 2. Panel assembly in a typical house cross-section .

Joll/7IQJ o/Fe"ocemenl: Vol. 22, No. l, January 1992 39

type, capable of anchoring to the top of the wall panels. The panels have ribs around their periphery
with prefonned holes to accept bolts. According toGokhale, the system was used in several oneortwo-
story houses in the Bombay area, however, we do not have any further infonnation about the behavior
of these ferrocement units during service and in the long tenn.
In 1985, at the Second International Symposium on Ferrocement, the F. Davis system was
presented [21]. The system consists of prefabricated ferrocement U and box-shaped panels and
number of other shapes that could be used for windows, water channels, and the like. For the outside
walls, the ribs of the panels were positioned toward the outside. A couple of rooms (demonstration
units) were built for a housing fair in France to illustrate the strength, appearance, and feasibility of
the system. Very high quality panels were used. It is not known if the system was ever used in any
small or large scale project.
Sandowicz (1985) described four housing systems utilizing three basic types of ferrocement
channel elements; he named them the ELSA, CEE, ELWO, and Mixed Systems [19]. The ELSA panel
system is used either for partitions or as a pennanent fonnwork for cast in place concrete such as
spandrel beams, colums, and floor bearing elements. The main intent of the ELSA system is to
combine ferrocement with reinforced concrete to result in a monolithic structure. In the CEE system
the whole house is made out of panels connected with screws and especially designed steel corner
elements. There is no cast-in-place concrete and no need for foundations since the wall panels are dug
directly into the ground. The system is recommended for one story houses. In the ELWO system,
ELWO type ferrocement channels are joined with screws and separated by lath. The roof is covered
with roof paper to allow construction of summer houses and bungalows. In the mixed system, the three
previously described systems are used, namely: the framework is made of ELSA channels filled with
concrete, the floor and roof are made of CEE channels, and the external walls are made of ELWO
elements. It is not clear at the time of this writing, if the above systems were ever used in real
applications.

Fig. 3. Panel assembly for a typical wall and corner.

40 JournalofFe"ocemenJ: Vol. 22, No. J, JQnMQTJ 1992

In 1988 [16] Rivas described the first ferrocement house built in Cuba in 1986. It was constructed
of prefabricated ferrocement panels using hand woven wire meshes. Following the success of this first
effort. Rivas reports that three factories producing ferrocementelements for housing have been set up
in Cuba. Since then, numerous high quality one and two-story houses have been built using
ferrocement panels, roofs, and mez:zanines.
No ferrocement prefabricated system has ever been used extensively in applications other than
very low cost housing, such as described by Castro in Mexico [3]. This may explain the reasons why
the users and building authorities are reluctant to allow such ferrocement systems in the production
of higher quality housing units. One of the main goals of the current investigation is to show that high
quality, high levels of prefabrication, and competitive cost can be indeed achieved for ferrocement
housing. The most pressing technical problem is that of the connections and it is being addressed.

CURRENT PROORESS ON CONNECTIONS AT THE UNIVERISlY OF MICHIGAN

As mentioned earlier, the research at the Univeristy of Michigan has focused on developing a
highly industrialized ferrocement panel system for housing, where connections are achieved by
bolting. The system is described in Ref.[11] and typical details are shown in Figs. l to 3. While the
analysis and design of the panels for bending, axial, and shear loadings has been already investigated,
the primary focus, at the time of this writing, is on the connections between the prefabricated panels.
Very little information can be found at present on ferrocement connections [14 ,25]; however, useful
background on the design of joints and connections can be obtained from studies of steel joints [2,8].
In this study, ferrocement connections are classified into two main types, namely, a primarily
"shear-type" connection, and a primarily "moment-type" connection. Of course a connection is
generallly subjected to combined loads, but the above definition attempts to identify the load that is
most critical to the connection. Typical loads transmitted by bolted connections are illustrated in
Fig. 4.
A shear-type connection between two plates joined by a bolt is one where the applied external
loads are parallel to the plane of the plates, and perpendicular to the axis of the connecting bolt. A
typical shear-type connection is shown in Fig. 5. Note that the load is transferred by two mechanisms,
friction and bearing. Understanding and quantifying the contribution of each mechanism is one of the
essential goals of the current experimental investigation. Once friction is overcome under load, the
bearing resistance is engaged. Five different failure modes (Fig.5) can then be observed 1) tensile
failure of the critical net section of the plate, 2) shear failure or tear-out of the plate portion close to
the edge of the plate, 3) crushing of the plate ahead of the hole, 4) cleavage or fracture of the plate
between the hole and the plate edge, and 5) shear fracture of the bolt. This last mode of failure can
always be avoided by using larger diameter and/or stronger bolts.
In the moment-type connection, the connection is subjected to a bending moment (with vector
normal to the axis of the joining bolts) that induces axial forces in the bolts. Such loading occurs
frequently in L-shaped joints where the bolted portion is called joined flange, while the free portion
is called web. Most common failure modes of moment-type connections are: failure of the bolts due
to axial loads, failure of the section of the joined material located in the comer between the flange and
the web, and excessive surface separation between the two connected plates. Here also, the bolt size
and pre-load can be designed in such a way that one of the failure modes can occur first.
An extensive exprimental program is being carried out on the above types of connections.
Parameters include the number of mesh layers in the ferrocement plates, the distance of the bolt to the
edge of the plates, and the type of mesh. Details of the experimental program and results will be given
Journal ofF e"ocenuml: Vol. 22, No. 1, JanJlllry 1992 41

in a future publication. Here only typical preliminary results are provided.

The testing arrangement and set-up for a shear-type connection are shown in Fig.6. The
corresponding load deformation curves are shown in Fig.7. It should be noted that the specimens tested
in Fig.7 had the following characteristics: standard 1/2 in. ( 12.5 mm) diameter bolt, 1(2 in. ( 12.5 mm)
thick ferrocement plates, with a distance of2 in. (50 mm) from the center of the bolt to the edge of the
plate. The reinforcement for Fig.7 top and Fig.7 bottom consisted of eight layers and four layers of
square welded mesh respectively, with a wire spacing of 0.25 in. (6 mm) and a wire diameter of
0.025 in. (0.62 mm). A cleavage type failure (Fig.5) was observed at a maximum load of 2693 lbs
(1220 kg or 11806 N) and 1318 lbs (599 kg or 5796 N) for the 8 layer and 4 layer specimens
respectively. Other types of failure have been observed by varying the reinforcement and the end

Cf T - applied external force

Fb - force in the bolt
Cf - force in the flan11e
0 - prying force

bolt axis

T M +p
(-·
_v
---v

'
t,

Fig. 4. Typical forces transmitted by bolted connections.

42 Jo11rnal of FurocUMnl: Vol. 22, No. 1, JQNl/lry 1992

distance. The performance of the specimens have been satisfactory and further tests are being carried.
The test arrangement and set-up for the moment-type connection are shown in Fig.8. Typical
load-deflection curves are shown in Fig.9. Here, the ferrocement plates had the same reinforcement
as described above for the shear-type connection. Failure occurred by failure of the comer between
the plates and was preceded by a small separation between the plates. The corresponding moment was
of the order of0.449 k-in (5.07 x 104N-mm) and 0.306 k-in (3.46 x 104 N-mm) for the 8 layer and4
layer specimens respectively. It seems that in this type of connection, the strength and spacing of the
bolts can always be adjusted so that failure occurs in the plates, i.e. at the comer edge. The test results
indicate that the moment resistance of the edge is smaller than in the ferrocement plate. Further tests
are being carried to quantify this difference and to try strengthening procedures.
The testing program is ongoing, while simultaneously a finite element model is being developed
for the connections. Once the model is calibrated, it may become possible to simulate analytically the

P/2
P/2
__...
~
P/2

tear-out surface
,8
net section
v:\I
I I
I
I/
/
I

----0--- 8
H
dh
dh

I· B
~1
Shear failure
Tensile failure

aH
dh

Bearing failur,p Cleavage failure

Fig. S. Typical shear-type comections and conesponding plate failure modes.

Journalo/Fe"ocenuml: Vol.22, No.l, Janwuy1992 43

response of any connection configuration, and thus study the effects of a large number of paramerters.
This will open the way to analyzing the response of an entire house to various externally applied loads.
A computerized evaluation will then allow the identification of optimum housing solutions and
configurations.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

While sufficient information can be found in the technical literature on the properties, analysis,
design, construction, and maintenance of ferrocement structural elements, no building code provisions
or guidelines are available to address the question of ferrocement joints and connections. The
connection problem is paramount to the technical feasibility and eventual success of prefabricated
ferrocement housing. Thus, there is, first, a genuine need to solve the technical aspects related to the
connection problem in ferrocement, and then there is need for developing related design and code
recommendations. This is the main and ultimate goal of the above described investigation.
Architects, engineers, users, and building authorities are reluctant to consider ferrocement

+
driving pin

Fig. 6. Test amingement and test set-up for shear-type connection.

44 Jownalo/Ferrocemenl: Vol.22, No.l, Januaryl992

systems for the large scale production of high quality prefabricated housing units, primarily because
of the lack of prior experience in that sector. On the other hand, unless a large number of housing units
are built with one system or another, no prior experience can be developed. This is a vicious circle
which must be overcome. What may be needed is a large developer willing to take the responsibility
for the planning, design, building, and maintenance of a large housing project, until satisfactory
perfonnance is proven without any doubt.
Finally, there is the question of prefabrication. How much prefabrication is optimal or necessary
depends on a large number of regional and geographic factors. Available technology and manpower,
site access, the means sought for transportation and erection are all issues that must be weighted in
considering what level of prefabrication is needed for a given project. However, there is real ground
to believe that a high level of prefabricaion can also guarantee a high quality, low cost product that can

End distance 2.0 =

8 Layers
mesh

..
:!:!
""O
0
0
..J

0.00 0.02 0.04

·--+
0.0L......L-'---'--'--J.........L--'--'---'--'--'--'--'--'--"--'--'----'"-'-~

0.06 0.08 0.10

Bolt displacement (in l

3000
End distance
2500 4 layers
Square mesh

..
:!:!
2000

""O 1500
0
0
..J
1000

500

0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1

Bolt displacement (in l

Fig. 7. Typical load-displacement response of pin-loaded plate with shear-type connection.

lo11TNJlo/Fe"ocemenJ: Vol.22, No.l, Januaryl992 45

be competitive not only in developing countries, but also in highly industrialized countries as well.

REFERENCES

ACI Committee 549. 1988. Guide for the design, construction and repair of ferrocement.
1. American Concrete Institute Structural Journal 1 (3): 325-351.
Bickford, J.H. 1981. An Introduction to the Design and Behavior ofBolted Joints. New York:
2. M. Decker Publishers.
Castro, J. 1979. Application of ferrocement in low-cost housing in Mexico. AC/ Publication
3. SP-61. 143-146, Detroit American Concrete Institute.
1986. Ferrocement prefabrication and industrial applications. Journal ofFerrocement 16 (2).
4. Gokhale, V.G. 1983. System built ferrocement housing. Journal of Ferrocement 13 (1):
5. 37-42.

t t

Fig. 8. Test arrangement and set-up for moment-type cormection.

46 Journalo/Furocemenl: Vol. 22, No. J, JaNMJry 1992

300
Corner distance = 2.0
250 8 Layers
Square mesh
2 Bolts
200
-;
:!:!
"C
150
"0
_J
100

50

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Deflection (in)

300
Corner distance = 2. 0
250 4 Layers
Square mesh
2 Bolts
-; 200
:!:!
150
"C

"
0
_J
100

50

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Deflection (in l

Fig. 9. Typical load-deflection response of L-shaped joined plaaes simulating moment type connections.

6. 1981. Housing application in ferrocement. Journal of Fe"ocernent 11 (2).

7. Kaushik, S.K., Trikha, D.N.; Kotdawala, R.R.; and Shanna, P.C. Prefabricated ferrocement
ribbed elements for low-cost housing. Journal ofFe"ocernent 14(4): 347-364.
8. Kulak, G.L.; Fisher, J.W.; and Stroik, J.A.H. 1987. Guide to Design Criteria of Bolted and
Riveted Joints. Second Edition New York; J.Wiley.
9. Naaman, A.E. 1979. A Costevaluationofoptimallyprefabricatedhousing.Housing Science
3 (I): 35-53.
10. Naaman, A.E. 1983. Ferrocement: an extension of reinforced concrete technology. Concrete
International 5 (1): 9-11.
11. Naaman, A.E. 1989. Ferrocement housing: Toward integrated high technology solutions.
Journal ofFe"ocernent 19 (2): 141-149. ·
12. Naaman, A.E., and Sabnis, G.M. 1982. Cost evaluation of typical ferrocement composites.
Journal of Ferrocernent 12 (3):263-271.
13. Naaman, A.E. and Homrich, J. 1986. Flexural design of ferrocement Computerized evalu-
Jo11171tll ofFe"ocemenl: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992 47

ation and design aides.Journal ofFerrocement 16 (2):101-116.

14. Paramasivam, P. and Mansur, M.A. 1985. Tensile and flexural behavior of joints in ferroce-
ment construction. Journal of American Concrete lntitMle.
15. Prawel, S.P.; Tatsa, E.Z.; Moses, A.; and Omorodian, T. 1981. Multistory construction using
precast underreinforced ferrocement panels. Journal ofFerrocement 11 (1 ): 67-76.
16. Rivas, H.W. 1988. The use of ferrocement in Cuba. In the Proceedings of the Third
International Symposium on Ferrocement, 461-475. Roorkee: University ofRoorkee.
17. Austriaco, L.R., and Pama, R.P. 1981. Ferrocement: An Innovative technology for housing.
Journal of Ferrocement 11(1): 23-45.
18. Austriaco, L.R.; Pama, R.P.; Valls, J .; and Singh, C. 1983. Prefabricated ferrocement housing
worldwide. Journal of Ferrocement 13(1): 43-60.
19. Sandowicz, M. 1985. Application offerrocement channel elements to housing. In Proceed-
ings ofSecond International SymposiumonFerrocement, 493-505. Bangkok: International
Ferrocement Information Center
20. Tatsa,E.Z.1988.Constructionwithferrocementpanels.JournalofFerrocement18(1):17-33.
21. 1985. The F. Davis System for Housing, Exhibit, Second International Symposium on Ferro-
cement. AIT, Bangkok.
22. 1985. The Bearing wall system, Hollywood, Florida.
23. 1982. The W-Panel and building system, California: Chino, CS & M Incorporated.
24. Yom-Tov, S. 1983. Building with ferrocement free-form. Journal of Ferrocement 13(4):
327-334.
25. Krishnamoorthy, T.S.; Parameswaran, V.S.; Neelamegam, M.; Balasubramaniarn, K. 1990.
Investigation of precast ferrocement planks connected by steel bolts. AC/ Publication,
SP 124-19, 389-403. Detroit: American Concrete Institute.
JOfll7flll a{Fe"ocewwfll: Vol.22,No. J, l011MOryl992 49

Study of a Two Story Precast Ferrocement Model Building+

N.M. Bhandari*, D.N. Trlkha** and V. Syam Prakash***

Fe"ocement is an ideal material/or precast industrialized construction of low cost houses due
to its high strength per unit weight. In some of the colUIJries like Cuba [l], multi-story buildings using
precast ferrocement elements have already been built successfully. However.fe"ocement element
being comparatively very thin.jointing needs special attenlion. Further, there is no reported scientific
study on the behavior offe"ocement buildings as assembledfrom precast elements to ascertain their
load carrying capacity particularly with respect to serviceability requirements.
This paper presents the results of an experimental study [2] of a two story precast ferrocement
building under simulated vertical and lateral loads. The model building of size 15 m x 15 min plan
and 3.0 m high was assembled from precast elements in a two story construction. Similar ribbed
elements have been used both as walling and floor/roofing elements. The vertical load was applied
using concrete blocks on the first floor and through hydraulic jacks, keeping the ratio between the two
loads constant through each load increment. The paper presents the deformations and the behavior
of the building and discusses the efficacy of the bolted connections.

INTRODUCTION

In the past two to three decades, ferrocement has been successfully used in a variety of
applications [3) such as for buildings, marine, agriculture, water supply etc .. Several different walling
and roofing elements for use in housing [4-6) have been proposed and their behavior adequately
reported. To exploit the full potential of this material, successful attempts have been made in Cuba and
some other countries to undertake industrialized multistory low cost housing construction using
precast femx:ement elements. In the absence of any reported scientific study on the behavior of either
joints or the complete assembled ferrocement building, the guide lines available for similar construc-
tion in concrete are generally followed. However, in view of the fact that femx:ement elements are
comparatively very thin, the applicability of such guidelines needs to be examined by investigating
comprehensively the behavior of a total ferrocement building assembled from precast elements with
different types of connections to ascertain their load carrying capacity with respect to both the strength
and the serviceability. Such a study would help in the development of a rational basis for the analysis
and design of precast femx:ement buildings.
With the ever increasing cost of the building materials, and the availability of relatively cheap low
skilled manual labor in the developing countries like India, the stage is well set to exploit the
industrialized construction using precast femx:ement elements in a big way to meet out the huge
requirement of low cost housing. In a cost comparison study [2] at Roorkee it was found that for the
construction of a three story hostel building, the solution with the precast ferrocement construction
provides a relative economy of20% and40% over the traditional load bearing construction in masonry
and the reinforced concrete framed building with masonry infill respectively.
+Reprinted with changes from the Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Femx:cment (22-25 October 1991),
HaV1na, Cuba, by permission of the publisher.
• Reader, Ind •• Professor & Head, Civil F.ngineering Depanmenl, Univenity cI Roorkee, Roorkee-247ti67, India.
••• Lecturer in Civil Engineering, Government F.ngineering College, Trivendrum, Kerala, lndiL
so Jountal of Fe"ocetMnl: Vol. 22, No. J, JanWJry 1992

In view of the above needs to exploit ferrocement and the existing gaps in the scientific data about
its behavior, an experimental research program has been undertaken to investigate the behavior of
different types of connections including that of the assembled two story precast ferrocement model
building. This paper presents the experimental load deflection results for the model building and its
comparison with the theoretically predicted deflections using finite element method.

MODEL BUILDING MODULES

Keeping in view the basic requirements of prefabrication with regards to mass manufacture of
the component elements for economy, multipurpose double 'T units have been devised both as walling
and roofing/flooring units in the construction of the model building. The building, 1.5 m x 1.5 m in
plan, and two story high of 1.5 m each, (Fig. I) has been assembled using 18 precastdouble 'T elements.
The floor and roof slab had a 100 mm projection outside the walling units to facilitate the bolted
connections. Even though the basic element 'Type' is only one i.e. double T shaped, three different
forms of the elements were cast differing marginally with respect to the dimensions and with one or
both ends finished to permit the cast-in-sibl connection. The complete details of the two walling
elements WE-I and WE-II and the floor/roof element FE are shown in Figs. 2 and 3 respectively. The
wall element WE-I was cast 1500 mm long and 600 mm wide with 120 mm wire mesh and 75 mm
skeletal bar projecting at both ends along the width. The wall element WE-II is similar to the wall
element WE-I, the only difference is that its width is 675 mm and the wire mesh and the skeletal steel
project at one end only. Both these elements are 25 mm thick and have four 15 mm diameter bolt holes
at the shown locations. The floor/roof element FE, was cast 1700 mm long and 775 m wide with
120 mm wire mesh and 75 mm skeletal steel bar projecting at one end as shown in Fig.3(a). The ribs
were cast 210 mm short along the length. The thickness of the element as well as that of the rib is
25 mm. The positions of eight bolt holes of 15 mm diameter for the connections are shown in the
Fig.3(b).
On the basis of the study of different types of joints [7], a judicious combination of cast insitu
connection with mesh overlap for all the vertical joints at floor/roof have been used in the assembly
of the test building. Small pieces of cleat angle of size 75 mm x75 mm x 6 mm and 45 mm long have
been used to facilitate floor/roof to wall connections. The chosen connections have the advantages of
both the speedier errection as well as the required rigidity.

MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Cement and mortar of 1:2 proportion by weight and a water cement ratio of 0.45 has been used
in casting of the elements. The strucwral properties of the mortar used is given in Table 1.

Table 1 Strucwral Properties of the Mortar

28 days compressive strength = 22.9MPa

Tensile strength = 2.6 MPa
Modulus of elasticity = 50.0 GPa

A square woven galvanized wire mesh of 22 G (wire diameter 0.71 mm and spacing 6.3 mm) and
6 mm diameter mild steel have been used for skeletal reinforcement The yield stress, the ultimate
stress and the Young's modulus of the two reinforcing materials are given in Table 2. Commercially
Journal <f Fe"oceme111: Vol. 22, No. l, JaflUIJry 1992 Sl

12 mm fl bolted
connection 2~

AnQll
75175mm
45 mm
Root 1l1m1nt

Wall 1l1m1nt J
1
at
l•nath
Woll - roof connection
(Details of A)

1~00
Floor 1l1m1nt
Wall 1l1m1nt

l1n9th
Woll roof connection
(details of B Elevation

100
.-.r------------,
2~ I
I
I
I
1000 I
I
I
I
I
I
I I
100
L-------------'
100H• 7~o +· 7~o .. H100
Pion

Fig. I. Model building dimensions and connectioo details.

Proj1ctiP1t
m•••

I layer 22 G MHh I layer 22 G M•h

Wire mesh details Wire mesh details

2!1 ~t~I ~ :~o ~i ,~.~ ~ 1:1&0•1 fr 7:e~ ~~i9!1·1il

100If ~"'' 30cm
bclf' 100 12!1 ~lftfbar
6 '""' f bar,
6'""' I bar, 7not 7 noa
Dimensions and 1llll1tat 11111
01toil1
(a) ( b) Details of wall element WE - 2

(c) Finished wall elements WE-I 6 WE-2 with boll holes

Fig.2 Details cf wall elements WE-1 and WE-2.

52 Jowrnal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No.1, J011uary 1992

I Loyer 22 G mash

ProjectinQ
wire mesh

I Loyer 22 G mash
I layer 22 G
Wire mesh details

~"·'~·
K 6 m m QI projectinQ

t:::= >U•
I bar

380
850 ir ~85 75 6 mm QI bar. 7 nos

Skeletal steel details

al Section of floor /roof element FE

1700

15 mm QJ holes
(bl Finished floor roof element with bolt holes

Fig.3. Details of floor/roof element FE.

available 12 mm diameter black bolt have been used for the bolted connections.

Table 2 Structural Properties of Reinforcing Material

Wire mesh Skeletal Steel

Yield stress (Mpa) 321.6 305.0

Ultimate strength (Mpa) 438.6 417.0
Modulus of elasticity (Gpa) 200.0 208.0

CASTING OF ELEMENTS

The reinforcement has been provided by considering the inplane bending of the wall elements
under wind load and transverse bending of the roof elements under the vertical superimposed loads.
All the elements have five skeletal steel bars in the flange and one in each rib, as shown. In the
transverse direction, 6 mm diameter bars have been provided at 300 mm center to center. Two layers
of22 G square woven wire mesh have been provided in the flanges on the tension face in between the
ribs whereas overhanging flange portions have one layer of the mesh on each face (Figs.2 and 3).
JourNJJ of Fe"ocemelll: Vol. 22, No. J, laflllllry 1992 53

For casting wall/floor elements, the reinforcement cage was first prepared and then the elements
cast over a level floor using a rectangular wooden mold 25 mm thick. The mortar was next poured into
the mold, compacted by a surface vibrator after which mortar was plastered on the rib reinforcement
The specimens were than finished to the required dimensions. Provisions were made to leave bolt holes
at the desired positions.
The complete casting of one element required 1/2 man day of a mason, 1/6 man day of the cage
maker and one man day of an unskilled helper.

ASSEMBLY OF MODEL BUTI..DING

The building has been erected on a 1500 mm x 1500 mm mild steel angle frame security fixed to
the bottom girder of the loading frame. The vertical legs of this angle iron frame had 14 holes of
15 mm diameter matching with the corresponding holes in the walling units.
The complete erection of the building was done manually. First of all, the seven walling elements
of the first story were placed one by one in an erect vertical position, with the bottom ends firmly bolted
to the base frame using 75 mm long and 12 mm diameter bolts and supported temporarily in the lateral
direction from outside. The projecting wire mesh of the adjacent elements were overlapped by about
80 mm and tied firmly at few locations by using tying wires. Next the two first floor elements were
placed in proper position over the already erected wall elements. The projecting wire mesh of the floor
elements were lapped by 80 mm and tied well. The wall elements and the first floor elements were
bolted by using two 75 mm long,12 mm diameter bolts and a 45 mm wide piece of mild steel angle
section of 75 mm x 75 mm x 6 mm drilled with two holes of 15 mm diameter on both of its legs. The
mild steel angles were placed between the floor and the wall panels on the external face of the building
with bolt holes properly aligned. The joints between adjacent walling units and the two flooring units
has been done cast-in-situ; where in the projecting wire mesh from the units were overlapped and
plastered.
The second story was erected following the above procedure after the cast-in-situ joints in the first
story had been cured for 7 days. The assembled structure is shown in Fig. I.

LOADING ARRANGEMENT

To simulate the actual loading the roof and the floor of the building were loaded with uniformly
distributed vertical load. Over the roof, a 16 point loading was accomplished by using a hydraulic jack,
50 kN proving ring and a suitable arrangement of distribution girders. Since such an arrangement was
not feasible for floor slab, it was decided to load it by using concrete cubes of 200 mm size having an
average weight of 190 N each.
The lateral load was applied as line load across the full width of the roof and the floor slabs through
two wooden logs of size 1700 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm placed against the edge of the slabs on the same
side of the building. Two horiwntal hydraulic jacks were used to apply horizontal loads by reacting
against a prestressed masonry retaining wall of sufficient rigidity. The entire test set up is shown in
Fig.4.

TESTING PROCEDURE AND INSTRUMENTATION

For measuring the deflections eighteen dial gages were arranged on front face, i.e. the face
opposite to the laterally loaded face of the building. The dial gages were arranged at mid height of the
third-fourth story height and floor/roof level in each story as shown in Fig.5.
54 lo11Tffl01 o/Fe"oce~nl: Vol. 22, No. l, Janu.ary 1992

~o

Two ltHI
ladders

..g

Columm

"'c:
~ 5l0
~]-*i==~~~~til E
Y Section Y-Y il

Model building wooden o._

SectionX-X 109

~bRollo~•O~~lled i

( All dimensions in mm)

Fig.4. Testing arrangement of the model building.

