UKQA 2032 SECTION 01

CEMENTFERO
LECTURER’S NAME: ABDULLAH ZAWAWI BIN AWANG

NAME: MOHAMAD IKHWAN BIN AHMAD BADARUDDIN

IC NUMBER: 981224-08-6909

MATRIC ID: A17KT0126

YEAR/COURSE: 2-SKTG

FACULTY: SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL AND ENERGY ENGINEERING

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Definition 3

2. Properties 4

3. Constituent Material 5

4. Advantages and Disadvantages 6

5. Difference between Ferrocement and Reinforced Cement Concrete 7

6. Application 8

7. References 9

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 DEFINITION
Ferrocement is a composite material made up of mortar and light wire steel mesh. It is a highly
versatile form of reinforced concrete.

The mesh is formed into the shape of the structure in thin sections, and should mesh uniformly
throughout the cross-section. Rebar is sometimes used as a means of stiffening the structure.
On both sides of the reinforcement layer the stiff mortar is applied to the required thickness.
Care must be taken to completely cover with metal with mortar, or else the metal may be at
risk of corrosion.

The strength of the Ferrocement is determined by the quality of the sand/cement mortar mix
and the quantity of the reinforcing materials used. Ferrocement is typically used to relatively
thin but strong surfaces and structures, such as for shell roofs and water tanks.

Due to the increased amount of labour required for the construction process, Ferrocement
structures tend to be found in countries with low labour costs, such as in Asia and the Pacific
regions.

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 PROPERTIES

1. It is very durable, cheap and have versatile material.

2. Low w/c ratio produces impermeable structures.

3. Less shrinkage and low weight.

4. High tensile strength and stiffness.

5. Better impact and punching shear resistance.

6. Undergo large deformation before cracking or high deflection.

7. Noncorrosive nature and easier mouldability to any required shape.

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 CONSTITUENT MATERIAL
1. Frame rods
2. Rod reinforcement
3. Mesh reinforcement
4. Staples and lacing wire
5. Welding rods
6. Cement and Water
7. Sand
8. Admixtures
9. Jointing compounds

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 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Advantages Disadvantages

 It can be fabricated into any shape  Fastening with bolts, screws, nails,
required. and such like, can be difficult
on Ferrocement.

 Construction is relatively easy and  Labour

low-skill. intensive construction process.

 It is a lightweight material with good  Tying rods and mesh together is

durability. time-consuming.

 Relatively cost-effective.  Can be vulnerable to puncture from

pointed objects.

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 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FERROCEMENT AND
REINFORCED CEMENT CONCRETE

Ferrocement Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC)

Cement consumption generally 500 to 700kg Cement consumption generally 100 to 300
per 𝑚3 . kg per 𝑚3 .
Fine aggregate of particle size 400 micron to Fine aggregate of particle size varying from
3 mm. 400 micron to 4.75 mm.
No shuttering generally and no coarse Wooden or steel shuttering and coarse
aggregate. aggregate of 12-35 mm or more.
Homogenous isotopic material at the initial Heterogeneous material.
stage.
Fire resistance up to 750℃ for a period of 48 Fire resistance up to 200℃ to 250℃ for
hours or even more. period of 3 to 4 hours.
Generally not affected by carbonation and Affected by carbonation and chloride
chloride penetration. Autogenous healing penetration. Autogenously healing may or
should take place. may not take place.

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 APPLICATION
1. Residential Buildings

Ferro-cement roof and wall elements could be factory mass produced in prefabricated form, a
process best suited to the demands of urban area. Alternatively, it could be fabricated in –situ
in rural areas.

2. Water tanks

Precast or cast-in-situ water tanks of any capacity and any shape can be economically
constructed with Ferro-cement because practically no shuttering is required for its construction.
These water tanks are leak proof, durable and maintenance free. It can also be effectively used
for various water supply structures.

3. Biogas Holders

Ferro cement gas holders can be constructed to replace the mild steel gas holders for biogas
plants. These gas holders are about 50 percent cheaper than steel gas holders and have good
functional properties.

4. Silos

Ferro-cement silos to store up to 300K N of grain appear quite suitable and economical. Ferro-
cement is water tight and appropriate sealants it can be made airtight.

5. Fishing Boats

Construction of Ferro-cement boats has been found attractive because it can be fabricated into
any shape and traditional designs could be reproduced and often improved, besides being more
durable and cheaper than wooden boats.

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 REFERENCES

Naaman, A. E. (2000). Ferrocement and laminated cementitious composites (Vol. 3000, No.
1). Ann Arbor: Techno press.

Rathish Kumar, P., Oshima, T., & Mikami, S. (2004). Ferrocement confinement of plain and
reinforced concrete. Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials, 6(4), 241-251.

Designing Buildings Wiki (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Ferro-cement

Ferrocement Comparted With Reinforced Cement Concrete (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.jadferrocements.net/reinforced-cemen-concrete.html