Doaa Falah<br />Ferrocement is a construction material consisting of wire meshes and cement mortar. Applications of ferrocement in construction is vast due to the low self weight, lack of skilled workers, no need of framework etc. It was developed by P.L.Nervi, an Italian architect in 1940. Quality of ferrocement works are assured because the components are manufactured on machinery set up and execution time at work site is less. Cost of maintenance is low. This material has come into widespread use only in construction in the last two decades.<br /><br />The main factors which affect the properties of the mortar are<br />1. Water/cement ratio. <br />2. Sand/cement ratio. <br />3. Gradation, shape, maximum size of aggregates.<br />4. Quality, age, and type of cement.<br /> 5. Admixtures.<br /> 6. Curing condition. <br />7. Mixing, placing and compaction of mortar<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Process of Ferrocement Construction<br />Fabricating the skeletal framing system.<br />Applying rods and meshes.<br />Plastering.<br />Curing<br /><br />Advantages<br />• Basic raw materials are readily available in most countries.<br />• Fabricated into any desired shape.<br />• Low labour skill required.<br />• Ease of construction, low weight and long lifetime.<br />• Low construction material cost.<br />• Better resistance against earthquake.<br /><br />Disadvantages<br />• Structures made of it can be punctured by collision with pointed objects.<br />• Corrosion of the reinforcing materials due to the incomplete coverage of metal by mortar.<br />• It is difficult to fasten to Ferrocement with bolts, screws, welding and nail etc.<br />• Large no of labors required.<br />• Cost of semi-skilled and unskilled labors is high.<br />• Tying rods and mesh together is especially tedious and time consuming.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Applications of Ferrocements in Construction<br />• Housing and other Industrial and commercial<br />• Marine<br />• Tank container & silos<br />• Bridge<br />• Pipes<br />• -Fire Resistant Structure<br />• Floor & Roof<br />• Agricultural<br />• Swimming pool<br />