Al level 2-2
16
16.5KN

15 15
c
12
.2
t;
~ 12
9 ~
6

~~~~~7~5~0~~~~150.:
0

750 1500
B c B C
Length in mm LenQth in mm
Along AC at level H Along AC al level 2-2

A B C
I -- --1
2-- --- -· --2
16 At level 3-3 3- - - - - - - - 3
D E F
16.5 KN 4-· --4
5- - - - - - --5
5-- - - - - -·5
G H I
15 Elevation
Lateral load
12 Rear face

~
3
A Front
a 750 1500 face
A B c Raof plan
LenQth in mm
Along AC at level 3-3

Fig.5. Lateral deflection of top stof\ y wall at different levels.

JOllT1Ull of Fe"ocemenl: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992 SS

The building was tested under monotonically increasing vertical and lateral loads, keeping a
constant of 4: 1.5 proportion between the two loads in each step throughout Since the lateral load at
the first floor level was twice that at the roof level, this ratio was 2: 1 between the vertical load and the
lateral load on the first floor. These ratios have been fixed by actual floor/roof and wind load
calculations for the model building.
In each load step, the loading procedure was as follows: First, the floor was loaded to 2000 N by
placing concrete cubes; next the roof was loaded to 2000 N by operating the jack and finally the lateral
loads were applied simultaneously at the roof and floor levels of 500 N and 1000 N value respectively.
The whole system was watched for a while to see that the readings were fairly stable and then the dial
gauge readings were noted. The same procedure was repeated for the second and subsequent load
steps. The loading was stopped at the stage when further loading by cubes at the floor level due to the
story height limitation was not possible. At that stage, the total load acting on the building was 44 kN
vertical and 16.5 kN horiwntal. These loads are greater than 2.5 times the normal design working
loads.

1EST RESULTS

Figs. 5 and 6 show the variation of the lateral deflection of the horizontral grid lines on the front
face of the building and Fig. 7 shows the variation of lateral deflection along the vertical grid lines
marked on the front face of the building at different lateral loads.
Fig.5 shows the plot of the lateral deflections of the horizontal grid lines 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3 at
different lateral loads. It is clear that the points lying on the vertical edge CF have about 40% to 60%
more deflection than the corresponding points on the edge AD, obviously due to the presence of the
door opening on the resisting shear wall placed at the comer C. Further, the grid lines remain almost
straight up to the full test load there by indicating that there is no transverse bending of the wall
elements. The building has however, rotated in plan about its centre of rigidity due to torsional loading
A B C
I -- -- I
2-- ---- ---2
3-- - - - - - - - 3
Level 4-4 __ 0 E F__
4 4
10 5-- - - - - --5
16.5 KN
8 6-- --------6
G H I
6

Q"""' ""
15 Elevation
4 12

2~~~~~1
750 1500
0 E F
E F
Length in mm along OF First floor pion
ot level 4-4

8 Level 6-6 8 Level 5-5

4r:__._---'~:::;16.5 KN

i~i~~~~~l5~6
12
0
0 375 750 1125 1500
0 E F
Length in mm along OF Length in mm along OF
at level 6-6 at level 5-5

Fig.6. Lateral deflection of first stor y wall at different levels.

 56 Journal of Fe"ocemen.t: Vol. 22, No. l, Janwuy 1992

e 300 3 69 12
0
15 16.5KN
300
3 6 9 12 15 16.5KN
~ A ~ B
CJ>
c E
0
'.§ 225 -;; 225
·:; .!:
..c "O
0 150 ·:; 150
..c E
-
.s:::. D
CJ> 0
Q) 75 ~
:x: CJ>
'iii
G :x: H
0 4 8 12 0 4 8 12 16
Deflection (mm) Deflection (mm)
(a) Along vertical line ADG ( b) Along vertical line BE H

16.5 KN A B c
3 6 9 12 15
E 300

a
~ c
Cl
c
"O
·:;

-
..c

~
0

CJ>
150
F Elevation
I

Laterol load

'iii
:x:

4 8 12 16 ADG BEH CFI

Deflection (mm) PLAN
(c) Along vertical line C FI Total lateral load KN

Fig. 7. Lateral deflection of wall in the vertical plane.

resulting from assymmetric plan. Fig. 6 shows the defonnatioins of the grid lines 4-4, 5-5 and 6-6 in
the first story wall. The general trend of the results is similar to that described above for the second
story wall.
Fig. 7 shows the deflections of the vertical edges ASG, BEH and CFI for different total lateral
loads on the building. For lateral load up to 10.5 kN, the height versus lateral deflection curve is similar
to that of a typical shear wall structure. lbere is no appreciable kink in the deflection curves at the first
floor. For lateral load beyond 12 kN, the building exhibits non-linear behavior and the load deflection
curve has sharp deviations at the first floor level and at the center of the top story as seen in Fig.7.
On the basis of the load deflection curves described above, it may be concluded that the building
exhibited a linear behavior up to a lateral load of 10.5 kN, which is about one and a half times the normal
design lateral load. Beyond this, the deflections increase rapidly till at a total lateral load 16.5 kN. This
model building withstood a load over two and a half times the service loads without showing any crack
anywhere, including even in the cast-in-situ joints. The ratio of the height to the maximum lateral
deflection for the comer C of the model building is found to be ll'J23 and 1/174 at the service load and
the ultimate test load respectively.

THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

The theoretical analysis of the model building has been carried out using an existing program
'MAPWB" for the membrane analysis of the panel wall buildings. It has been seen in a previous study
Jo11rnal of Fe"ocemenl: Vol. 22, No.], Ja11111Jry 1992 57

18 17 16

No.of nodes = 18
No. of elements = 14
Restrained nodes = 6

Properties : -
4 2
Ee= l.31x 10 N/mm
y =0.186
Density =24 KN/m 3

(a) Isometric view of discretization

Circled number represent

elements (Dotted circle means
invissible to this side)

1/7/13 2/8/14 3/9/15

(b) Location of nodes at ground/floor/roof of wall

Fig.8. Details of discretizatioo of model building.

[8] that a simple membrane type analysis using two dimensional elements is more efficient and
economical than the flexural cum membrane type analysis, FCMAB, using four noded flat shell
elements for the analysis of such buildings. 1be joints are assumed to be pinned along the edges in the
membrane type analysis. The equivalent values of the Young's modulus Ee and the Poisson's ratio
Yc for the ferrocement composite have been determined as 131 kN/mm 2 and 0.186 respectively and
these have been used in the theoretical analysis.
This discritiz.ation of the building is shown in Fig.8, which has 14 elements and of nodes of which
six are restrained. A linear analysis has been performed for one load step and the theoretical results
extrapolated for comparison. The comparison of the theoretical and the test results up to a total lateral
load of 12 kN is shown in Table 3. It is seen that the ratio of the experimental deflections to the
theoretical deflections varied from about 6 in the first load step to about 13 at the lateral load of 12 kN,
when the non-linearity has been first observed. This large difference in the test and the predicted values
of deflections may be attributed to the flexibility of the bolted connections, as seen in an earlier study
[7] of testing of bolted L and T type joints.
It is therefore, concluded that unless the bolted connections, which permit rigid body deflection
of the entire building due to play in the bolt holes, are modelled properly in the discretization, the
discripancies in the predicted values are bound to occur.
58 JollTNll o/Furoctl'Mnl: Vol. 22, No. l, January 1992

Table 3 Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Deflection

Total
Deflection
lateral load
(N)
Floor level Roof level
Grid point A-4 E-4 A-1 c -1
Theory Test Theory Test Theory Test Theory Test
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1500 0.014 0.080 0.026 0.23 0.035 0.23 0.074 0.45
3000 0.027 0.230 0.051 0.98 0.070 0.63 0.148 1.45
4500 0.041 0.470 0.077 1.38 0.105 1.30 0.222 2.41
6000 0.055 0.730 0.103 1.81 0.140 1.67 0.296 3.48
7500 0.069 0.910 0.128 2.10 0.175 2.07 0.370 4.04
9000 0.083 0.970 0.154 2.36 0.210 2.13 0.444 4.44
10500 0.096 1.090 0.154 2.36 0.245 2.30 0.518 5.31
12000 0.110 1.630 0.205 3.77 0.280 3.32 0.592 7.36

CONCLUSIONS

Based upon the results of the swdy of a two story precast ferrocement model building, the
following broad conclusions are drawn:

1. Load carrying capacity of a multipurpose double T wall and roof/floor elements has been found to
be extremely satisfactory. The building as a whole resisted over two and a half times the normal
design loads.
2. No cracks have been noticed anywhere in the building including the cast-in-situ joints inspite of the
elements being very thin and loaded much beyond the design load.
3. A judicious combination of the cast-in-situ connection with the mesh overlap for the vertical joints
and flexible bolted connections at floor/roof levels has shown the viability of the assembly and the
monolithic cellular action of the building to resist lateral loads.
4. The ratio of the height to the maximum lateral deflection at the normal design load is 932, though
at the maximum test load of over two and a half times the normal design load, the ratio falls
to 174. This confinns that the model building comprising thin ferrocement elements meets the serv-
iceability requirement for the deflections satisfactorily.
5. The flexibility of the bolted connection imparts additional lateral deflections to the building and
these increase with the increase in the lateral load.
6. Finally the results of the study confinns the feasibility of precast ferrocement construction for low
cost multi-story buildings without any reservations.
J011Tnal of Fe"ocem11nJ: Vol. 22, No. J, JanJUJry 1992 59

REFERENCES

1. Rivas, H.W. 1988. The use of ferrocement in Cuba. In Proceedings of the Third International
Symposium on Fe"ocement, 461-476. Roorkee: University of Roorkee.
2. Syam Prakash, V. 1990. Precast Ferrocement Elements for Low Cost Housing. M.E. Disser-
tation. University of Roorkee, Roorkee, India.
3. Austriaco, L.R. 1989. Historical development and applications. In Asia-Pacific Training
Course on Fe"ocement Construction. Roorkee: University of Roorkee.
4. Prakash, D. 1988. Ferrocement housing applications. In Proceedings of the Third Interna-
tional Symposium on Ferrocement, XIiii - Xlvii. Roorkee: University of Roorkee.
5. Trikha, D.N.andKaushik,S.K.1991.Advancesand trendsinferrocement-1. In Lecture notes
for Fe"ocement Training Coarse, 112-127. Auroville: Auroville Building Center.
6. Sehgal, V.K.;Bhandari, N.M.; and Kaushik, S.K. 1988. Ferrocement box girder elements for
roofs and floors. In Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Ferrocement,
551 - 560 Rookee: University ofRorkee.
7. Trikha, D.N.; Bhandari, N.M.; and Syam Prakash, V. 1991. Behavior of joints in precast
ferrocement construction. Draft paper for the Fourth International Symposium on Ferroce-
ment, Cuba.
8. Bhandari, N.M. 1982. Strength of Low Rise Brick Masonry Construction. Ph.D. Thesis.
University of Roorkee, Roorkee, India
JourNll Gf Fe"ocemefll: Vol. 22, No. 1, JQ/lwuy 1992 61

What is Ferrocement ?
Postscript to the Havana Symposium on Fe"ocement - October 1991

D. Alexander·

The Havana Symposium was an event notable for the strong representation of delegates from
Latin America which reflected a surprisingly diverse application of thin section cementitious
composites in their countries. This term "cementitious composites' is used advisedly as the Sympo-
sium may also mark a watershed at which the boundaries of ferrocement became confused with
reinforced cement mortars. As much of the work presented in the guise of ferrocement was cement
mortar generally defined in sections ancillary to reinforced concrete codes, especially for water
retaining structures.
The San Carlos Group of Brazil amongst others showed an ambivalence towards ferrocement and
sought to redefine it to encompass reinforced cement mortar constructions in which they indubitably
excel [1]. The common practice ofthis group and elsewhere in Latin America is to employ 75 mm and
150 mm plain weld mesh in 3 mm to 9 mm diameter wire sizes as the main resistive steel augmented
by single and sometimes double layers of woven or weld mesh of intermediate size of crack
attenuation. The motive for this approach lies in the inadequacy offine mesh to provide suffficient area
of steel at reasonable cost within the sections. It would take 3 to 5 layers of 21 gauge weld mesh to
provide the same area of steel per 300 mm as could be obtained with a single 7 mm diameter rod.
It was not surprising that some discussion occurred amongst the delegates on the relevance to
ferrocement of some of the applications presented.
It may therefore be timely that the Journal of Ferrocement provide a forum to reassent the
position of ferrocement
Originally ferrocement was conceived as a cementitious composite containing a high degree of
dispersion of steel reinforcement, typically in the form of layers of fine mesh, which imparted certain
unique performance characteristics to ferrocement.
Among these are:
that it could be employed in relatively thin structural sections
That the steel was protected against corrosion even with very thin covers (2mm-4mm)
That there was fine dispersion of cracking quite unlike the coarse wide spaced cracks
commonly observed in reinforced concrete structures.
In practice, the material durability was established first by Nervi and later in New Zealand often
in severe marine conditions albeit with some failures due to the then incomplete understanding of the
material. The protective mechanism provided by the cement rich low permeability mortars which was
once thought to be peculiar to ferrocement is now commonly recognized across a broad spectrum of
high performance concretes and mortar composites so that this is no longer unique to ferrocement
In time rules were devised to guide the practice of ferrocement These chiefly concerned the
composition of the mortar and the fineness and dispersion of the steel reinforcement in the mortar. The
steel reinforcement was quantified in terms of specific surface and volume fraction generally given
as 2.7 to 7in 2 per in 3 (0.106 to 0.276 mm 2 / mm 3 ) and 7% to 20% by weight of steel in the composite

"Consulting Engineer, Alexander & Associates, P. 0. Box 74167 Madcet road, Auckland, New Zealand
62 Jountal of Furoc~ml!nl: Vol. 22, No. 1, l011110rJ 1992

respectively. Primarily the mortar composition and consistency controls the protection of the steel
against corrosion while the amount and dispersion of steel reinforcement dictates the cracking
regimes, although a secondary intenction occurs between these two effects. The mechanical
properties obtained by these rules have been evaluated by B.K. Paul and R.P. Pama [2] and by the ACI
committee 549- Guide to Ferrocement Construction.
Reinforced cement mortars do not nonnally comply with the above definition of ferrocement as
they usually lack the necessary subdivision and fineness of reinforced cement (in specific surface) that
is necessary to ensme closely spaced crack regime typical of ferrocement. In fact the observation of
the crack regime provides a simple way of discriminating between ferrocement and the other varieties
which form the homologous series of reinforced cementatious composites and which include context
could be defined as having crack spacing no greater than say 20 mm. Philosophically it may even be
important to define ferrocement in terms of such an observable manifestation of its internal struction
in the same way that stainless steel is identified by its manifest resistance to corrosion.
The reason why the achievement of fine dispersion of cracking has been traditionally important
for ferrocement is that it permits the use of higher steel stresses within the serviceability range of the
material prior to the formation of a 0.05 mm (0.002 in) crack width, as illustrated in the accompanying
figure (Fig. 1) and thereby improves the efficiency of the material
This crack width is commonly considered a threshold below which the cracks do not significantly
impair the protective function of the mortar covering the steel.

Reinforced Concrete
I
0.25 I
, _ plain rods
E I
E I I Ferrocement

-
~

" tJ
.i
0.20
I
I
I deformed I
I rods
I
-----f mild steel
.ll:
u I I
...u
0
0.15 I
/
I
I /
CD I /
Cl
I /
...
0
CD I /
> I /
<( 0.10 /
I /
I /
I / ---high tensile
I / wire reinforced
0.05 -- //
I fibrous ferrocement
I
I
I
100 200 300 400 500 600 WO 000 900
Steel stress MPa

Fig. 1. Typical a11ck width response for ferrocement .

JOMTNJJ of FemxelMnl: Vol. 22, No. J, }QllWJry 1992 63

However, even with this efficieocy the full potential for the commercialization of ferrocement
has not been achieved and this may be due to its historical perception as a multi-mesh layered
cementatious composite. The present ACI Committee 549 definition of ferrocement is not in fact
restrictive but the texlUral content of the guide on ferrocement construction continues to emphasize
the fine mesh multi-layer concepts.
It is well recognised that ferrocement in this form has several adverse features:
a. It is directionally undifferentiated in order to satisfy distribution criteria and close spacing
within the matrix.
b. The interior mesh layers, also as a consequence of the distribution criteria, are increasingly
under utilized in flexure.because of the lower strain within the section and reduced lever arms to the
compression face.
c. Fine mesh severely limits the amount of steel area that can be placed in the outer layers to
resist flexure. Also, because the meshes are almost universally costructed of mild steel because of
manufacturing constraints, the crack serviceability limits are rapidly reached upon the onset of yield
in the outer layers of mesh. As a result the flexural strength within the serviceable range of this form
of ferrocement is exceeded by a range of competiitve materials including metal plate, fibreglass etc.,
except where labor costs in fabrication can be discounted.
d. Because of the above factors this form of ferrocement tends to be severely under rein-
forced in flexure and provides little scope or incentive to utilize the very high strength mortars
(100 MPa-200 MPa) now in practice.
Therefore for many applications the continued use of multilayer fine mild steel wire mesh
ferrocement is excessively restrictive in effect and expensive, both in terms of steel meshes and labor
inputs.For example in the author's practice in marine applications a high tensile wire reinforced fibrous
ferrocement [3] was developed to provide ultimate flexural strength comparable and exceeding that
of mild steel plate on a weight for weight basis, to enhance impact resistance, and to fully utiliu the
pennissable crack serviceability range i.e. a high performance ferrocement. (Tablet and Fig.2). In
this material, which allows coarser and high strength wire (1500 MPa-2000 MPa) to be concentrated
in effectiYe outer layer locations, the dispersed fiber provides the fine subdivision needed to control
cracking [4].
The modulus of elasticity (secant modulus) of the three HT wire panels up to the point of first
visible crack was determined:-

Plain mortar I HT wire - 16.87 x 103 MPa

14.5 mm EE fiber I HT wire - 27.08 x 103 MPa
18 mm EE fiber I HT wire - 21.22 x 103 MPa

Obviously, at the other end of the spectrum for housing construction and for that matter for the
construction of 5000 gallon water tanks in New Zealand, the fine mesh dispersion of ferrocement is
being discarded in favor of heavier rods and meshes more appropriate to reinforced cement mortars.
The question therefore remains are we being too restrictive in our definition of ferrocement - as
the San Carlos Group maintains - and should there be a place for reinforced cement mortars within the
general definition of ferrocement.
There is an argument that if a mortat composite is designed to remain uncracked with a satisfactory
margin of safety the provisions to ensure a closely spaced crack distribution are no longer relevant,
and therefore reinforced cement mortars that would otherwise comply with ferrocement criteria,
except for specific surface, should have a place within the definition of ferrocement
All panels with HT wire reinforcement failed in compression.
64 Jownal ofFe"oceml!nt: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992

Table 1 Comparison of Flexural Stresses and Steel Stresses

Flexural Flexural Ultimate Steel stress Steel stress Concrete*

stress at first stress at flexural at first at ultimate compressive
