Ferrocrete is a type of reinforced concrete that uses closely spaced wire mesh or small diameter rods infiltrated with mortar. It has high density and durability to withstand various climates. Ferrocrete structures are lighter than regular reinforced concrete and do not require formwork. Some applications of ferrocrete include roofing, water tanks, bridges, and precast building components. Ferrocrete is constructed by first making a wire mesh framework, applying mortar that is worked into the mesh, and compacting it. This produces a strong, lightweight material suitable for many construction applications.
2. Ferrocrete -
Ferrocrete is a form of reinforced concrete using closely spaced multiple layers
of mesh and/or small diameter rods completely infiltrated with, or
encapsulated in, mortar
• synthetic compound composed of a mix of metallic alloys, ceramic polymers
and stone
• has high density and ability to stand for thousands of years once set in a
wide variety of climates and environmental factors
• concrete and iron that was molecularly bonded to produce a substance with
exceptional resistance to wear and tear
Ferrocement -
The major advantages of ferrocement construction are:
• the structures are thin and light,
• can be easily precast
• are amenable to repairs in case of local damage.
3. History –
• Ferrocement is a relatively new material.
• It was first used in France, in the middle of the 19th century, for the
construction of a rowing boat.
• Its use in building construction began in the middle of the 20th century in
Italy.
• Although its application in a large number of fields has rapidly increased all
over the world, the state-of-the-art of Ferrocement is still in its infancy, as
its long-term performance is still not known.
4. Sr.
No.
RCC FERROCRETE
1 Minimum thickness 100 mm Minimum thickness 25 mm
2 Course Aggregate is Present Rich portland cement mortar
with Fine Aggregate
3 Reinforcement consisting of
larger dia bars and more widely
spaced as compared to Ferrocrete
Greater percentage of
reinforcement, comprising
closely spaced small diameter
wires and wire mesh, distributed
uniformly throughout the cross-
section
4 Structures are heavier than
Ferrocrete
Structures are lighter than RCC
5 Without formwork construction
is not possible
Can be constructed without
formwork
Difference between RCC and
Ferrocrete
5. Applications
Ferrocrete is recommended to meet the following requirements:
• To produce high early strength in a wide variety of concretes, mortars and
grouts.
• To facilitate the early demoulding, handling and use of all types of precast
concrete products.
• To reduce formwork striking times.
• To help maintain normal concrete production during cold weather.
• To resist fire up to 750 ̊ C for a period of 48 hours or even more
• To resist rust, rot or blow down in storms.
• To apply in broad range
6. Advantages -
• similar to or less weighty than a fiber reinforced plastic (fiberglass),
aluminum, or steel framework
• Less strength and lesser durability than standard RCC construction
• mechanically overloaded, it will tend to fold instead of crack or rupture
• 10 to 25% of the weight of a comparable construction made of bricks
• Sleeker sections make it more aesthetically pleasing
• Can be given in any shape, so organic shapes are possible
Disadvantage –
constructions is the labor intensive
7. Construction Method
• The first step is to prepare the skeletal framework onto which the wire mesh is fixed
with a thin tie wire (or in some cases, by welding). A minimum of two layers of wire
mesh is required, and depending on the design, up to 12 layers have been used (with a
maximum of 5 layers per cm of thickness).
8. Construction Method
• The sand, cement and additives are carefully proportioned by weighing,
mixed dry and then with water. Hand mixing is usually satisfactory, but
mechanical mixing produces more uniform mixes, reduces manual effort and
saves time. The mix must be workable, but as dry as possible, for greater final
strength and to ensure that it retains its form and position between application
and hardening.
9. Construction Method
• After checking the stability of the framework and wire mesh reinforcement,
the mortar is applied either by hand or with a trowel, and thoroughly worked
into the mesh to close all voids. This can be done in a single application, that is,
finishing both sides before initial set takes place. For this two people are needed
to work simultaneously on both sides.
10.
11.
12.
13. Construction Method
• Thicker structures can be done in two stages, that is, plastering to half thickness
from one side, allowing it to cure for two weeks, after which the other surface is
completed.
• Compaction is achieved by beating the mortar with a trowel or flat piece of
wood.
• Care must be taken not to leave any reinforcement exposed on the surface,
the minimum mortar cover is 1.5 mm.
• Each stage of plastering should be done without interruption, preferably in dry
weather or under cover, and protected from the sun and wind. As in concrete
construction, ferrocement should be moist cured for at least 14 days.
14. Use of Ferrocrete Technology
1. Ferrocrete Rafters and Purlins
Based on ancient timber technology, modular Ferrocrete rafters & purlins are
designed as a Logical replacement for factory made systems.
The structure of the ferrocrete channel with simple modifications was made into a
more viable, efficient and appropriate building material, used in conjunction with
MCR tiles.
• Durable
• easy to manage
• easy to store
• Size can be controlled depending on the depth.
• Resistant.
15. 2. Ferrocement Building
Ferrocement Building like floors, roofs and walls for residential places and office
buildings. These are fabricated using ferrocement columns, beam & panel systems
that helps reduction in consumption of cement and steel. Furthermore, these require
almost no shuttering cost and have longer functioning life. The weight of a
ferrocement building is 50% less than that of a RCC building.
16. 3. Ferrocement Ducts
Ferrocement ducts are suitable for circulation of cool or hot air and are structurally
strong. Besides, these are capable of resisting environment damages and are superior
than most of the conventional ones. These ducts also require supports at large
intervals and are highly cost effective
4. Ferrocement Plated RCC structures
Ferrocement Plated RCC Structure are a heterogeneous material with voids and
capillaries. These are filled with water causing spalling of concrete crack formations.
