7.17 : Ferrocement

Ferro-cement is a distinctive construction material that represents an innovative variant of reinforced concrete, characterized by its unique composition and the method by which it is formed. Unlike standard reinforced concrete, which relies on larger steel bars for reinforcement, ferro-cement utilizes densely packed layers of mesh or fine rods, fully encased in cement mortar. This composition allows for the creation of structures that are significantly thinner and more flexible than their traditional counterparts.

At the heart of ferrocement's design is the combination of wire meshes and a mortar of cement and sand, typically mixed in a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio. A crucial aspect of its formulation is the water-to-cement ratio, which ranges from 0.40 to 0.45. This precise mixture ensures that the material achieves an optimal balance of strength and workability. The reinforcing mesh materials used in ferrocement can vary widely, encompassing everything from woven or interlocking chicken wire to welded steel mesh and expanded metal lath. This diversity in materials, combined with the ability to mold ferro-cement into any desired shape, offers unparalleled versatility in design and application.

Among the primary benefits of ferro-cement are its straightforward construction techniques, which allow for manual application and shaping without the need for conventional molds. The reduced weight of ferro-cement elements, due to their slimness, enables easier handling and installation.