Panel appearance of at first strength visible crack stress at
moisture lines visible crack ultimate

(MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

a) Plain mor-
tar 3.92

b) Fiber rein-
forcement 8.66 8.66
14.5 mm EE
(5% wt.)
c) Fiber rein-
forcement 18 7.80 12.15 12.15
mm EE(5%
wt.)
d) Plain mor-
tar HT Wire 6.30 16.17 55.65 360 1251 102.1

e) 14.5 mm
EE Ht Wire 8.75 37.40 62.87 790 1343 102.6

f) 18 mm EE
HT Wire 11.69 32.72 47.53 780 1138 91.9

' All panels with HT wire reinforcement failed in compression.

Personally I would wish to see more research especially into bond effects (into which dilation
theory should be introduced) and durability and corrrosion resulting from the use of larger diameter
steel reinforcement at wider reinforcement spacings within the uncracked and cracked range of the
mortar before the definition of ferrocement was expanded but I expect that in one important property
of ferrocement, that is in its ability to extend the allowable stress within a specified serviceability
Fdllge, reinforced cement mortars fall short in accomplishment. Therefore envelop could impair the
image of ferrocement, and it may be more clearly defined as a lower bound reinforced concrete which
would afford its prnctitioners the opportunity to deveiop their own technology.
However, it is a fact that reinforced mortars may continue to be called ferrocement and that the
public will continue to perceive them as being ferrocement

REFERENCES

1. Hanai, J.B. 1991. 30 Years of reinforced mortar experiences in Brazil. In the Proceedings
of the 4th International Symposium on F errocement, La Habana, Cuba Habana: UNAICC.
Jownal of Femxe~ttJ: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992

Load

===;+~950mm;:;===i+ •mm DIAGRAM I

4
C:==.1

a
f '.] f Deflection

z
"'
0
<!
0
..J

':ii
0
Cl
0 l.8mm
..J

10 Deflection

0 10 20 30 40 50
DEFLECTION mm

Fig. 2 Load - deflection curve.

2. Paul, B.K. and Pama, R.P. 1978. Fe"ocement. Bangkok: International Ferrocement
Information Center., Bangkok, Thailand.
3. Atcheson and Alexander. 1979. Development of Fibrous Fe"ocement - Materials and Appli-
cations SP 61 81:101. Dettoil: American Concrete Institute.
4. Hussin, M. W. 1991. Deflection and cracking perfonnance of fibrous ferrocement thin sheets.
Journal of Fe"ocement 21(1): 31-41.
66 Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992

Iffi II Iffi IL II (Q) CGr Iffi,&JF IHI II CC

ILII&%3T
This list includes a partial bibliography, with keywords, on ferrocement and related topics.
Reprints and reproductions, where copyright laws permit, are available at a nominal cost by quoting
the accession number and availability given at the top of each reference.
All information collected by IFIC arc entered into a computerized database using CDS/ISIS.
Stored information can be retrieved using keywords, author names, titles, etc. Specialized searches are
performed on request.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Material Properties

4280 A:IFIC
Hawlader, M.N.S.; Mansur, M.A.; andRahman,M. 1990. Thermal behaviorofferrocement. Journal
of Ferrocemenl 20(3): 231-239.

1hermal conduc1iviry/1eslslexperimen1a1ionlcons1ruc1ion materials/properties

4283
Molina, L. 1990. Measurement of high humidity in cementitions material at an early age, l-67.

humidirylmoislure conlenl
Sweden

4287 A:IFIC
Singh, G. and Ip, M.F.L. 1991. Effect of repeated loading on crack width of ferrocement. Journal of
Ferrocemenl 21(2): 119-126.

composile malerials/crackslfalique (malerials)lload 1es1slresearch!s1renglhlreinforcing sleel

4288 A:IFIC
Al-Sulaimani, G.S., and Basumbul, I. 1991 Behavior of ferrocement material under direct shear
Journal of Ferrocemenl 21 (2): 109-117.

shear Ileslsl slreng I hi cracks/expe rimenlalions/ beams!ferroceme nilduel iiily/flexural sire ng I h

Journal ofFerrocement: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992 67

4290 A:IFIC
Clarke, R.P., and Sharma, A.K. 1991. The experimental behavior of ferrocement Oat plate under
biaxial flexure. Journal of Ferrocement 21(2): 127-136.

experimentationsltestslstrengthldejlection!slabslmeshljlat plates/composite materials/fiber rein-

forced composites

4294 A:IFIC
Hussin, M.W. 1991. Deflection and cracking performance of fibrous ferrocement thin sheets.
Journal of Ferrocement 21(1): 31-41.

dejlectionlfibers!ferrocemenllperformancelexperimentationsljlexure

4303 A:l 168

Basagoito, L.M.O., and Beltran, J.T.S. Ferrocement: A new material construction alternative,
100-139.

ferrocement

4314 A:7 A442 F492

Clarke, R., and Sharma, A. 1988. Flexural behavior of fibre-ferrocrete one-way slabs. Fiber
Reinforced Concrete Properties and Application. American Concrete Institute. 493-516.

concrete slabs/ferrocemenllfiber reinforced concretes/flexural strength/one-way slabs/strength

West Indies

4317 A:T A442 F492

Balaguru, P., and Ezeldin, A. 1988. Behavior of partially prestressed beams, made with high strength
fiber reinforced concrete. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 419-425.
American Concrete Institute.

beams (supports)lcracking (fracturing)!dejlection!fiber reinforced concretes/high-strength con-

cretes/metal fibers/partial prestressinglprestressed concrete/shear strength/T-beams
U.S.A.

4325 A:l 181 A:TA442 F492

Homrich, J. , and Haarnan, A. 1988. Stress-strain properties of SIFCON in compression. Fiber
Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 283-303. Detroit. American Concrete Institute.

compression tests/compressive strength/ductility/fiber reinforced concretes/metal fibers/slurries!

stiffne ssl strength/ stress-strain relationship
U.S.A.

4326 A: 1178/A:T A442 F492

Mondragon, R. 1988. SIFCON in compression. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applica-
tions . . 269-281. Detroit. American Concrete Institute.
68 Journal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. I, January 1992

ementslcompressive strength/fiber reinforced concretes/fly ash/metal fibers/slurries/strength/tests/

viscositylwater-cementitious ratio
U.S.A.

4327 A:TA442F492/A:l179
Balaguru, P., and Kendzulak, J. 1987. Mechanical properties of slurry Infiltrated Fiber Concrete
(SIFCON). Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 247-268. Detroit. American
Concrete Institue.

axial loadslbendinglcementslductilityldurabilitylfiber reinforced concretes/flexural strength/metal

fibers/shear properties/slurries/tension
U.S.A.

4336 A:T A442 F492

Chuang, T., and Mai, Y. 1988. Behavior of strain softening materials in flexural bending. Fiber
Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 85-100. Detroit. American Concrete Institute.

bending Icements/ concretes/ cracing (fracturing )I crack propagation/fibers/ strains/ stress-strain rela-
tionships
U.S.A./Australia

4337 A:T A442 F492

Soroushian, P. , and Bayasi, Z. 1988. Prediction of the tensile srength of fiber reinforced concrete: a
critique of the composite material concept. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications.
71-84.Detroit. American Concrete Institute.

bond stress/composite materials/fiber reinforced concrete/metal fibers/ pullout tests/slippage/strains/

tensile strength/tension tests
U.S.A

4338 A:TA442 F492

Foote, R.; Mai, Y.; and Cotterell, B. 1988. Process zone size and crack growth measurement in
fiber cements. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 55-70. Detroit. American
Concrete Institute.

cement/composite materials/cracking (fracturing)lcrack propagation!fiberslmeasurementlmicro-

crackinglwood

4339 A:T A442 F492

Barr, B. 1988. The fracture characteristics of FRC materials in shear. Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Properties and Applications. 27-53. Detroit. American Concrete Institute.

cracking (fracturing )/fiber reinforced cone retes/ glass fiber slmetal fibers/ polypropylene fibers/ shear
strength/tests
Journal o/Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No.], January 1992 69

4340 A: 1183/A:T A442 F492

Gopalaratnam, V. , and Shah, S. 1988. Failure mechanisms and fracture of fiber reinforced concrete.
Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 1-25. Detroit. American Concrete Institute

bonding/composite materials/cracking (fracturing)lcrack width/crack spacing/failure mechanismal

fiber reinforced concretes/mathematical/mathematical models/pullout tests/ strains! strength
U.S.A.

Standards and Specifications

4281 A:IFIC
Trikha, D.N. , and Al-Rifaie, W .N. 1990. Effect of arrangement and orientation of hexagonal mesh
on the behaviour of two-way ferrocement slabs. Journal of Ferrocement 20(3): 219-229.

ferrocement/arrangementlorientationl hexagonal wire mesh

Marine Applications

4275 A:IFIC
Bowen, G.L. 1990. Upgrading a ferrocement boat stern tube. Journal of F errocement 20(1): 39-43.

boats!ferrocement

4298 A:l 170

Morgan, R.G. 1977. Development of concrete hull. Concrete Afloat. 1-9. London: Thomas Telford

f errocementl research/development .hulls (structures)

4304 A:l 169

Ioms, M.E. 1989. Coastal ocean space utilization with laminated concrete. International Symposium
on Coastal Ocean Space Utilization. 1-7. New York.

caissons/tanks ( containes)I harbors/floating structures!ferrocementslmarinas

4310 A:ll76
Greenius, A. W ., and Smith, J.D. 1972. Fcrrocement for Canadian Fishing Vessels, 2: 1-108.

pozzolansladmixturesltestsldurabilitylprotective coatings/strength/boats
70 Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. I, January 1992

Housing Applications

4265 A:IFIC
Mattone, R. 1990. Ferrocement, prefabrication, self-help for low cost housing. Journal of
Ferrocement 20(2): 143-148.

prefahricationlferrocementlexperimentationlmatrix methods

4278 A:IFIC
Agustin, R., and Robles-Austriaco, L. 1990. Technical development of low cost materials in
ASEAPN countries. Journal of Ferrocement 20(3): 265-279.

urban areaslfiberslbamboolferrocement/pozzolanas

4292 A:IFIC
Raj, V. 1990. Large span bamboo ferrocements for flooring and roofing purposes. Journal of
Ferrocement 20(4): 367-375.

constructionltestslanalysislfinite element method/bamboo

4297 A:IFIC
Mathews, M.S.; Sudhakumar, J.; Sheela, S.; and Seetharaman, P.R. 1991. Analytical and
experimental investigations of hollow fcrrocement roofing units. Journal of Ferrocement 21(1):
1-13.

roofing, ultimate loads/crack widthlferrocementldeflectionlcrack

Miscellaneous Applications

4273 A:IFIC
Pamarasivam, P., and Fwa, T.F. 1990. Ferrocement overlay for concrete pavement resurfacing.
Journal of Ferrocemenlt 20(1): 23-29.

ferrocementlconcrete pavement/resurfacing/feasibility analysis

CONSTITUENT MATERIALS

Mortar Preparation and Plastering

4279 A:IFIC
Thanh, N.H. 1990. The water-demand and the gap-volume of aggregate for ferrocement. Journal of
Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992 71

Ferrocement 20(3): 241-256.

experimentationlaggregates!ferrocementldesign

Substitute Materials for Mortar Preparation

4261 A:l 165

Bery, S. ed. 1988. Lime and lime pozzolana mortars and plasters. New Delhi: National Buildings
Organization, UN Regional Housing Centre ESCAPE.

cements/mortars (material)/ low costlpozzolans

India

Admixtures

4296 A:IFIC
Bellido de Luna, J.A. 1991. Admixtures for fcrrocement construction in Cuba. Journal of
Ferrocement 21(1): 15-23.

mortars/admixtures/tests!ferroceme ntl constitute nt mate rials

4299 A:l 186

Hodgkinson, L., and Rostam, 0. 1991. Admixtures in air entrained concrete eoncrete. Journal of the
Concrete Society 25(2) : 11-13.

admixtures/freeze-thaw durability!plastic izerslair e ntrainme ntlsilica fume !water cement ratiolwork-

abilityl aggregates
U.K.

MARINE APPLICATIONS

Construction and Testing

4276 A:IFIC
Ferrocement Vs. hand chine steel vessels 1990. Journal of Ferrocement 20(1): 45-46.

ferrocement!boats! ships! hulls (structures)!corrosion

72 Journal of FerrocemR.nl: Vol. 22, No. I, January 1992

TERRESTIAL APPLICATIONS

Housing and Building

4267 A:IFIC
Sigit-Arifin, I.E.L.; Sheng, Y.K.; and Nimityongskul, P. 1992. Ferrocement floating house for low-
income families of klong toey, (Bangkok, Thailand). Journal of Ferrocement 20(2): 133-142.

prefabrication/frames/construction costslferrocementlportoonsl floating structures

4271 A:IFIC
Basunbul, I.A., and Al-Sulaimani, GJ. 1990. Structural behavior of ferrocement load bearing wall
panels. Journal of Ferrocement 20(1): 1-9.

tests/ultimate loadslferrocement/polyethylenes/deformationlfailure

4289 A:IFIC
Bactens, T., and Guigan, G. 1990. Fabrication and specification of ferrocement doors. Journal of
Ferrocement 20(4): 357-365.

castinglcuring/meshlferrocementlfabricationlmanufacturinglassemblinglconstructionlmethods

4291 A:IFIC
Waliuddin, A.M., and Brohi, P. 1991. Use of hard grass reeds in ferrocement. Journal ofF errocementt
21(1): 137-141.

roofing/load testslferrocementllow cost/beams/reinforced concrete/physical properties/thermal ef-

fects

4301 A:ll84
Structural Engineering Research Centre. Madras, India , SERC : Council of Scientific and Ind.
Research. Innovative Technique for Housing, 12-16.

ferrocementlhousingltrusseslwater tankslperformanceldurabilityleconomylprecast concrete

India

4307 A:l 173

Orvananos, J.C. Ferrocement roofs built by self-help construction methods, 402-415.

f erroceme ntlprefabricationl costs

Cuba
Journal o/Ferrocem£nl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992 73

Water Resources Structures

4270 A:IFIC
Kumar, K.S.; Sharma, P.C.; and Robles-Austriaco, L. 1984. Review of design considerations and
construction techniques for ferrocement water resources structures. Journal of Ferrocement 14(1):
49-64

water tanks Ibamboo! canal linings/pipes (Tubes)! gates (hydraulics)! construction

4272 A:IFIC
Narayan, J.P.; Murty, V. V .N .; and Nimityongskul, P. 1990. Ferrocement farm irrigation structures.
Journal of Ferrocement 20(1): 11-21.

ferrocementlirrigationl str uc turesl channels! cost analysis!structural

4293 A:IFIC
Paramasivan, P.; Ong, D.G.G.; Tan, K.H.; and Lee, S.L. 1990. Rainwater sLOrage usingferrocement
tanks in developing countries. Journal of Ferrocement 20(4): 377-384.

water tanklconstruction!testslcylindrical tanks/thin walled structures

Miscellaneous Structures

4274 A:IFIC
Miglore Jr, A.R. 1990. Ferrocement precast retaining walls. Journal of Ferrocement 20(1): 31-37.

ferrocementlrataining walls!precastlreinforced concrete/cost analysis

4308 A:l 172

1968. Boat structure in ferrocement, Miami, Floride (in Italian) .Miami : Ziff-Davis Publishing
Company, 113-122.

ferrocement

4309 A:l 175

Bowen, G. 1984. Seven years of life aboard a ferrocement boaL. Ferrocement Communique. 1-16.

hulls!ferrocementl hustingl boats/ cracks

74 Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, JanU1Jry 1992

Construction Techniques

4300 A:l 187

Smith, R. T. 1991. J ointless floor slabs-breaking from the mould concrete.Journal ofConcrete Society
22(11): 14-15.

slabs/ steel fibers/ construe tionlslump tests/ stresses/tests

U.K.

General

4305 A:l 171

Rios, E.E., and Mendoze, E.C.J. Ferrocement application in Mexico, 325-400.

ferrocementlconstruction

PROTECTION AND RELATED TOPICS

Coatings and Surface Treatment

4302 A:TA462 G35

Hack, H.P., ed. Galvanic corrosion. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ,
Philadelphia, U.S.A ..

corrosion/ corrosion prevention/ galvanic corrosion

Durability

4269 A:IFIC
Alexander, D. 1990. Factors influencing the durability of ferrocement. Journal ofFerrocemenL 20(2)
: 159-161.

durability/ corrosion/ galvanic reinforcement/ bonding

FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES

Steel Fiber Composites

4312 A:T A442 F492

Swamy, R.; Jones, R.; and Chiam, T. 1988. Sheartransfer in steel fiber reinforce concrete. Fiber
Reinforced and Concrete Properties and Applications. 565-594. Detroit. American Concrete
Institute.
Journal o/Ferrocem£nl: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992 75

cracking (fracturing)ldeformation!fiber reinforced concretes/lightweight concretes/metal fibers/

shear strength! shear stress/stiffness! stirrups
U.K.

4315 A:T A442 F492

Sood, V ., and Gupta, S. 1988. Behavior of steel fiber reinforced concrete knee-type beam column
connections. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 475-491. Detroit. American
Concrete Institute.

beams( supports )I columns( supports )I connections! c racking(fracturing )Iductility/fiber re infarced

concretes/metal fibers/moments
India

4316 A:T A442 F492

Sood, V ., and Gupta, S. 1988. Behavior of steel fibrous concrete beam column connections. Fiber
Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 437-474. American Concrete Institute.

beams (supports)! columns( supports)lconnectionsl cracking (fracturing)!ductilitylfiber reinforced

concretes/loads (forces)lmetalfibers!shear properties
India

4318 A: 1180/A:TA442 F492

Wu,G., and Jones, M. 1988. Navy experience with steel fiber reinforced concrete airfield pavement.
Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 403. American Concrete Institute.

concrete pavements/fiber reinforced concreteslmetalfiberslperformancelstructural design

U.S.A.

4319 A:T A442 F492

Rajagopalan, K. 1988. Fiber reinforced concrete access hole covers. Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Properties and Applications. 391-401. American Concrete Institute.

fiber reinforced concretes/loads (forces)lmetalfiberslshear strength

India

4320 A:T A442 F492

Jamrozy, Z., and Olek, J. 1988. Technological aspects of steel fiber reinforced concretes. Fiber
Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 375-390. American Concrete Institute.

accelerated curing/admixtures! compacting/fiber re infarced concretesljlyash!me ta{ fibers/plasticiz-

ers/workability
Poland

4321 A:T A442 F492

Cedengvist, H. 1988. Prefabrication of load bearing structures in steel fiber reinforced shotcrete.
Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 367-374.
76 Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992

concretes/fiber reinforced concretes/metal fibers/prefabrication/ shotcrete

Sweden

4322 A:TA442 F492

Nanni, A.; ConbiLL, C. ; and Phang, M. 1988. Compaction and lightweight SFRC mine cribs.
American Concrete Institute. 351-356.

concrete pavements/fiber reinforced concretes/ high temperature/jet blasts/metal fibers/refractories

4323 A:TA442 F492

Wu, G. 1988. Steel fiber reinforced heal resistant pavement. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties
and Applications. 323-350. American Concrete Institute ..

aggregate concreteslmetafibersl sands/ shrinkage/water-reducing agents/workability

U.S.A

4324 A:T A442 F492

Balaguru, P ., and Ramakrishran, V. 1988. Properties of lightweight fiber reinforced concrete. Fiber
Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 305-322. American Concrete Institute.

air entrainment/compressive strength/fiber reinforced concretes/flexural strength

U.S.A.

4328 A:TA442 F492

Ramakrishnar, V.; Oberling, G.; and Tatnall, P. 1988. Flexural fatigue strength of steel fiber
reinforced concrete. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 225-245.American
Concrete Institute.

compression tests/cracking (jracturing)/fatigue tests/fiber reinforced concretes/flexural strength!

flexural tests/metal fibers/static tests/workability
U.S.A

Bamboo Fiber Composites

4262 AIT Lhesis#816-1975

Abusadeque, A.H.M. 1975. Behaviour of bamboo reinforced concrete Lied columns.

bamboo/reinforced concrete/columns/mechanical properties

4264 A:IFIC
Shui, L.T. 1990. Some properties of bamboo for consideration as ferrocemenL reinforcements.
Journal of Ferrocement 20(2): 149-157.

bamboo/experimentation/impact tests/bond stress/shrinkage/mix design

Journal oJFerrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. I, January 1992 77

4284 A:IFIC
Zoolagud, S.S. 1988. Recent developments in bamboo board manufacture and future research needs.
Proceddings of the Int'! Bamboo Workshop, 291-293.

bamboo/mechanical properties/tensile strength/workability/plywood

India

4285 A:IFIC
Janssen, J.J.A. 1988. The importance of bamboo as a building material. Proceedings of the Int'I
Bamboo Workshop, 236-241.

bamboo!physical properties/mechanical properties! state of the art reviews/durability/ housing/bend-

ing strength/shear strength

4286 A:IFIC
Balakrishnan, B.; Chandrasekharan Nair, M.; and Das, L. 1988. Some common diseases of bamboo
and reeds in Kerala. Proceddings of the Int' I Bamboo Workshop, 184-189.

bamboo

4295 A:IFIC
Robcls-Austriaco, L. 1991. Bamboo reinforcement for rainwater cistern. Journal of F errocement,
