Experimental Investigation on Flexural Behaviour of Ferrocement Laminates Using Different Forms of Meshes

Abstract: The present study describes the results of testing ferrocement panels reinforced with of different types of meshes. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of different types of meshes as reinforcement in thin mortar specimen and select the best suitable mesh for further work. Types of meshes were used expanded metal mesh, galvanized woven mesh and welded mesh has a diameter of 1.58 mm. Size of openings are 20x35 mm, 10x10 mm and 15x15 mm. Panels of a size of 560x150x35 mm were reinforced with three layers of wire mesh. Panels were casted with mortar of mix proportion 1:2 and water cement ratio 0.40. The four specimens were tested under four-point loading system on universal testing machine after curing period of 7 days and eight specimens after curing period of 28 days. Test results shows that the flexural strength of the specimen with welded mesh exhibits greater flexural strength than other two types of meshes.