Ferrocement application in structural upgrading: An overview

Abstract

Ferrocement, a thin structural composite material, exhibits better crack resistance, higher tensile strength-to-weight ratio, ductility and impact resistance than conventional reinforced concrete. This paper highlights over 20 years of research and innovative applications of ferrocement by a team of researchers at the Centre of Construction Materials and Technology, the National University of Singapore. A number of successful commercial precast applications of ferrocement in the upgrading of building fixtures and services have resulted from the research carried out. Salient features of the design, construction and performance of ferrocement structural elements, used in upgrading and rehabilitation, are discussed briefly in this paper. Once viewed as a labour intensive construction material, the production of ferrocement precast elements, through mechanization, have rendered the material competitive and economically viable for use in construction, upgrading and structural rehabilitation in Singapore where land is scarce and labour cost is high.