21(1).

bambooldesignlconstruction/applicationslreinforcementlstrength

Natural and Organic Fiber Composites

4263 A:TA444 E92

Evans, B. 1986. Understanding natural fiber concrete, Its application as a building material.
Intermediate Technology Publications Ltd.

natural Jibe rslapplicationslmaterialslorganic Jibe rs/properties

4266 A:IFIC
Garrote, B.M. 1990. Natural fibers as reinforcement. Journal of Ferrocement 20(2): 125-131.

pavinglferrocementlcost estimates

4268 A:IFIC
Sera, E.E.; Robles-Austriaco, L.; and Pama, R.P. 1990. Natural fibers as reinforcement. Journal of
Ferrocement 20(2): 109-124.

fiber reinforced cone re tel mechanical properties/physical properties/tests/ composite materials/fibers

78 Journal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992

Polymer Composites

4277 A:IFIC
Shirai, A., and Oyama, Y. 1990. Improvement in flexural behavior and impact resistance of
ferrocement by use of polymers. Journal of Ferrocement 20(3) :257-264.

polymers andferrocementlcementslaggregates/tests/mortar strength

4329 A:T A442 F492

Hahne, H.; Karl, S.; and Worner, J. 1988. Properties of polyacrylonitrile fiber reinforced concrete.
Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 211-223. American Concrete Institute

acrylic fibers/compressive strength/fiber re inforcedlconcretes/flexural strengthlpolyacrylonitrilel

pullout tests/ shrinkage

4330 A:TA442492
Akihama, S.; Suenaga, T.;Tanaka, M.; and Hayashi, M. 1988. Properties of GFRC with low alkaline
cement. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 189-209. American Concrete
Institute.

durability/fatigue (materials)/fiber reinforced concretes/flexural strength/freeze-thaw durability/

glass fibers/tensile strength

4331 A:TA442492
Takada, H.; Uchida, I.; and Sakurada, T. 1988. Development of lightweight durable fiberglass
reinforced concrete (FRC). Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 179-188.
American Concrete Institute.

drying shrinkage/fiber reinforced concretes/fire resistance/flexural strength/foaming agents/freeze-

thaw/durabilityl glass fibers/lightweight concretes/walls
Japan

4332 A:T A442 F492

Ramakrishnar, V.; Gollapudi, S.; and Zellers, R. 1988. Performance charncteristics and fatigue
strength of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete. Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties and
Applications. 159-177. American Concrete Institute.

compression tests/compression strength/cracking (fracturing)/fatigue tests/fiber reinforced con-

cretes/flexural strength/flexural tests/polypropylene fibers/static tests/strength/workability
U.S.A.

4333 A:T A442 F492

Krenchel, H., and Shah, S. 1988. Restrained shrinkage tests with PP-fiber reinforced concrete. Fiber
Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 141-158. American Concrete Institute.

cracking (fracturing)lcrack width and spacing/drying shrinkage/fiber reinforced concretes/mortars

(material)lpolypropylene fibers shrinkage/tests
Journal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. I, January 1992 79

Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 119-139 .American Concrete Institute.

ductilityfdurability!fibersfglass fibers/metal fibers/ polypropylene fibers/reinforcing materials/soil

4335 A:T A442 F492

Houde,J .; Prezeau, A.; and Roux, R. 1988. Creep of concrete containing fibers and silica fume. Fiber
Reinforced Concrete Properties and Applications. 101-118. American Concrete Institute.

creep properties/fiber reinforced concretes/meta/ fibers!polypropylenefibersfsilica

General

4282 A:IFIC
Kasperriewicz, J., and SkarendahJ, A. 1990. Toughness estimation in FRC composites, 1-52.

4334 A:TA442492
Craig, R.; Schuring, J.; Costello, W .; and Loong, L. 1988. Fiber reinforced soil-cement. Fiber
Reinforced Concrete properties and Applications. 119-139. American Concrete Institute.

Ductilityldurabilitylfiberslglassfpolypropylenelsoil cement

GENERAL

State-of-the-Art Studies

4311 A:l177
Compilation of articles about cost comparison between ferrocement and concrete, Timber and other
materials.

water tanks/ hulls (structures)/slabs/costs

4313 A:l 182/A:TA442 F492

Craig, R. Flexural behavior and design of reinforced fiber concrete members. Fiber Reinforcment
Concrete Properties and Application. 517-563. American Concrete Institute.

beam (supports)lcomputer programs/ductility/fiber reinforced concretes/flexural strength/high

strength/lightweight concretes/metal fibers/rein/orced concrete/rein/orcing steels/ structural analy-
sis/structural design/T-beams

Miscellaneous Notes

4306 A:l174
1962. Equipment for prestressed concrete concrete and constructional engineering. Books on Con-
crete, Concrete Publications Ltd., London, U.K. Vol. LVl 1, No. 3, 133.

lzullslstructureslferrocement/boats
80 Journalo/Ferroccment: Vol. 22,No. I. January /'Y92

AWARDS FOR IFIC

The Internati onal Ferrocement Informa-

tion Center (IFIC) was awarded a Diploma for
oulStanding services to the fcrrocemcnt commu-
nity. IFIC was recognized for itscffectivecollec-
tion and dissemination of infonnation; and for ef-
fect.i ve transfer of ferrocement technology.
Mrs. Lilia R. Austriaco was awarded a
Diploma for international leadership in research,
development and transfer of ferroccment tech-
nology. The award was also given in recognition
of her outstanding invol vernent in the establish-
ment and coordination of the Ferrocement Inror-
rnation Network (FIN).
The other awardces were:
• AC/ Commiuee 549 on F errocement. For pro-
ducing the "Guide for the Design, Construct.ion
and Repair of Ferrocement" ACI 549 .IR.88.
• Douglas Alexander, A lexander and Associ- Lilia Robles-Aus1riaco of If.JC receives diploma for intema-
tional leadership in research, Jevclopmenl a11d transfer of
ates, Consulting Engineering, Auckland, New
fcrrocemenl 1eclu1ology.
Zealand. For the development of fiber rein-
forced-prestressed-fcrrocement and for com-
merciali zation of fcrrocement.
• JoaoBento de J-lanai, UniversidadeFcderal de
Sao Carlos Brazil. For research and develop-
ment of ferroccment in Brazil.
• Antoine E. Nrzanuin, The University of Michi-
gan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A. For lead-
ership in the preparation of the ACI Guide and
in research and development of fcrrocemcnt.
• Alfonso Olvera, Universidad A utonoma,
Mexico City, Mexico. For tJ1e development
and dissemination of ferrocemenl in Mexico.
•lames P. Romualdi, Professor of Civil Engi-
neering, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pi1LS-
burg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. For the develop- Prof. I Jugo Wainsh1ok Rivas receives his award.
Journal of Fe"oce~lll : Vol. 22 , No. I , JanU4ry 1992 81

ment of fiber reinforced composites and ferro- Research and Development

cement. Commission No.2 Ferrocement Applica-
• Hugo Wainshtok Rivas, Institulo Supcruir Po- tions; Standards and Codes and Building Tech-
litecnico "Jose A. Echeverra" Havana, Cuba. nologies
For the development and dissemination of fer- Commission No.3 National Experiences,
rocemenl in Cuba and for hisdedicatcdeffortto other applications, reservoir and swimming pool
organize the Fourth International Symposium construction.
on Ferrocement. Technical visits allowed the participants to
The awards were presented jointly by the La observe the ferrocement applications in Cuba.
Union Nacional Arquiteclos Ingcnieros de la The participants were impressed with the devel-
Construccion de Cuba (UNAICC); the Organiz- opment of the technology in prefabricated hous-
ing Committee of the 4th International Sympo- ing and swimming pool constructions during
sium on Ferrocememand the International Ferro- their visit to San Jose de Las Lajas ferrocemcnt
cement Society (IFS) at Habana, Cuba on 25 housing project and the Olympic swimming pool
October 1991. at the Higher Institute of Agricultural Sciences in
Havana respectively. The visit to the Higher
IFIC NEWS Politechnical Institute 'Jose Antonio Echeverria'
was very interesting and informative. Dr Hugo
4th Inte rnational Symposium on Ferrocement Wainshtok Rivas presented all the completed and
on-going researches on fcrrocement.
The Fourth International Symposium on
Ferrocemenl was held in Havana, Cuba on 22-25
October 1991. The symposium was auended by
250 participants from 36 countries.
Special lectures were presented on the main
topics as follows:
* Use of Ferrocement in Cuba
Hugo Wainshtok Ri vas (Cuba)
*The Role of IFIC in Ferrocement Tech-
nology Transfer l o Developing Countries
Ricardo P. Pama (IFIC/AIT, Thailand)
* Ferrocement Houses: Current Situation
and Prospects The participanls during one of lhe plenary session.
Alfonso Olvera (Mexico)
Ricardo Carcano (Cuba)
* Marine Ferrocemenl : Current Si tuation
and Prospects
Carlos Llanes (Cuba)
* Ferrocement Ships : Building, Mainte-
nance, and Durability
D. J. Alexander (New Z~land)
Jorge Cruz (Cuba)
The 146 technical papers were presented in
three parallel technical commissions according
to three general topics :
Commission No.1 Mechanical properties, The paruc1pan1s a1 lhc prefabricaicd low-cost housing.
82 Journal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992

Prof. Dr. Ing. Hugo Wainshtok Rivas explains the researches Mrs. Lilia Robles-Austriaco of IFIC (fourth from right)
on ferrocement at the Higher Politechnical Institute 'Jose and Lie. Norma C. Cardenas, Head, National Group of
Antonio Echeverria' to the participants. Scientific - Technical Information (third from right) with
the directors of the ferrocement boatyards.

The participants being briefed on the manufacture of wire ·me participants at the factory for prefabricated housing
mesh. elements.

Ferrocement elements being tested at the Higher Politechni- Mrs. Robles-Austriaco with (L· R) Dr. Boris Mironkov,
cal Institute 'Jose Antonio Echeverria'. Ru ssia, Dr. Y. Ohama, and Dr. Shirai, Japan.
JourMI of Ftrroct111en1: Vol. 22 , No. I, January 1992 83

During the closing ceremony, Mr. Paul for mass production. Further information on
Nedwell, Lhe FIN United Kingdom coordinator prices and other technical data will be available
inviled all participants to attend the 5th Interna- as soon as the required testing is completed.
tional Symposium on Ferrocement in 1994. FIN
United Kingdom based on the University of Man- (News on Technology, Vol. 5. No 3, 1991)
chester Institute of Science and Technology
(UM1S1) will host the 5th International sympo- CHINA
sium.
H.E. Mr. Jose Canete Alvarez, Minister of Application of Ferrocement in t he S hip a nd
Industry, Materials, and Construction of Cuba Structural Engineer ing
declared the symposium closed.
The nexiport consists of two stack bridges,
two caisson piers, two active bridge approaches,
BOTSWANA two ferrocement pontoons and the anchor sys-
tem. The berth line of this nexiport is 85 m. This
Moto rised M esh-wire Machine nexiport can be built fast, dismantled and trans-
ported. The main dimension of the fcrrocement
Rural Industrial Innovative Centre (RUC) pontoons are as follow :
in Kenya has developed a motor-powered mcsh-
wire making machine to boost the local produc- Length = 40.00 m
tion of wire-mesh in Botswana. The machine is Beam = 10.00 m
an alternative to the manually operated version. Depth = 2.60 m
According to the chief engineer, small projects, Draught = 1.20 m
Hans-Peter Zimmer, the machine will increase Deck load = 3.20 TI m2
the production output since it operates faster
than the manual version. The machine produces
2 mm galvanized diamond mesh-wire fence and
is powered by a 220 V single phase electric
motor.
The machine consists ofa steel driving shaft,
supported by two ball bearings which drive a
blade and coil made of hardened steel. The
machine will be marketed with different blades to
ensure consistent performance with a variety of
wire qualities. To minimize wear and tear of the
blade bending-coil, lubrication and cooling fa-
cility arc installed.
A no-volt-trip switch with overload relay for
The vcrtjcaJ spacc·framc ferrocemcnt bulkhead espe-
the motor and lubrication I cooling circuit is also cially sujied to be bu1h on the mould. hs feature arc hght,
installed to protect the motor from accidental prefabricated and tnCllpcnsivc.
overload.
Prototypes arc now undergoing perform-
ance testing. On completion of the test trials the (lnformaiion from Mr. Zhu Yuankang, Profes-
machine will be transferred to rural metal work- sor .Fujian Provincial Science andTechnology
shops through RIIC Technology Transfer Unit Research Institute of Communications. China)
84 Journa/ofFerrocement: Vol. 22 , No. I, January 1992

Table 1 The Main Dimension and Characteristics of the Ferrocement Ship

Carrying Main power Velocity
Kind of Ship Length ( m) Beam ( m) Depth ( m)
capacity (f) (Kw) (Kn)
7.80 1.76 0.44 1.80 2.20 5.20
Agricultural
11.17 2.65 0.85 6.00 5.51 6.12
ship
16.60 3.40 1.35 20.00 17.65 7.75
20.00 5.00 1.65 60.00
Lighter
26.65 6.40 1.80 135.00
15.60 3.40 1.10 88.24 9.70
Towboat
19.75 5.40 1.76 183.82 10.05
32.25 6.00 2.75 137.15 73.53 8.21
Offshore
41.33 7.40 3.70 333.17 226.47 9.76
cargoship
105.20 14.50 8. 10 3024.00 1955.88 13.80
Fishing 20.26 5.00 1.50 30.00 88.24 9.37
boat 28.15 6.70 l.92 50.00 136.00 9.00
·----
48.00 10.00 2.80 345.60
Pontoon
60.00 12.00 3.00 468.00
Floating 2.40
shears 32.00 8.00
Waterworks 16.00 3.60
72.00
Ship

3000 T Class coastal assembly Oexipon.

Journal of FerrocemenJ: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992 85

INDONESIA

Rural Development Activity

Dr. Ir. John B. Manga, head of Fluid Me-

chanics Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering,
Hasanuddin University and 1978 participant of
the IFIC training, is undertaking rural develop-
ment with his student in Ujung Pandang. He
conducted training for villagers to construct la-
trine, water jars, water tanks and water pipes. His
priority project is water supply for the rural
villagers. Providing ferrocemenl waler syslem for lhe people in Ka-
bupalen Majine, a village 250 km from Ujung Pandang.

Training on ferrocemenl for academic induslries, Ujung The villagers constructing ferrocement container during the
Pandang. Dr. Manga is lhird from lefl ferrocemenl training in the rural areas.

( Information and photographs from Dr.

John B. Manga, Faculty of Engineering, Has-
anuddin University, Kampus Baru Tamalanrea,
Ujung Pandang, South Sulawasi, Indonesia.)

JAMAICA

Better Bricks from Bauxite Waste

Researchers from Jamaica and the university

of Toronto have found, for the first time, a poten-
tial use for the millions of tons of thick red mud
The s1uden1s from 1he Facul1y of Engineering, llasanuddin
that is discharged as waste in alomina production.
Universily wilh Dr. Manga (3rd from right) on lheir way 10 The new product will help dispose of the caustic
conducl study on waler supply needs of a village. waste and, at the same time could go a little way
86 Journal of Ferrocetlll!nt: Vol. 22, No. I, January 1992

towards solving Jamaica's housing shortage.

With $ 301,000 financing from Canada's
International Development Research Center
(IDRC), the researchers have developed a tech-
nology to produce low cost bricks from red mud
and non-commercial bauxite that are as strong as
traditional concrete blocks, simpler to make and
do not require costly energy for firing. Unlike
concrete, explains Canadian project leader Dr. J.
W. Smith, an engineer at the University of
Toronto, the bricks harden through chemical
bonding caused by an internal chemical reaction
al normal tropical temperatures and therefore do f-crroccmem garden
not require firing using expensive imported oil.
A model brick house is now under construc-
tion at the Jamaica Bauxite Institute in Kingston NEW ZEALAND
and plans are underway for a seminar to train the
the local people how to manufacture, and build Joint Design Check-list
with the bricks. In addition, the Construction
Resource and Development Centre, a Jamaican To assist joint designers in ensuring that the
NGO, will use the bricks in several community necessary information is available to the builder,
housing programs as part of their cyclone-resis- the following checklist may be useful in review-
1.ant housing project, also funded by IDRC. ing design proposals:
Joint details : The plans should show full
(Appropriate Technology, Vol. 18. No. 2, details of all joim types - including construction
September 1991. Information from IDRC, joints and joint-sealant requirements for all joints
P.O. Box 8500, Ottawa KIG 3H9, Canada.) in the pavement. These details should indicate the
required treatment al manholes and pits and pro-
cedures for avoiding acute angles in individual
MALAYSIA slabs or at the pavement perimeter.
Joint location : By using a suitable legend,
Ferrocement Garden the locations of all joints by type should be shown
on a sepcrate drawing if necessary. Where op-
Dr. Zak.aria Mohd. Amin, associate profes- tions are made available, such as the variable
sor at the University Sains Malaysia and I 984 spacing of the joints, notes should be included.
participant at the IFIC trainer's training, has Reinforced slab : Where for reasons other
constructed ferrocement garden furniture for than slab length, slabs are to be reinforced, those
his own garden. Dr. Zak.aria has just formed a slabs should be identified on the plans.
furn LO produce ferrocement and related material Setting out ofjoints: Sufficient information
products. should be included on the drawings or in supple-
mentary sketches to allow joints to be located in
(lnformationfrom Dr. Zak.aria Mohd. Amin, the field to the required accuracy.
Pusat Pengajan Sains Kimia, University Sains Joint co11structio11 : The details of specified
Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Penang, Malaysia.) orpermiued procedures fortheconstruction ofall
Journal of Fe"ocemenJ: Vol. 22 , No. 1. January 1992 87

joint types should be included in the specifica- 0252 342072. Fax : 0252 333901.
Lion.
Construction sequence : Where a construc- Making High Q ua lity Stabilized Soil Blocks
tion sequence is either planned or envisaged by
the designer, and irrespective of whether or not it Certain products of Leicester has developed
is stipulated that it be followed during construc- a strong, efficient, and easily operated machine
Lion, it i s recommended that notes be provided for for making building blocks from stabilized soil -
the infonnation of the contractor. A pre-con- the building material most widely used in devel-
struction meeting can be useful in this regard. oping countries.
Operating the "Elephant blockmaker" re-
(Reprinted from' Australian Concrete Con- quires no special skills. It has been designed to
struction" June 1989. Source New 'Zealand Con- produce a high output of densel y compacted
crete Construction, April 1991 .) blocks at low cost, w hether manually operated or
powered by a diesel power-pack.
The machine is bu ill for use on sites any-
U.K. where in the world and needs minimum, simple
maintenance. The chassis has wheels with solid
European Specification on Sprayed Concrete Lyres for manoeuvrability on the site and jacks for
stabilizing it durin g block.making.
A draft specification for sprayed concrete Under manual operation the machine can
has been completed by the Technical Commit- produce 120 blocks an hour - sufficient for four
tee- Sprayed Concrete, of EFNARC, the Euro- squares meters of wal ling. By attaching a diesel
pean Federation of National A ssociation of Spe- hydraulic power pack the oulpul can be increased
cialist Repair Contractors and Material Suppliers to 200 or more blocks an hour.
to the Construction Industry. The technical com-
mittee i s made up of representatives from various
European countries.
It is intended that the draft will be adopted as
the European standard for sprayed concrete and
embodied within the specification of the CEN
standard on materials for the protection and re-
pair of concrete structures, now being produced
by CEN /TC I04 I WG8.
Thescopeofthedraftdeals with the applica-
tion of pneumatically placed concrete onto a
surface. Application covers both wet and dry
processes. Within the design and excecution of
work, distinction is made between the following
types of sprayed concrete- structural sprayed
concrete; supporting sprayed concrete for mass
rock and excavation support, surface improve-
ment and repair.
The final agreed draft is expected to be The Elephant blockmaker
published in the autumn. Further details can be
obtained from : The Secretery, EFNARC, 241 (British Overseas Development, No. 15,