Furthermore, these reduces and obstructs the water moisture, air polluted gases to
enter cracks and cause expansion & corrosion of reinforcement.
• Designed as cracked section
• Density about 2500 Kgs/M3
• Vibration with needles mostly leave some porosity between two pokes that means
honeycombing
• Voids and capillary formation is regarded to be normal in concrete
• When concrete cracks are minute, then these can be sealed using autogenous
healing
17. 5. Ferrocement Water Storage Tanks
Ferrocement Water Storage Tanks are constructed using ferrocement plates of 25
mm – 30mm thick. The structures are as strong as steel plates and are completely
waterproof. Moreover, these types of tanks are highly resistant against earthquake
& wind and are have high durability. Following are some of the features of these
tanks:
• Sturdy construct
• Weight of the tower less by about 50% of R.C.C.
• Life time Durability
• Economical
18. 6. Foot Bridges
We offer foot over bridge that is used for crossing
road, rail track or any place on foot. These bridges
are fabricated with supporting columns, stairs, roof
etc, as per requirement.
7. Manhole Covers
Manhole Covers that are superior in quality and
durability as compared to the conventional ones.
Heavy duty as well as light weight covers are makes
them ideal for busy places.
19. 8. Horizontal And Vertical Extension Of RCC
Buildings
Horizontal extension of building with ferrocement technology is most
convenient upto overhang of 1. 2 mtrs. Or more depending upon available
strength of columns and beams on the periphery of the building. The
extension is provided using the precast ferrocement
beams, slabs, panels manufactured on machinery set
up duly anchored to the building at floor level. The
anchoring is done by using innovative indigenous method. The precast
cantilever beams as well as beams at the edge are manufactured
on machinery set up in the form of ‘u’ incorporated with the reinforcement
for the beams. The joints between the precast beams and the building are
duly connected by wiremesh lapping and welding and matrix applications.
After this plane vibrated concrete poured in the hollow of beam.
20. 9. Kitchen Cabinate
Wall Cupboards that are highly acclaimed for their
beautiful designs and sturdy construction. These
cupboards are provided with or without shutters for
storage of office records, factory material and other
such similar things. Besides, these wall cupboards are
also ideal for domestic purposes
10. Water Proofing
Ferrocement Membrane Waterproofing is a
structural treatment
• cannot be punctured
• resists wear and tear
• is permanent with nil / negligible
maintenance
• solution to chronic leakages
• It is unique
21. 11. (Rain) water Harvesting using Ferrocement
Technology
• Drain Precast 2.4-3.00 Mtrs. long space saving
• Precasting on machinery set up under controlled conditions
• Any cross section
• Fast construction – More faster with crane
• Least execution time
• Perforated precast cover –easily removable for thorough cleaning
• No manholes
• Long perforated cover Ferrocement tanks for storage 25-30 mm walls
bottom and top Space saving Any capacity
• Less space occupation
• With Filtration Boring arrangement
22. 12. Roofs
The ferrocement roof consists panels size
1.5mtrs.x1.2mtrs. approximately and ferrocement
portal and purlins replacing AC sheets and
structurals steel trusses and purlins. Unlike AC
sheet Metal, FRP roof all the ferrocement panels
are joined monolithically. There will be no nuts
and bolt arrangement as in the case of AC sheet
Metal, FRP roofs. But ferrocement panels shall
be connected to the purlins and portal by welding
and in-situ vibrated cement matrix application.
Or Ferrocement mega tiles of size 1.5 x 1.2 mtr. or
more are laid just like Mangalore tiles with most
effective interlocking arrangement to prevent rain
water entry below. There will be least
heat transfer as compared to AC sheets etc. The
space below the roof shall be neat and clean since
the steel trusses are eliminated. There will be far
better storage space below without obstruction.
23. The ferrocement roof is superior as compared to A.C. sheets roof and
metal sheets as below: -
• Ferrocement can be monolith, jointless roof eliminating trusses and purlins
nuts and bolts and joints as in the case of AC sheet/ Metal sheets roof.
• Ferrocement roof shall transfer much less heat as compared to AC sheet/ Metal
sheets roof. It can be fully insulated against heat transfer. Jointless ferrocement
roof prevent humidity transfer inside.
• Since structural trusses, purlins are eliminated space there is more storage
space.
Since ferrocement roof is monolith, there is no phenomenon such as cracking as
in the case of AC sheet/ Metal sheets roof and leakage of rainwater and
corrosion of nuts and bolts, therefore, least maintenance operations. Soffit of
ferrocement roofs is neat and clean as compared to AC sheet/ Metal sheets roof
since there are no steel trusses or tubular trusses.
• In the long run ferrocement roof are very economical.
• The performance of gutters and valleys is superior. Because these are integral
with roof.
• The life of tubular truss roof is much less in view of earlier loss of strength due
to corrosion.
• Wooden trusses purlins require replacement off and on. In ferrocement roof, no
replacement is necessary.
24. 13. Swimming Pool
Construction
Swimming Pools are specially designed for
residential as well as commercial uses. These
are available in varied shapes, colors, sizes &
designs and provided with stereos, water
pumps & other controls.
14. Vehicular Bridge
Construction
Vehicular Bridges from are ideal for
transportation and public works applications
as local crews using on-hand equipment can
typically place the superstructure in one day
– reducing costs, equipment time and road
closure time.
25. Please refer – for projects in Ferrocrete
http://bhedasgaonkar.com
