Abstract:
This study investigates the possibility of using ferrocement as a permanent
fOllnwork for R.C. column. A total of twenty one columns wcre constructed
and tested in this investigation. Twelve hollow ferrocement columns were madc
by varying the mesh layers. Six of them were filled with reinforced concrete
and the remaining six columns were filled with plain concrete. Three reinforced
concrete columns and three plain concrete columns coated with ferroccment
overlay containing double layer wire mesh were cast to compare the behaviour
of pre-cast ferrocement formwork with that cast in place ferrocement overlay.
Finally, three ordinary reinforced concrete columns were constructed and tested
to compare thc performance with those enclosed in fenocement. All the
columns have same cross-sectional area. The pre-cast fenocement hollow
columns have been choscn as a substitute of wooden fOllllwork. For cement
mOltar, a particular cement sand ratio 1:2 has been used throughout the
investigation.
The columns wcre fabricated in the laboratory, cured for 21 days and tested at
28 days using Universal Testing Machine. The study demonstrates that the use
of ferrocemenl as a permanent formwork increases the cracking load and
ultimate load of the composite system. The number of cracks and the width of
cracks have bcen found to have reduced considerably due to the provision of
ferrocement overlay. From the study it appears that permanent pre-cast
ferrocement formwork could be a valuable proposition in construction under
aggressive environments.