high street, Aldershm, Hants, GU 11 1TJ. Tel: November 1991)
88 Journal ofFerrocel7U!nt: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992

Coating will Fight Concrete Cancer ZAIRE

Formulated to combat concrete corrosion Training on Water Containers

and carbonation, cryltane CF concrete coating
system is available from the Research Laboratory The Annee du Salut CenlTe de Formation
for experimental Building (FEB). pour I' Artisanant Rural in Kinshasa I, Zaire is
conducting training course on ferrocement tanks
The coating is compatible with concrete and and sand-cement jars. The project is directed
most mineral substances and has good weather- towards rainwater storage in arid zone.
ing characteristics, retaining its color in the most
aggressive environments. ltalso protects against
sulfur dioxide and carbon chloride.

(Construction Weekly. Vol. 3 No. 35, Sep-

tember 1991.)

Swell Remedy to Cover the Cracks

A self-scaling water proofing membrane

that swells to heal hard-to-find cracks is available
from Booth Engineering.
Swellite 1000 comprises a specially formu- Seminar on ferrocement A' lemba, in Kasangulu, Zaire
lated mixture of velocity (a sodium bentinite
high-swelling clay) and butyl rubber, bonded LO
high-density polyethylene. Water seeping
through a crack activates the velocity I butyl
layer, which within an hour forms an imperme-
able gel.

(Construction Weekly, Vol. 3, No. 32, 1991)

Plastic Additives to Prevent Cracks

Shrinkage cracking of pauern-impressed

concrete can be prevented with the incorporation
of a specially developed fiber, from Castle Build- Completing lhc Rain Water Cistern
ing Products.
The micro-fine, mono-filament polypro-
pylene fiber not only prevents cracking but is (lnforma1ion and photographs from Mr.
invisible in the finished surface. Gracia Victor Matondo. Direcwr, Armee du
Salut Centre de Formation pour I' Ar1isanat
(Construction Weekly, Vol. 3. No. 35, 1991) Rural. B.P. 8636 Kinshasa I . 'Laire.)
Journal of Ferrocemenl : Vol. 22 , No . J, January 1992 89

International Ferrocement Society (IFS)

The birlh of Lhe International Ferrocement Society (IFS) was announced in Havana, Cuba on 25
October 1991 during Lhe 4Lh International Symposium on Ferrocement by H.E. Mr. Jose Canete
Alvarez, Minister of Industry, Materials and Construclion of Cuba. Dr. Ricardo P. Pruna, Vice-
President for Development of the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand was elected founding
president. His mandate is LO direct the activities of the IFS until Lhe first general election. This election
will be conducted as soon as IFS has 200 members or at Lhe 5Lh International Symposium on
Ferrocemem in 1994 whichever comes first. Dr. Pama is internationally recognized for his work on
ferrocement and was instrumental in selling up Lhe International Ferrocemcnt Information Cenler
(IFIC).
The International Ferrocement Society (IFS) was founded to coordinate and LO cater to Lhe needs
of practitioners, architectS, engineers, and researchers on application, development and research on
ferrocemem wilh headquarters at Lhe International Ferrocement Info1mation Center at Lhe Asian
Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand. Its aims arc LO unify experts. users, builders and
manufacturers; to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, enhance collaboration and cooperation:
and also to promote the utilization of ferrocement.
The objectives of the Society shall be to promote Lhe appropriate utilization of ferrocement as a
construction matenaJ; to develop Lhe full potentials of ferrocement speciaJly in Lhe interest of those
whose needs are badly served by present day production methods; and to seek to unify testing
procedures and design criteria for ferrocement.
In pursuance of this objective, the IFS shall:
• arrange periodic local meetmg for discussion on ferroccrnent and related topics.
• arrange for conferences, symposia, seminars and lectures on ferrocemenL.
• adapt the Journal of Ferrocement as iLS official publication.
• cooperate with other international bodies involved with forrocemcnt.
The Governing council of IFS consists of Lhe following:
Secretary : Lilia Robles-Austriaco (IFIC/AIT, Thailand)
Treasurer: Pichai Nimityongskul (SEC/AlT, Thailand)
Members : Douglas Alexander (New Zealand)
Kribanandan Gurusamy (Botswana)
B. de Hanai (Brazil)
Boris Mironkov (Russia)
Antoine Naaman (U.S.A.)
Paul Nedwell (U.K.)
Yoshihiko Ohama (Japan)
A. Olvera (Mexico)
Narayana Swamy (U.K.)
D.N. Trikha (lndia)
Hugo WainshLOk Rivas (Cuba)
RoberLo Mallone (Italy)
The privileges of an TFS member arc:
• A subscription to Lhe Journal of Ferrocement which offers up-Lo-date information about ferroce-
ment.
•An IFS discount card allowing members to take advantage of 20% discount to all lFIC publications
90 JoUTNJJ of Fe"oceml!nl: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992

Dr. Ricardo P. Pama, IFS President {5th from right) and other Mr. Jose Canete Alvarez, Minister of Constructioo Material
participants with Mr. Jorge Mayo, Deputy President on lndusuy (second from left) with (L-R) Mrs. Lilia Robles-
Construction in the Executive Cornmiuee of the Government Austriaoo, IFS Secretary, Dr. Ricardo P. Pama, IFS presi-
of the City of Havana (third from right). dent, Mr. Pedro Galeano, UNAIC president and Dr. Pichai
Nllnityongkil, IFS treasurer.

and services.
• Access to IFIC bibliographic database and reference collection.
•Priority right to participate in international symposia and other activities organized by IFS and IFIC
in any part of the world at reduced fees.
•Membership listing in the International Directory of Ferrocement Organizations and Experts.
• Opportunities to work with IFS Committees.
• The right to vote in the election of IFS officers.
• A certificate of membership suitable for fram ing.
• A membership 'passport' numbered, signed, sealed, authenticated by the secretary and bearing
member photograph.

For further information, contact: IFIC!AIT,G.P.O. Box 2754, Bangkok 10501, Thailand.Tel:
5160110-44 ext. 5864, Direct Line: 5245864. Fax: (66-2) 5162126, (66-2) 5245870.

AVAILABLE NOW .
Proceedings of the Seminar ,
INFORMATION SOURCES for SCiENCE
and TECHNOLOGY
Contains paper to assist information professfonals identify latest information sources and
evaluate new development.
Published by the Information Management Profesionals Association (IMPA).

List price:
In Asia US$10
Outside Asia US$15
Journal ofFerroceml!nl: Vol. 22, No. l, JanU1Jry 1992 91

ITNTJEIIB,NATJI(Q)NAIL
WJE Iffi,JE CO) CC JE IMI~ NT
§(Q)CCII~Tlf 1 IIW§ )
CHARTER LIFE
MEMBERS
Prof. Ricardo P. Pama The University of Sydney Dalian University of Technology
Structural Engineering Division NSW 2006 Dalian
Australia China
Asian Institute of Technology
G.P.O Box 2754
BANGLADESH Mr. Zhu Yuankang
Bangkok 10501
Thailand 14, Wuyi Middle Road Fu7llou
Pror. Abu M.M.T. Anwar Fujian Province
Department of Civil Engineering The People's Republic of China
Mrs. Lilia R. Austriaco BUET
International Ferrocement Dhaka 1000 COLOMBIA
Information Center (IFIC) Bangladesh
G.P.O Box 2754
Mr. Carlos Ossa
Bangkok 10501
BRAZIL Apartado Aereo 52816
Thailand
Medellin
Colombia
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CHARTER ANNUAL Rua Campos Salles 1516
MEMBERS 13560 Sao Carlos CUBA
Brazil

ARGENTINA Prof. Khosrow Ghavami Ms. Antonia A. Gonzalez

Civil Engineering Department 648 Alturos Habana
Mr. Carlos A. Gschwind PUC-Rio, Rua Marques Boyens Civdad, Habana
lllia 166 10 P Dto 3 De Sao Vivnte 225 Cuba
Parana 3100 Brazil
Argentina
Prof. Hugo Wainshtok Rivas
Prof. Horacio Bcrctta CHINA UNA.IC, Humboldt No.104 Esq
Igualdad 3585 - Villa Siburu
lnfanta, Vedado
Comoba 5003 Ms. Wei Sun Habana , Cuba
Argentina Department of Civ ii Engineering
Southeast University
Si pai Lou 2, Nanjing Mr. Marline G. Ballasar
AUSTRALIA China Street# 105 e/oy P.
Vepada
Prof. Russell Q. Bridge Prof. Zhao Goufan Habana
School of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engim:cring Cuba
92 Journal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. 1, lan/Ulry 1992

Union National de Arquitectos Mr. Sudhakar P. Upasani Mr. Majid lbnu A.

Elngenieros de la Construccion MIS Ganesh Ferrocement Works Syiah Kuala University
de Cuba Sector-IV, B- 32 Noida Banda Acem 23123
Humboldt No 104, Esq, Infanta Ghaziabad 201301 Indonesia
Vedado, Habana India
Cuba Mr. Sri Hartono
Proyek Citanduy, No. 1
INDONESIA Banjar, Ciamis-Jawa Baral
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Indonesia

Mr. Orlando Franco Mr. Anshori Ujausal

Ms. Waluyo Wahyo W.
Ave. S. Estrella S Civil Engineering Department
Universitas Lampung Puslitbang Pemukiman, Jaian
P.O. Box 786
Gedung Meneng Lampung Panyawungan, Cileunyi
Santiago
Dominican Republic Indonesia Indonesia

Dr. Baharuddin Abidin Mr. YannesMartenes

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF FSRD-ITB Jurusan Desain
GERMANY Hasanuddin University Produk , JI. Ganesha no 10
Kampus Tamalanrea Bandung 40132
Mr. Karl Weinhuber Ujung-Pandang
Indonesia.
Thai-German Training Centre
IRAQ
P.O. Box 50
Chiangrai Ms. Endang L.Boedi Sambodo
Thailand Citanduy Project JI. Prof. Nourildean Al-rifaie
M.T. Haryond 79 Head of Building and
Cilacap Construcuon Department
GHANA
Indonesia. University of Technology
Baghdad
Prof. M. Ben-geoq;e Iraq
School of Engineenng Mr. Emirhadi Suganda
University of Science and Jarusan Arsitektuk Fakultas
Teclmology Teknik Ui, Kamplis Depok
Kumasi Jakarta ISRAEL
Ghana Indonesia
Prof. Elisha Z.Tatsa
INDIA Mr. Oemar Handojo Faculty of Architeccure Technion
FSRD-ITB, JI Ganesha 10 Haifa 32000
Mr. Desai J. Ambalal Bandung Israel
1703, Charai, R.C. Marg Indonesia
Dr. Zvi Reich verger
Chamber Naka
Geuia Str. 28/2
Bombay 400071 Mr. Riyanto Hery Kfar-Sava
India
Bandar Lan1pung University Israel
Mr. Nanjunda H. K. Swamy JI. Teuku Umar 26
Bandar Lwnpung
7, Shankarmutt Road, Joyanagar
Indonesia
Bangalore 560082
JAPAN
India

Prof. Surendra K. Kaushik Mr. Koentjoro Hiriyanto Dr. Atsushi Shirai

Civil Engineenng DepartmM Petra Cluistian University 3-8-3 Aihara, Sagamihara-shi
Siwalankerto 121- 131 Kanagawa 229
University of Roorkec
Roorkee 247667 Surabaya Tokyo
India Indonesia Japan
Journal ofFerrocement: Vol. 22, No. l, January 1992 93

Mr. Eiji Sawada Malaysia NEW ZEALAND

Nihon Cement Co. Ltd.
Prof. Hasan Ismail
Central Research Laboratory Mr. Chris J. Busck
2-31, 1- Chome Kiyoshumi University Technology Malaysia
K.B. 791, 81200 Johor Bahru 74 McCullough Ave
Koto-Ku
Joh or Mt. Roskill
Tokyo Auckland
Japan Malaysia
New Zealand
Dr. Hussain Mohd. W
Prof. Makoto Kawakami Faculty of Civil Engineering, PAKISTAN
Department of Civil Engineering UTM
Akita University 80990 Johor Bahru
1-1, Tegata Gakuen- CHO Malaysia
Mr. Humayun I. Ahmed
Akita-SHI
Japan Mr. Jusho Abd. Halim 404, N. 2nd St# 2
Faculty of Civil Engineering East Newmark
University Teknology Malaysia New Jersey NJ 07029
Prof. Yoshiko Ohama Locked Bag 791 U.S .. A
Department of Architecture 80990 Johor Bahru
College of Engineering Johor Dr. Hassani A. Wahed
Nihon University Malaysia
Construction Related Training
Koriyama foe Afghanistan
Fukushima-Ken,963 Mr. Mahyuddin Ramli G.P.O 504
Japan School of Housing & Building Peshawar
Planning Pakistan
Mr. Yuki Kobayashi University Sains Malaysia
Structural Mechanics Laboratory 11800 Penang PHILIPPINES
Ship Research Institute Malaysia
Ministry of Transport
6-38-1 Shinkawa, Mitaka Dr. Zakaria Mohd. Amin Mr. Alfredo L. Delola
Tokyo 181 Pusat Penga Jian Sains Kimia Department of Interior and Local
Japan University Sains Malaysia Government, PNCC Build.
11800 Pulau Pinang EDSA, Mandaluyong
Malaysia Metro Manila
JORDAN
Phillippines

Mr. Yacoub H. Yaish MALTA Mr. Cornelio Jr. Villareal

Arab Concrete Products Co. Mandaluyong
Nablus, West Bank Metro Manila
Israel Phillipines
Mr. Joseph V. Schembri
KOREA Housing Department, Material
Testing Laboratory Ms. Isolde C.Matacol
1001, 10/F, Block 1, JI. Garuda No. 22
Mr. Kim Yong-Boo Chai Kok Road, Cheung Sha Wan Jakarta 10620
300 Chun Chun-Dong Kaw loon Indonesia
Su won Hongkok
Korea. Mr. Lorenzo V. Jamiana
Ilicon Corp., C/0 lligan Cement
MEXICO Corp, 2286 Pasong
MALAYSIA
Tamo Ext., Makati, M.M
Phillipines
Prof. Fernandez Alonso
Prof. Abdullah Abang A. A.
Ciidir- lpn United Oaxaca Mr. Primo P. Alcantara
Faculty of Engineering
Universiti Pertanian Malaysia A.P. 674, C.P. 68000 Freyssinct Phils., Inc., Ortigas
43400 UPM, Serdang Oaxaca, Oax Ave. Ext., Brgy. Sta
Selangor Mexico Lucia, Pasig
94 Journal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992

Metro Manila THAILAND U.S.A.

Philippines
Dr. Pichai Nimltyongskul Prof. Antoine E. Naaman
Mr. Romualdo A. Chavez Structural Engineering Division
University of Michigan
Department of Science and Asian Institute of Technology
Ann Arbor
Technology, Bicutan, Ta 616 G.P.O. Box 2754
MI 48109-2125
Matro Manila Bangkok 10501
USA
Philippines Thailand

Mr. Teojenes P. Pilapil

SEC Division Dr. Gary L. Bowen
TRINIDAD Alaska Pulp Corp.
Asian Institute of Technology
G.P.O. 2754 4600 Sawmill Cr. Road, Sitka
Bangkok 10501 Dr. Richard P. Clarke Alaska 99835
Thailand 10-12 Independence Square USA
Port of Spain
Trinidad
West Indies Mr. Lawrence M. Mahan
Tulungan SA Tublgan 63 Enterprise Road, Hyannis
Foundation Inc. MA, 02601
U.K.
2nd Floor Dona Maria Building USA
1238 EDSA
Quezon City Prof. Gurdev Singh Dr. Stephen J. Winter
Philippines Department of Civil Engineering P.O. Box 607
University of Leeds Chuuk FM 96942
SIERRA LEONE L52 9 IT Faderal State of Micronesia
United Kingdom

Mr. Harlestion Alex E.

P.O. Box 1095 Mr. Otto E. Ruskulus VENEZUALA
Freetown I.T.D.G., Myson House
Sierra leone Railway Terrace
Rugbu CV21 3HT Prof. Juan B. Ramos
U.K.
Univversidad de Los Andes
SOUTH AFRICA Faculted de Arquitectura-Nucled
Los Chorros
Mr. Paul J. Nedwell Merida 5101
Mr. Ian A. Pearson
Department of Civil and Venezuela
Division of Water Technology Structural Engineering
~SIR 395 UMIST
Pretoria 0001 Manchester M601QD
South Africa VIETNAM
England

Mr. J. J. Rivett-Carnal Mr. Vu D. Tuyen

Appropriate Technology Mr. Richard O.Riley The Urban Development
Information Greenacre Grange Road Services Company
11070, Dorpspruit Hainford 60 Troung Dinh St.
Pietermaritzburg 3206 Norwich Norfolk Hochiminh City
South Africa England Vietnam.
Journal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992 95

II JF II CC Iffi,JE JF JE Iffi,JE NCC JE

CC JE NTJE Iffi,~
Ferrocement basic reference collection is available in the following IFIC Reference Centers. Each
Center has a resource person who will entertain queries on ferrocemcnt.

ARGENTINA BRAZIL

Universidad Nacional del Sur Associacao Brasileira de Cimento Portland

Civil Engineering Department (Concrete Area) Av. Torres de Oliveira, 76
Avda. Al em 1253 05347 Sao Paulo/Sp
(8000) Bahia Blanca Brazil
Argentina Resource Person: Mr. Adriano Wagner Ballarin
Resource Person: Prof Ing. Rodolfo Ernesto
Serralunga Bionatura Community
Rua Rui Barbosa 11
AUSTRALIA 69980 Cruzeiro Do Sul
(Acre), Brazil
Australia Ferrocement Marine Association Resource Person: Mr. Jorge Almeida
10 Stanley Gve.
Canterbury, 3126 Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio
Victoria de Janeirio
Australia Civil Engineering Library
Resource Person: Mr. Kevin Duff Rua Marcpues de Sao Vicente 225
Gavea 22.453, Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
BANGLADESH Resource Person: Prof K. Ghavami

Bangladesh Institute of Technology (B.I.T.) Universidade Catolica de Pelotas

Civil Engineering Department Laboratory of Material Resistance/
Khulna Construction Materials
Bangladesh Rua Felix de Cunha, 412
Resource Person: Mr. A.K.M. Akhtaruzzaman Caixa Postal 402, Pelotas
RS, Brazil
Bangladesh University of Engineering
and Technology (B.U.E.T)
CHILE
Civil Engineering Department
Dhaka 1000
Bangladesh Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Chile
Resource Person: Dr. A.M.M.T. Anwar Laboratorio de Rcsistencia de Matcriales
96 Journal of Ferrocem£nl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992

Departamento de lngenieria de Construccion CONGO

Escuela de Ingenieria
Vicuna Mackenna 4860
Centre de Researches Veterinaires et
Casilla 6177, Santiago
Zootechniques
Chile
Service dela Documentation et des Publications
Resource Person: Dr. Carlos Videla Cifuentes
B. P. 235
Brazzaville, Congo
Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria Resource Person: Tatys Costodes Raymond
Material Technology
Casilla 110-V, Valparaiso
CUBA
Chile
Resource Person: Professor Pablo Jorquera
Technical Information Center
Empresa de Proyectos de Obras para el
CHINA
Transporte
E.P.O.T No. 3, Offcios, 172
Dalian Institute of Technology
P.O. Box 60, 10100 La Habana
Structural Laboratory
Cuba
Dalian, 116024
Resource Person: Mr. Fidel Delgado
China
Resource Person: Professor Zhao Guo/an
ECUADOR
Research Institute of Building Materials
and Concrete Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador
Guanzhuang, Chaoyang District
Facultad de Ingenieria
Beijing
Apartado 2184
China
12 de Octubre y Carrion, Quito
Resource Person: Mr. Lu Huitang
Ecuador
Resource Person: Sr. Valentino Car/deron V.

Suzhou Concrete and Cement Products

Research Institute EL SALVADOR
Information Research Department
Universidad de El Salvador
State Administration of Building Materials
Civil Engineering School
Industry
Facultad de Ingenieria y Arquitectura
Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
final 25 Av. Norte
China
Ciudad Universitaria
Resource Person: Mr. Xu Ruyuan
San Salvador
El Salvador
COLOMBIA Resource Person: Ing. Roberto 0. Salazar M.

Universidad del Cauca

ETHIOPIA
Head Of the Structural Department
Civil Engineering School University of Addis Ababa
Popayan, Colombia Faculty of Technology
Resource Person: Prof Rodrigo Cajiao V. Department of Civl Engineering
Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992 97

P.O. Box 385 INDIA

Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Auroville Building Centre
Resourse Person: Dr. Zawde Berhane Auroshilpham
Auroville 605 104
Tamil Nadu
GHANA India
Resource Person: Mr. Gilles Guigan
University of Science and Technology
School of Engineering BAIF
Kumasi Information Resource Center
Ghana Pradeep Chambers
Resource Person: Prof. M. Ben-George Bhandarkar Institute Road
Pune 411 006
GUATEMALA

Centro de Estudios Mesaomericano sobre Calicut Regional Egnineering College

Technologia Apropriada (CEMA T) P.O. Calicut Regional Engineering College
Cemat's Documentation Center Calicut 673601, Kevala
P. 0. Box 1160 India
Guatemala 01901, Guatemala Resource Person: Dr. K. Subramania Iyer
Resource Person: Mr. Edgardo Caceres
Malaviya Regional Engineering College
Centro de Investigaciones de lngenieria Jaipur 302017, Rajasthan
India
Edificio T-5
Resource Person: Dr. M. Raisinghani
Faculdad de lngenieria, USAC
Ciudad Universitaria, Zona 12
Guatemala University of Roorkee
Resource Person: Ing. Javier Quinonez Department of Ci vii Engineering
Roorkee 247667
Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala India
Central Library Architecture Resource Person: Dr. S.K. Kaushik
Facultad De Arquitectura USAC
Ciudad Universitaria, Zona 12
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
Guatemala City
Department Library of Building Technology
Guatemala
Division
Resource Person: Lie. Raquel P. de Recinos
Building Science Block
Madras 036
HUNGARY India.
Resource Person: Dr. T.P. Ganesan.
Central Library of the Technical University
of Budapest A vas Vikas Sansthan
H-111 Budapest 4-T-21, Jawhar Nagar
Budafoki Ut. 4 Jaipur-302 004
Hungary India
Resource Person: Dr. Eng. Imre Lebovits Resource Person: Mr. Sh.SD. Thanvi
98 Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992

INDONESIA Environmental Engineering

Faculty of Engineering
Hasanuddin University Serdang, Selangor
Heavy Laboratory Building Malaysia
Faculty of Engineering Resource Person: Mr. Megat Mohd. Noor Megat
JI. Mesjid Raya 55, Ujung Padang Johri
Indonesia
Resource Persons: Ir. J.B. Manga Universiti Pertanian Malaysia
Ir. M. Amin Hayat Pusat Pengajian Sains Gunaan
Kampus Bintulu
lnstitut Teknologi Bandung Peli Surat 396
Center for Research on Technology 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak
Institute for Research Malaysia
P.O. Box 276 Resource Person: Mr. Ismail Adnan B. A. Malek
Bandung, Indonesia
Resource Person: Dr. Widiadnyana Merati
Ir. Oemar /fandojo Universiti Sains Malaysia
School of Housing, Building and Planning
11800 USM, Minden, Penang
Petra Christian University Malaysia
Jalan Siwalankerto 121-131 Resource Person : Ir. Mahyuddin Ramli
Tromolpos 5304, Surabaya
