Shear behavior of light weight ferrocement concrete slabs

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

 The objective of the work presented in this research was to develop light weight composite slab subjected to punching load by using column slab connection at the center of the slab which comprises polystyrene block of thickness 80 mm reinforced with welded galvanized steel mesh or expanded steel mesh. The use of expanded metal mesh and welded steel mesh was proposed as a viable alternative to ordinary steel bars in reinforcing ferrocement plates, also it was proposed to use it with ordinary steel bars to enhance the mechanical behavior of the composite slab. For light weight sandwich elements, light weight polystyrene of density 12Kg/m3 is used as a core material and welded wire meshes or expanded steel meshes  are to be used as steel reinforcement at the two thin skin layers.  Twelve squares composite light weight slabs were developed having the dimensions of 1200mm x 1200mm and overall thickness of 140mm were tested simply supported along all four sides under central column slab connection until failure. This research presents the behavior of ferrocement lightweight slabs under punching shear. The effects of various types of reinforcing materials were investigated. Using such lightweight materials will contribute to decreasing the weight of the elements and consequently decreasing the overall dead load of the building. Moreover, the study aimed at improving some other characteristics like flexural strength, crack pattern, first crack load, crack width, and deflection.

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