Bending and impact study on hybrid ferrocement slabs

Abstract

The thesis is concerned with the strength deflection ductility and energy absorption behaviour of a new type of ferrocement slab known as Hybrid Ferrocement slabs These ferrocement slabs are made of polypropylene fiber reinforced self compacting concrete wrapped with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer sheets at the bottom face Ferrocement slabs using GFRP composites as reinforcement are a promising material possessing diagnostic abilities to detect potential damage and to prevent fatal failure One hundred and fifty six slabs were tested under static loading for flexural behaviour The deformations were monitored throughout the entire load history This study is undertaken to monitor the influence of arrangement of weld mesh layers thickness of slab polypropylene fibers and GFRP wrapping on the load deflection load strain moment curvature response under flexural load In addition a parameter known as the ductility factor is also calculated and this gives an indication of the ability of a structural member to deform newline