Indonesia Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Resource Person: Mr. Hurijanto Koentjoro Faculty of Engineering
Karung Berkunci 791
University Lampung 80990 Johar Bahm, Johar
Civil Engineering Department Malaysia
Kampur Gedung Menang Resource Person: Dr. Mohd. Warid llussin
Bandar Lampung
Indonesia
Resource Person: Mr. Ansori Djausal MEXICO

LAOS lnstituto Mexicano del Cemento y del

Concreto, A.C.
National Centre of Documentation and Insurgentes Sur 1846
Scientific and Technical Information C.P. 01030, Col. florida
P.O. Box 2279 Deleg, Alvaro Obregon
Vientiane Mexico, D.F.
Laos, P.D.R. Resource Person: Ing. Ernesto Lira
Resource Person: Ms. Sisavanh Boupa
Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon
Civil Engineering Institute
MALAYSIA
Civil Engineering Faculty
Apdo, Postal 17
Universiti Pertanian Malaysia San Nicolas de los Garza
Department of Civil Engineering and Nuevo Leon
Journal of Ferrocem£nl: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992 99

Mexico Pakistan
Resource Person: Professor Dr. Raymundo Resource Person: Dr. Sahibzada F arooq Ahmed
Rivera Villareal
University of Engineering and Technology
MOROCCO Faculty of Civil Engineering
Lahore 31
Centre National de Documentation Pakistan
BP 826 Charii Maa Al Ainain Resource Person: Professor Ziauddin Main
Haut-Agdal, Rabat
Morocco
Resource Person: Miss Karima Frej PAPUA NEW GUINEA

NEPAL Village Industry Research and Training

Unit (VIRTU)
Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Box 14, Kieta
Technology North Solomons Province
P.O. Box 3323 Papua New Guinea
New Baneswor, Kathmandu Resource Person: Mr. Gitti Bentz
Nepal
Resource Person : Mr. Anil Adhikari
PERU
Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning
S.P.O. Bahar Mahal Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru
Kathamndu Laboratorio de Resistencia de Materials
Nepal. Dpto. de Ingenieria
Resource Person: Mr. Lakhraj Upadhay Apartado 12534, Lima 21
Peru
NIGERIA Resource Person: Ing. Juan Harman In/antes

University of Ibadan
Deparunent of Civil Engineering PHILIPPINES
Ibadan
Nigeria Capiz Development Foundation
Resource Person: Dr. G.A. Acade Indorporated
P.O. Box 57, Roxas City
University of Ilorin Capiz, Philippines
Deparunent of Civil Engineering Resource Person: Engr. Lorna Berna/es
P.M.B. 1518, Ilorin
Nigeria Central Philippine University
Resource Person: Dr. O.A. Adetifa College of Engineering
Jaro, Iloilo City 5000
PAKISTAN Philippines
ResourcePerson:Engr.Prudencio L. Magallanes
NED University of Engineering and
Technology Mindanao State University
University Road Regional Adaptive Technology Center
Karachi - 75270 Marawi City
100 Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992

Philippines 42-200 Czestochwa

Resource Person: Dr. Cosain Derico Poland
Resource Person: Mr. Roman Cackowski
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology
College of Engineering PUERTO RICO
Deparunenl of Civil Engineering
9200 Iligan City University of Puerto Rico
Philippines Materials Laboratory
Resource Person: Prof. Daniel S. Mostrales Faculty of Engineering, Mayaguez 00708
Puerto Rico
Resource Person: Professor Roberto Huyke
Philippine Council for Industry & Energy
Research & Development (PCIERD) REPUBLICA DOMINICANA
Rm. 306, 3rd Floor
Science Community Complex Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra
Gen. Santos A venue Civil Engineering Deparunent
Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila Santiago de los Caballeros
Philippines Republica Dominicana
Resource Person: Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro Resource Person: Professor Ing. 0. Franco

Tulungan sa Tubigan Foundation

2nd Floor, Dona Maria Building ROMANIA
1238 EDSA, Quezon City
Philippines lnstitutul Politechnic
Resource Person: Ms. Mediatrix P. Valera LaboraLOrul de BeLOn Annal
Str. G. Bariliu nr. 25, Cluj Napoca
University of Nueva Caceres Romania
College of Engineering Resource Person: Ing. Ladislau Szigeti
Naga City, Philippines
Resource Person: Engr. Andrie P. Fruel SAUDI ARABIA

University of the Philippines King Abdulaziz University

Building Research service
National Engineering Center Bldg. Deparunent of Civil Engineering
Diliman, 1101 Quezon City P.O. Box 9027, Jeddah 21413
Philippines Saudi Arabia
Resource Person: Professor lose Ma. de Castro Resource Person Dr. S.J. Al-Noury

POLAND
SIERRA LEONE
Technical University of Czestochowa
Working Group on Ferrocement Water Supply Division
Leone House (3rd Ooor)
Polish Academy of Science Siaka Stevens Street
Deparunem of Civil Engineering Freetown, Sierra Leone
A 1. Zawadakiego 27 Resource Person: A.E. Harleston
Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992 101

SOUTH AFRICA Nakom Sri Thumraj

Thailand
Division of Information Services Resource Person: Mr. Sorapoj Karnjanawongse
CSIR
P.O. Box 395 Nongkhai Industrial and Boatbuilding
Pretoria 0001 Training Centre
South Africa AmpurMuang
Resource Person: Mrs. SA. Townsend Nongkhai 43000
Thailand
Portland Cement Institute Resource Person: Mr. Songsawat Tiphyakongka
P.O. Box 168
Halfway House 1685 Prince of Songkla University
South Africa Department of Civil Engineering
Resource Person: Engr. B.J. Addis P.O. Box 1
Korhong Hatyai
Songkla 90112
SRI LANKA Thailand
Resource Person: Dr.Vachara Thongcharoen
National Building Research Organization
Building Materials Division
99/l Jawatte Road Yasothon Technical College
Colombo-5 Amphur Muang
Sri Lanka Yosothon 35-000
Resource Person: Mr. Nandana Ranatunga Thailand
Resource Person: Mr. Surasak Arporntewan
TANZANIA
TRINIDAD and TOBAGO
Water Resources Institute
P.O. Box 35059 University of the West Indies
Dar es Sa laam Department of Civil Engineering
Tanzania St. Augustine
Resource Person: Benedicl P. Michael Trinidad and Tobago
Resource Person: Dr. Robin WA. Osborne

THAILAND
TURKEY
King Mongkut's Institute of Technology,
Cukurova University
Thonburi
Civil Engineering Department
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
91Suksawasdi48, Bangmod, Resburana Adana
Bangkok 10140 Turkey
Thailand Resource Person: Dr. Tefaruk Haktanir
Resource Person: Dr. Kraiwood Kiauikomol
Dokuz Eylul Universitesi
Nakorn SriThumraj Technical College Muhendislik-Mimarlik Fakultesi
Nakom Sri Thumraj Shipbuilding Center Insaat Muhendisligi Bolumu
Amphur Muang Bomova-Izmir 35100
102 Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992

Turkey St. Thomas

Resource Person: Dr. Bulent Baradan V. l. 00802
U.S.A.
UGANDA Resource Person: Dr. J. H. Krishna
Integrated Rural Development Center
(IRDC) VIETNAM
P. 0. Box 31
Lake Kante Institute of Communication and Transport
Ferrocement Center
Republic of Uganda
Hanoi
Uganda
Vietnam
Resource Person: Mr. John Baptist Kisembo
Resource person: Mr. Do Toan
UNITED KING DOM
Polytechnic University Of Ho Chi Minh
268 Ly Thuong Kiet, QlO
University of Leeds Ho Chi Minh City
Civil Engineering Department
Vietnam
Leeds LS2 9JT
Resource Person: Mr. Do Kien Quoc
U.K.
Resource Person: Dr. G. Singh
ZAMBIA
Department of Technical Education and
University of Manchester Institute of Vocational Training
Science and Technology (UMIST)
P. 0. Box 30029
Department of Civil and Strutural Engineering
P.O. Box 88 Lusaka
Manchester M60 lQD Zambia
U.K. Resource Person: Mrs Shula
Resource Persons: Mr. Paul Nedwell
ZIMBABWE

UPPER VOLTA University of Zimbabwe

Department of Civil Engineering
Comite Interafricain D'etudes Hydrauliques P.O. Box MP 167
B.P. 369, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
Ouagadougou Resource Person: Dr. A.G. Mponde
Upper Volta
Resource Person: Mr. A. Cisse University of Zimbabwe
Department of Civil Engineering
P.O. Box MP 167
U.S.A.
Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
Water Resource Research Center Resource Person: Dr. A.G. Mponde
Journal of Ferrocemen1: Vol. 22, No. I, January 1992 103

I&1IJTIHI (Q) JE§ 0

JP JE (Q) JF JI JL IE

J.B. de HANA1 Ferrocemenl. He edited several volumes of con-

ference proceedings on ferrocement. He is a
Dr. Hamil is assistant member of many professional organizations
professor and coordinator of including the JASS Working Group on Ferroce-
the Laboratory Construction mentandRILEMCommittee48onFerrocement.
Systems at the Federal Uni- I. He has been actively involved in the organization
versity of Sao Carlos. He : L...- . · ~ of various conferences inc Iudi ng the 1956 Collo-
obtained from the University quim on FerrocemenL held in Lodz. As a ferroce-
of Sao Paolo, his Doctor of Civil Engineering in ment expert of world repute he has published
l 982, Master of Science in 1977. He has served about 90 papers, mostly on ferrocement. Dr.
as assistant professor at the Engineering School Walkus is also a specialist in fracture and applied
of Sao Carlos, and researcher and head of the mechanics. He has also formulated the basic
Laboratory of Structures, Engineering School of strength law (cr - e - a) of ferrocemenL. This law
Sao Carlos, University of Sao Paulo. His main has been the basis for the elaboration of dimen-
activities is on prestressed concrete and concrete sioning methods of ferrocement. Dr. Walkus has
bridges and research. developed a method of industrial production of a
thin walled structures and has also considerable
experience in design and construction or rein-
Bernard Ryszard WALKUS forced concrete.

Dr. Walkus is professor

and Dean of Science Affairs, Yoshihiko OHAMA
Department of Civil Engi-
neering at the Technical Uni- Dr. Ohama is a profes-
versity of Czestochowa, sor of Architecture, College
Czestochowa, Poland. He of Engineering, Nihon
received his M.S.E., and University, Koriyama,
D.Sc. from the Technical University of Warsaw. Fukushima, Japan. He re-
He served as a professor and head of the Institute ceived his Ph.D. degree from
of Civil Engineering, Department at the Techni- the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1974. He
cal University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland and as con- has specialized in the fields of polymer concrete,
sultants expen to engineering firms in Poland. polymer modified concrete, polymer-impreg-
CurrenUy he is the chairman of the Editorial nated concrete, high strength concrete, and fiber
Board of the Civil Engineering Journal at the reinforced concrete for the past 25 years. Cur-
Technical University of Czcstochowa and a rently, he is active in technical commiuee works
member of the Edi tori a I Board of the Journal of on polymers in concrete in the ArchitccLUral In-
104 Journal of Ft"oct~nt: Vol. 22, No. l , January 1992

sLiLute of Japan, I.he Society of Materials Science, don in 1971. He is I.he author of several papers
Japan and I.he American Concrete InstiLule. published in India and abroad on behavior of box
girder concrete, masonry structures, structural
materials, maLrix methods of structural analysis,
AnLOine E. NAAMAN bridges including prediction of cracking using
finite element method and concrete frames. He is
Dr. Naaman is professor the member of several panels and commiuees
of civi l engineering al I.he dealing in I.he research aod standardization.
UniversiLy of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan. He was
formerly associate professor A. SHIRAI
of structural design al I.he
Universily of Illinois al Chi- Dr. Shirai is an instruc-
cago Circle, Chicago, Illinois. He received his tor at the Dcpartmenl of
Ph.D. degree from t.heMassachusseLs lnsLituLeof Housing and Planning, Fac-
Technology in 1972. His research acLiviLies in- ulty of Home Economics,
clude advanced cemenl.il.ious composites and Tokyo Kasei Gakuin Uni-
presLressed concrete. He was I.he former chair- versity, Machide, Tokyo,
man of ACI Commiuee 549 on Ferrocement and Japan. He received his B.S.
a member of joint ACI-ASCE Commiuee 544, degrce fromNihon Universily,Japan in 1982. He
Fiber Design; ACI-ASCE 423, PrcsLressed Con- obtained his M.S. and Ph.D degree from the same
crete; and ACI Committee 544, Fiber Reinforced university.
Concrete. Dr. Naaman is the author of numerous
publications.
D.J. ALEXANDER

D.N. TRIKHA Mr. Alexander is an in-

ternational consulLant in
Dr. Trikha, is I.he direc- design and construct.ion of
tor of I.he SLrUcLural Engi- motorized barges, Lugs and
neering Research Centre fishing vessels besides tanks
(SERC) al Ghaziabad, India and buildings since 1960.
and was the professor ofcivil / Mr. Alexander pioneered Lhe research and devel-
engineering at I.he Univer- opment of high tensile wire reinforced fibrous
sity of Roorkee, Roorkee, ferrocemenl. He has published numerous papers
India, has been Leaching courses in finite element on I.he subject His book " Widening Application
method and design of sLrucLures to under-gradu- ofFerrocement" outlines the theory and praclice
ate and post graduate students. He obtained Mas- of the high tensile wire reinforced fibrous ferro-
ter degree in SLrUctural Engineering in 1962 from cemenl. He is a member of Edi Lorial Board of the
the UniversityofRoorkeeand Ph.D. from theIm- Journal of Ferrocement and a corresponding
perial College of Science and Technology, Lon- member of ACI Committee549on Ferrocemenl.
Jour114/ of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. 1, Janwiry 1992 105

FP 174 ASPECTS CONCERNING THE BEHAVIOR OF FERROCEMENT IN FLEXURE

KEY WORDS: beams (supports), bending, ductility, ferrocement, plates, reinforced concrete,
ultimate moment
ABSTRACT: The ferrocement elements of plate and beam have a good behavior under working load
due to the fact that the width of cracks appears to be very small than in the reinforced concrete. The
good behavior at failure regarding the aspect of ductility and ultimate moment of the elements shows
the capability of using ferrocement efficiently. The present paper presents some specific aspects
concerning the behavior of ferrocement in a short time bending.
REFERENCE: Onet, Train; Magureanu, C.; and Vescan, V. 1992. Aspects concerning the behavior
of ferrocement in Flexure. Journal of Ferrocement 22(1): 1-9

FP 175 DEFLECTIONEVALUATIONOFFERROCEMENTPLATES IN BENDING

KEY WORDS: bending, deflection, evaluation, ferrocement, plates (structural members), reinforced
concrete, wire mesh
ABSTRACT: This paper presents some considerations about deflection evaluation of ferrocement
plates in bending, when using large opening welded wire meshes.Hexion tests were made on forty
specimens, with thickness of 15 mm to 35 mm and steel ratio of 100 kg/m 3 to 250 kg/m 3 of mortar.
Square meshes (50 mm x 50 mm) and rectangular meshes (25 mm x 50 mm) with wire diameter of
2.5 m (fyk = 600 MPa) were used.
Experimental plate deflections were compared with several theoretical formulations, mainly related
to conventional reinforced concrete and ferrocement standards.
REFERENCE: Ballarin, A. W ., and de Hanai, J.B. 1992. Deflection Evaluation of ferrocement plates
in bending.Journal of F errocement 22(1 ): 11-16

FP 176 MATHEMATICAL MODE OF DETERMINATION OF CRITICAL CRACKING FORCE

AT TENSION ZONE OF FERROCEMENT
KEY WORDS: ferrocement, hardening (materials), microcracks, reinforced concrete, setting,
shrinkage
ABSTRACT: Generally, it has been established that during setting and hardening time of concrete
the microcracks in the reinforced concrete-matrix composites have been formed, as a result of contact
stresses on the contact surfaces "binder-aggregate" and as shrinkage effect and technological
treatment. Cracks of this type are known in the literature as "structural microcracks". Exposing
106 Journal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992

specimen of ferrocement to the action of axial tension it has been established that the structural
microcracks have their direction being perpendicular to the tensile force and broadening themselves
with the increase of the applied load.
REFERENCE : Walkus, R., and Gackowski, R. 1992. Mathematical Mode of Detennination of
critical cracking force at tension zone of ferrocement. Journal of Ferrocemenl 22(1): 17-26

FP 177 DURABILITY OF POLYMER FERROCEMENT

KEY WORDS: corrosion, durability, ferrocement, polymers
ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the durability of polymer-ferrocement in comparison with
conventional ferrocement. The polymer-ferrocement, using a styrene-butadiene rubber latex , are
prepared with various polymer-cement-ratios, and tested for accelerated carbonation, chloride ion
penetration and accelerated corrosion. It is concluded from the test results that the carbonation
resistance, chloride ion penetration resistance and corrosion-inhibiting property of the polymer-
ferrocement are remarkably improved with increase in polymer-cement ratio.
REFERENCE: Ohama, Y., and Shirai, A. 1992. Durability of polymer ferrocement. Journal of
Ferrocemenl 22(1): 27-34

FP 178 FERROCEMENT PREFABRICATED HOUSING: THE NEXT GENERATION

KEY WORDS: ferrocement, floors, housing, models, panels, prefabrication, walls
ABSTRACT: Ferrocement is a construction material ideally suitable for high levels of prefabrication.
However, in order for ferrocement prefabricated products to successfully penetrate the housing sector,
it should be demonstrated that high quality housing can be produced with ferrocement, in as an
effective way as for low cost housing. This paper describes part of an ongoing investigation which
attempts to address this concern. In a first study, published earlier, advanced manufacturing
techniques were considered for the production of ferrocement housing units; this led to the
development of a ferrocement housing system using standardized prefabricated U and box-shaped
panels for the walls, floors, and roof of a typical house. It was assumed, in all cases, that joining of
the panels can be properly achieved with bolted type connections. After a brief review of existing
ferrocement housing systems (which address primarily the low-cost housing sector), this paper
provides a brief summary of the progress achieved so far on the study ofbolted connections. Two types
of connection are identified, a shear-type and a moment-type connection. Test arrangement and test
set-up designed to identify various failure modes are described. Typical load-deformation response
curves are presented. It is hoped that experimental results will provide the basis for calibrating
analytical models of the connections. Such models can be implemented in a computer pro gram in order
to investigate a large number of parameters, and eventually develop optimum connection
configurations.
REFERENCE: Naaman, A.E., and Hammoud, H. 1992. Ferrocement prefabricated housing: the
nexi generation. Journal of Ferrocemenl 22(1): 35-47

FP 179 STUDY OF A TWO STORY PRECAST FERROCEMENT MODEL BUILDING

KEY WORDS: buildings, ferrocement, floors,joints (junctions), models, roofs, serviceability, walls
ABSTRACT: Ferrocement is an ideal material for precast industrialized construction of low cost
houses due to its high strength per unit weight . In some of the countries like Cuba [l J, multi-story
buildings using precast ferrocement elements have already been built successfully. However,
Journal of Ferrocem£nl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992 107

ferrocement element being comparatively very thin, jointing needs special attention. Further, there is
no reported scientific study on the behavior of ferrocement buildings as assembled from precast
elements to ascertain their load carrying capacity particularly with respect to serviceability
requirements.
This paper presents the results of an experimental study [2] of a two story precast ferrocement building
under simulated vertical and lateral loads. The model building of size 1.5 m x 1.5 m in plan and
3.0 m high was assembled from precast elementsin a two story construction. Similar ribbed elements
have been used both as walling and floor/roofing elements. The vertical load was applied using
concrete blocks on the first floor and through hydraulic jacks, keeping the ratio between the two loads
constant through each load increment. The paper presents the deformations and the behavior of the
building and discusses the efficacy of the bolted connections.
REFERENCE: Bhandari, N.M.; Trikha, D.N.; and Prakash, V.S. 1992. Study of a two story precast
ferrocement model building. Journal of Ferrocement 22(1): 49-59

FP 180 WHAT IS FERROCEMENT?

KEY WORDS: conferences, cracks, crack width, durability, ferrocement, specific surface, volume
fraction
REFERENCE: Alexander, D. 1992. What is ferrocement? Journal of Ferrocement 22(1): 61-65.
ABSTRACT :This paper is a postscript to the Havana Symposium on Ferrocement. Various aspects
