Structural Performance of Ferrocement Beams Incorporating Longitudinal Hole Filled with Lightweight Concrete

Abstract

Highlights This study is focusing on structural performance of ferrocement beams with lightweight cores reinforced with steel mesh fabric as a shear reinforcement. Lightweight core concrete with steel mesh fabric reinforcement was made either using lightweight aerated autoclaved brick aggregate (LAABA) or expanded polystyrene (EP). Impact of core lightweight concrete type, shape/number of holes, existing steel mesh fabric, concrete type, existing hollow core, positioning of hole on structural performance of the beams were performed. Structural performance factors such ductility index, failure mechanism, first cracking loads and deflections and ultimate loads and deflections were studied.

Keywords

• Ferrocement beams
• Lightweight concrete
• Normal concrete beams
• Welded wire mesh
• Core material types
• Longitudinal hollow core