of ferrocement as cementitious composite and its diverse applications were discussed. Differences
between ferrocement and reinforced cement mortar are highlighted. The problems of whether
reinforced cement mortars is within the general definition of ferrocement is explored.
108 Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. I, January 1992

IINTJEiffi,NATII(Q)NAJL
IM[JE JE TIIN CG§
1-6 March 1992: 14th IABSE Congress on Moser, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illi-
Civilization through Civil Engineering, New nois 60208-3111, U.S. A. Tel: (708)491-4025.
Delhi, India. Contact: Mr. S.P. Chakrabarti, Sec- Fax: (708)467-1078.
retary, Indian National Group of IABSE, IDA
Building, Jamnagar House, Shahjahan Road, 7-10 July 1992: The Sixth International Con-
New Delhi-110011, India. Tel: 3716848, ference on the Behavior of Offshore Struc-
386724. tures, London, U.K. Contact: Mr. Robert Gib-
bins, Boss 92 Secretariat, 2 Tavistock Place,
London, U.K. WC 1H 9RA Tel: (071)837 6362.
24-26March1992: 3rd International Confer- Fax: (071)837 0822.
ence on Modern Techniques in Construction,
Project & Engineering Management, Or- 13-15 July 1992 : The International Sympo-
chard Hotel, Singapore. Contact : Mr. John sium on Noteworthy Applications in Concrete
S.Y. Tan,CI-PremierPteLtd, 1500rchardRoad Prefabrication. Singapore. Contact : Mr. John
# 07-14, Orchard Plaza, Singapore 0923. Tel: S. Y. Tan, Symposium Director, CI-PremierPte
7332922;Fax:2353530. Ltd., 150 Orchard Road# 07-14, Orchard Plaza,
Singapore 0923. Tel : 7332922. Fax : 2353530.
3-15 April 1992: Second National Concrete Telex: RS 33205 FAIRCO.
Engineering Conference, Chicago, U.S.A.
Contact: ACI Conference Register, American 28-30July1992: International Conference on
Concrete Institute, P.O. Box 19150, Detroit, Tall Building " Reach for the Sky". Kuala
Michigan 48219-0150, U.S.A. Tel: (313)532- Lumpur, Malaysia. Contact : Mr. John S. Y.
2600, ext. 209. Fax: (313)533-4747. Tan, Conference Director, CI-Premier Pte Ltd.,
150 Orchard Road# 07-14, Orchard Plaza, Sin-
3-8 May 1992 : International Conference on gapore 0923. Tel : 7332922. Fax : 2353530.
Fly Ash, Silica Fume, Slag and Natural Telex RS 33205 FAIRCO.
Pozzolonas in Concrete, Istanbul Turkey.
Contact: Mr. H.S. Wilson, P.O. Box 3065, Sta- 25-27 August 1992 : 17th Conference on Our
tion C, Ottawa, Canada Kl Y 413. World in Concrete & Structures. Singapore.
Contact: Mr.John S. Y. Tan, Conference Direc-
1-5 June 1992: First International Conference tor, 150 Orchard Road# 07-14 Orchard Plaza,
on Fracture Mechanics of Concrete Struc- Singapore 0923. Tel : 7332922. Fax : 2353530.
tures, Colorado, U.S.A. Contact : Mr. Marty Telex: RS 33205 FAIRCO.
Journal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992 109

12-16 October 1992 : Second International rials, P.O. Box 3885, Andrews Gang, New Delhi
Congress on Energy, Environment and Tech- 110049, India. Tel: 91-11-6440133, Telex: 031-
nological Innovation, Rome, Italy. Contact : 66261 CRI IN. Telefax: 91-11-6468868.
Segretaria ENERG2 Via Eudossiana, 1800184,
Rome, Italy. Tel: 396 44585260-44585255. Fax 27-30 October 1993 : The Third Beijing Inter-
: 396 4817245-4881759-4742647. national Symposium on Cement and Con-
crete. Beijing, China. Contact: Mr. Wu Zhaoqi,
23-28 November 1992 : 9th International Director of Cement Research Institute, China
Congress on the Chemistry of Cement, New Building Materials Academy, Guanzhung, East
Delhi, India. Contact: The 9th ICCC Secretariat, Suburb, Beijing 100024, China. Tel : (86-01)
National Council for Cement and Building Mate- 5761325. Fax: (86-01)5961713.

NOTES TO AUTHORS

Please furnish us your paper word processed on a computer disk. Pleas

rovide a printout of your paper with the disk. The programs most suited for ou
ublication are Macwrite, Microsoft Word, Wordperfect and Wordstar. Whe
ubmitting your paper please include name of.software and version used, filenam
d extension.

Provide atleast five keywords that best describe the contents of your paper
110 Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992

001 FERROCEMENT 003 FERROCEMENT, A VERSATILE

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL: ITS
B.K. Paul and R.P. Pama INCREASING USE IN ASIA

This publication discusses every aspect of Edited by R.P. Pama, Seng-Lip Lee and Noel D.
ferrocement technology: historical background, Vietmeyer
constituent materials, construction procedures,
mechanical properties and potential applications. This report is the product of the workshop
The flexicover edition includes over 75 literature "Introduction of Technologies in Asia -
references on the subject. 149 pp., 74 illus. Ferrocement, A Case Study", jointly sponsored
by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and
Surface mail Air mail the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS).
Subscribers US$12.00 US$14.00 Thirteen case studies on the 'State-of-the-Art' of
Non-subscribers US$15.00 US$17.00 ferrocement technology and applications in nine
countries in Asia and Australia are presented.
106 pp., 59 illus.

Surface mail US$2.00

Air mail US$4.00
002 THE POTENTIALS OF FER-
ROCEMENT AND RELATED 004 FERROCEMENT AND ITS
MATERIALS FOR RURAL APPLICATION - A BIBLIOGRAPHY,
INDONESIA - A FEASIBILITY
STUDY Volume 1

R.P. Pama and Opas Phromratanapongse It presents a comprehensive list of references

covering all aspects of ferrocement technology
The report recommends seven potential and its applications. This first volume lists 736
applications of ferrocement and related materials references classified according to subject and
found particularly suitable for rural Indonesia. author indices. All listed references are available
Good reference for volunteer groups and atIFIC which can provide photocopies on request
government officers involved with rural at nominal cost. Ideal for researchers and
development amateur builders. 56 pp.

Surface mail US$2.00 Surface mail US$2.00

Air mail US$4.00 Air mail US$4.00
Journal of Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992 Ill

005 DO IT YOURSELF SERIES 007 SLIDE PRESENTATION SERIES

To accelerate transfer of ferrocement Construction of Ferrocement Water Tank

technology to developing countries, IFIC has - Series No. I
published the following eight Booklets in the Do An Introduction to Ferrocement
- Series No. 2
It Yourself Series:
Ferrocement -A Technology for Housing
- Series No. 3
Ferrocement Grain Storage Bin- Booklet No. I Historical Development of F errocement
Ferrocement Water Tank - Booklet No. 2 - Series No. 4
Ferrocement Bio gas Holder - Booklet No. 3 Introducing Bamboo as Reinforcement
Ferrocement Canoe - Booklet No. 4 - Series No. 5

Cost per Booklet Each set contains 30 color slides with a

description of each slide on an accompanying
Surface mail US$2.00
booklet. Additional background information are
Air mail US$4.00 included where appropriate. The slide sets listed
are intended for use in schools, colleges, training
Ferrocement Roofing Element - Booklet No. 5 centers and will be equally useful for
Ferrocement Biogas Digester - Booklet No. 6 organizations involved in rural development.
Ferrocement Canal Lining - Booklet No. 7
Ferrocement Pour-Flush Latrine- Booklet No. 8 Cost per Series Air mail
Developing countries US$15.00
Developed countries US$20.00
Cost per Booklet
Surface mail US$4.00
Air mail US$6.00 008 FERROCEMENT APPLICATIONS:
STATE-OF-THE-ART REVIEWS
The descriptive text in each booklet is in a Volume I
nontechnical language. Material specifications,
material estimations, construction and post- This volume is the compilation of the State-
construction operation of each utility structure of-thc-Art Reviews published in the Journal of
are well discussed. Construction drawings and Ferrocement. A valuable source volume that
construction guidelines to ensure better summarizes published information before
workmanship and finished structures arc January 1982.
presented. Also included are additional readings
and sample calculations. Surface mail US$ 8.00
Air mail US$10.00

006 FOCUS 009 SPECIALIZED BIBLIOGRAPHY

This pamphlet introduces fcrrocement as a Housing Bibliographies Vol. I

high Iy versatile form of reinforced concrete used Marine Bibliographies Vol. I
for construction with a minimum of skilled labor.
Each Bibliography includes all references
Published in Bengali, Burmese, Chinese,
available at IFIC on the specific topic up to the
English, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, publication date.
Nepalese, Pilipino, Portuguese, Singhalese,
Spanish, Swahili, Tamil, Thai, Urdu. These Surface mail US$2.00
pamphlets could be obtained FREE of Charge. Air mail US$4.00
112 Journal o/Ferrocem£nl: Vol. 22, No. I, January 1992

010 INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY OF 013 FERROCEMENT ABSTRACTS

FERROCEMENT ORGANIZATIONS
AND EXPERTS 1982-1984 Each volume contains 300 abstracts on
ferrocement technology. Each abstract is
This directory is an indispensable source for numerically coded and indexed by keywords,
decision making to select firms/experts for authors and titles.
ferrocement related design, construction and
engineering services. 226 firms and experts Volume 1 Volume 2 Volume 3
present their capabilities and experience.
Surface mail US$4.00 US$6.00 US$ 8.00
Surface mail Air mail Air mail US$6.00 US$8.00 US$10.00
For Experts and Firms US$ 5.00 US$ 7.00
listed in the directory
List price US$15.00 US$17.00
014 VIDEO PRESENTATION SERIES
011 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECOND (Available in PAL or NTSC system)
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON
FERROCEMENT Introducing Ferrocement, Series No. 1

Edited by: L. Robles-Austriaco, R.P. Pama, K. Cost per tape (Air mail)
Sashi Kumar and E.G. Mehta.
Developing Countries US$30.00
The proceedings provide an opportunity to Developed Countries US$20.00
review and update the existing knowledge and
further understand the latest developments and
progress made in ferrocement technology.
015 Ferrocement Corrosion (Proceeding
List price: US$ 60.00 of the International Correspondence
(surface postage included) Symposium on Ferrocement
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Asia US$ 5.00
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012 LECTURE NOTES: SHORT COURSE
ON DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
OFFERROCEMENTSTRUCTURES

This is a compilation of the lecture notes of 016 Ferrocement Thesaurus

the Short Course on Design and Construction of
Ferrocement Structures held at the Asian Surface mail US$15.00
Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand, Air mail US$20.00
8-12 January 1985.

List price: US$45.00

(surface postage included) 017 End Users Training Evaluation
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Journal of Ferrocemenl: Vol. 22, No. 1, January 1992 113

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114 Journal o/Ferrocement: Vol. 22, No. J, January 1992

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International Fe"oce11'11!nl Information Center Tel: 5290100-13, 5290091-93 Ext. 2871
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Bangkok 10501, Thailand Cable: Ari' Bangkok

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0 001 Ferrocement a 009 FERROCE~ ABSTRACT

Subscriber 14.00 12.00 0 Volume 1 6.00 4.00
Non-Subscriber 17.00 15.00 0 Volume 2 8.00 6.00
0 002 The Potentials of Ferrocement and a 010 FOCUS (available in 19 languages,
Related Materials for Rural Indonesia indicate language) Free
- A Feasibility Study 4.00 2.00
a 011 SLIDE PRESENTATION SERIES
a 003 Ferrocement, AVersatile Construction a Construction of Ferrocement
Material: It's Increasing Use in Asia Water Tank, Set No. 1
4.00 2.00 a An Introduction to Ferrocement,
a 004 Ferrocement and Its Applications - A Set No. 2
Bibliography, Volume 1 4.00 2.00 a Ferrocement - A Technology for
a 005 DO IT YOURSELF SERIES Housing, Set No. 3
a Ferrocement Grain Storage Bin a Historical Development of
Booklet No. 1 4.00 2.00
Ferrocement, Set No. 4
a Ferrocement Water Tank 0 Introducing Bamboo as
Booklet No. 2 4.00 2.00 Reinforcement, Set No. 5
0 Ferrocement Biogas Holder Cost per Set (only Air mail) ·
Booklet No. 3 4.00 2.00 Region A 20.00
a Ferrocement Canoe RegionB 15.00
Booklet No. 4 4.00 2.00 a 012 VIDEO PRESENTATION SERIES
0 Ferrocement Roofing Element (Available in PAL, NTSC, or SECAM
Booklet No. 5' 6.00 4.00 System)
0 Ferrocement Biogas Digester a Introducing Ferrocement, Series
Booklet No. 6 6.00 4.00 No. I
a Ferrocement Canal Lining Cost per tape (Air mail)
Booklet No. 7 6.00 4.00 Region A" 30.00
a Ferrocement Pour-Flush Latrine Region B" -20.00
Booklet No. 8 6.00 4.00
a 013 Ferrocement Corrosion (Proceedings
a 006 FerrocementApplications: State-of-the- of the International Correspondence
Art Reviews.Volume 1 10.00 8.00 Symposium onFerrocementCorrosion)
a 007 International Directory ofFerrocement 20.00 15.00
Organizations and Experts, 1982-1984 a 014 Proceeding8ofthe Second International
List Price 17.00 15.00 Symposium on Ferrocement
For Experts and Finns Asia 65.00 60.00
listed in the directory 7.00 5.00 Others 72.00 60.00
a 008 SPECIALIZED BIBLIOGRAPHIES a 015 Lecture Notes: Short Course on Design
a Housing Bibliography, a11d Construction of Ferrocement
Volume 1 4.00 2.00 Structures
0 Marine Bibliography, Asia 50.00 45.00
Volume 2 4.00 2.00 Others 57.00 45.00

• Regio11 A Nortll Amuica, Europe, Australia, New Zeoland, Middle East ond Jopo11
Regk>11 B ColllllTiu other tlla11 those lilted ill Regio11 A
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0 001 Ferrocement 0 009 FERROCEMENT ABSlRACT

Subscriber 14.00 12.00 0 Volume 1 6.00 4.00
Non-Subscriber 17.00 15.00 0 Volume 2 8.00 6.00
0 002 The Pote.ntials of Ferrocement and 0 010 FOCUS (available in 19 languages,
Related Materials for Rural Indonesia indicate language) Free
- A Feasibility Study 4.00 2.00
0 011 SLIDE PRESENTATION SERIES
0 003 Ferrocement, A Versatile Construction 0 Construction of Ferrocement
Material: It's Increasing Use in Asia Water Tank, Set No. 1
4.00 2.00 0 An Introduction to Ferrocement,
0 004 Ferrocement and Its Applications - A Set No. 2
Bibliography, Volume 1 4.00 2.00 0 Ferrocement - A Technology for
Housing, Set No. 3
0 005 DO IT YOURSELF SERIES
0 Historical Development of
0 Ferrocement Grain Storage Bin
Booklet No. 1 4.00 2.00
Ferrocement, Set No. 4
0 Ferrocement Water Tank 0 Introducing Bamboo as
Booklet No. 2 4.00 2.00 Reinforcement, Set No. 5
0 Ferrocement Riogas Holder Cost per Set (only Air mail)
Booklet No. 3 4.00 2.00 Region A 20.00
0 Ferrocement Canoe Region B 15.00
Booklet No. 4 4.00 2.00 0 012 VIDEO PRESENTATION SERIES
0 Ferrocement Roofing Element (Available in PAL, NTSC, or SECAM
Booklet No. 5 6.00 4.00 System)
0 Ferrocement Riogas Digester 0 Introducing Ferrocement, Series
Booklet No. 6 6.00 4.00 No. 1
0 Ferrocement Canal Lining Cost per tape (Air mail)
Booklet No. 7 6.00 4.00 Region A' 30.00
0 Ferrocement Pour-Flush Latrine Region B' 20.00
Booklet No. 8 6.00 4.00
0 013 Ferrocement Corrosion (Proceedings
0 006 FerrocementApplications: State-of-the- of the International Correspondence
Art Reviews, Volume 1 10.00 8.00 Symposium on Ferrocement Corrosion)
0 007 International Directory ofFerrocement 20.00 15.00
Organizations and Experts, 1982-1984 0 014 Proceedingsofthe Second International
List Price 17.00 15.00 Symposium on Ferrocement
For Experts and Firms Asia 65.00 60.00
listed in the directory 7.00 5.00 Others 72.00 60.00
0 008 SPECIALIZED BIBLIOGRAPHIES 0 015 Lecture Notes: Short Course on Design
0 Housing Bibliography, and Construction of Ferrocement
Volume 1 4.00 2.00 Structures
0 Marine Bibliography, Asia 50.00 45.00
Volume 2 4.00 2.00 Others 57.00 45.00

* Region A North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East and Japan
Region B Coufllries other than those listed in Region A
 Ferrocement Design Service

* Mesh Reinforced Ferrocement

* HT Wire Reinforced Ferrous Ferrocement
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LET IFIC ANSWER YOUR QUERIES ...

FERR.OCEMEN'T

HOW AND
WRY.?
Ever think about using ferrocement for a
house, boat, storage tank, channel, pipe?

Contact:

INTERNATIONAL
FERROCEMENT
INFORMATION
CENTER (IFIC)
Asian Institute of Technology
G.P.O. Box 2754
Bangkok 10501, Thailand
Telephone: 5290100-13,
5290091-93 Ext. 2871
Telex: 84276 TH
Fax: (66-2) 5290374
Cable: AIT Bangkok
 "£ mt!l1illk rr®fr
CIC9®~C9(!£illlln~tall
~®llw~n®m~g
the
ASIAN information center for

BEVTElltiNlllAL
EN~INEEfHNB provides
--- -·
='
AGE
>EST

~]
Current Awareness on News on Ongoing Geo technical
Geotechnical Topics Geotechnical Projects Bibliographies

For efficient, economical reference & reprographic services,

AGE • Soil Mechanics,

offers • Rock Mechanics,
a computerized
database for • Foundation Engineering,
information on • Engineering Geology,
• Earthquake Engineering.

Contact: The Director, AGE, AIT, G.lP.O. Box 2754, Bangkok 10501, Thailand
• Tel. 5290100-13 ext. 2869 • Fax: (66-2) 5290374
• Cable: AIT-BANGKOK • Telex: 84276 TH
 JOURNAL OF FERROCEMENT

Aims and Scope

The Journal of Ferrocemenl is published quarterly by the International Ferrocement Information Center
(IFIC) at the Asian Institute of Technology. The purpose of the Journal is to disseminate the latest research
findings on ferrocement and other related materials and to encourage their practical applications especially in
developing countries. The Journal is divided into four main sections:
(a) Papers on Research and Development
(b) Papers on Applications and Techniques
(c) Technical Notes
(d) Bibliographic List, News and Notes, International Meetings, Book Reviews, and Abstracts.

Notes for the Guidance of Authors

Original papers or technical notes on ferrocement and other related materials and their applications are
solicited. Manuscripts should be submitted to:
The Editor
Journal of Ferrocement
IFIC/AIT
G.P.O. Box 2754
Bangkok 10501
Thailand
Papers submitted will be reviewed and accepted on the understanding that they have not been published
elsewhere prior to their publication in the Journal of Ferrocement. There is no limit to the length of contributions
but it is suggested that a maximum length of 12,000 word-equivalent be used as a guide (approximately
15 pages).
1. The complete manuscript should be written in English and the desired order of contents is Title,
Abstract, List of Symbols, Main Text, Acknowledgements, References and Appendices. The Standard
International System of Units (SI) should be used.
2. The manuscript should be typed on one side of the paper only (preferably 81/2" x 11" bond paper)
with double spacing between lines and a 1 1/2 in. margin on the left.
3. Two copies of the manuscript and illustrations (one set original) should be sent to the Editor.
4. The title should be brief (maximum of 150 characters including blank in between words or other non-
alphabetical characters) and followed by the author's name, affiliation and address.
5. The abstract should be brief, self-contained and explicit. The suggested length is about 150 words.
6. Internationally accepted standard symbols should be used. In the list of symbols Roman letters
should precede Greek letters and upper case symbols should precede lower case.
7. Each reference should be numbered sequentially and these numbers should appear in square brackets
] in the text.
Typical examples are:
1. Brouunan, L.J., and Krock, R.H. 1967. Modern Composite Material. London: Addison-
Wesley Publishing Co.
2. Daranandana, N.; Sukapaddhanadhi, N .; and Disathien, P. 1969. Ferrocement for Construction
of Fishing Vessels, Report No. 1, Applied Scientific Research Corporation of Thailand,
Bangkok.
3. Naaman, A.E., and Shah, S.P. 1972. Tensile tests offerrocement. AC/ Journal 68(9): 693-698.
4. Raisinghani, M. 1972. Mechanical Properties of Ferrocement Slabs, M.Eng. Thesis, Asian
Institute of Technology, Bangkok.
8. Graphs, charts, drawings, sketches and diagrams should be drawn in black ink on tracing or white
drawing paper. Illustrations should preferably be drawn on 81/2" x 11" sheets. Photographs should be black
and white prints on glossy paper and preferably 3 1/2 in. x 7 in. size.
9. Illustrations should be numbered consecutively and given proper legends and should be attached to
the end of the manuscript.
 Published bv the ;'

International Ferrocement lriformation Center

Asian Institute ef Technology
G.P.O. Box 2754, Bangkok 10501, Thailand
No. 92 /92, January 1992

PRINTED BY THAI WAT4NA PANICH PRESS CO., LTD .• 891 RAMA 1 ROAD, BANGKOK. MR. THIRA T. SUWAN, PRINTFR, B.E. 2S3S