04/10/2023 1

FERROCEMENT

04/10/2023 2

DEFINITION

Ferro cement 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.

04/10/2023 3

Typical cross section of ferrocement

04/10/2023 4

Materials used in Ferro cement

Cement mortar mix

Skeleton steel

Steel mesh reinforcement or Fibre-

reinforced polymeric meshes

04/10/2023 5

Cement mortar mix

•OPC and fine aggregate matrix is used

•The matrix constitutes 95% of the

composite and governs its behavior

•sand occupies 60 to 75% of the volume

of the mortar

•Plasticizers and other admixtures are

used

04/10/2023 6

Chemical admixtures used in ferrocement serve

purposes of

• water reduction, with strength and reduces

permeability;

• Air entrainment, which increases resistance to

freezing and thawing;

• suppression of reaction between galvanized

reinforcement and cement

04/10/2023 7

Water

Water should be potable,

clean, and free from organic matter

- silt, oil, sugar, chloride and acidic

material

pH equal or greater than 7

04/10/2023 8

Mix Proportions

•Sand: cement ratio (by mass)  1.5

to 2.5

•Water: cement ratio (by mass) 

0.35 to 0.60

04/10/2023 9

Skeleton steel

Forms the skeleton of the structure 3 to 8 mm steel rods are used Used in the form of tied reinforcement or

welded wire fabric Used to impart structural strength in case

of boats, barges etc Reinforcement should be free from dust,

rust and other impurities

04/10/2023 10

Steel mesh reinforcement

Consists of galvanized steel wires of diameter 0.5 to 1.5 mm, spaced at 6 to 20mm centre to centre

Available as woven/interlocking mesh and welded mesh

Welded wire mesh has hexagonal or rectangular openings

Expanded-metal lath is also used Made from carbon, glass etc.

04/10/2023 11

Commonly used reinforcing mesh

04/10/2023 12

Properties of ferro cement

It is a very durable, cheap and versatile material.

Low w/c ratio produces an impermeable structures

less shrinkage, and low weight.

high tensile strength and stiffness

better impact and punching shear resistance

undergo large deformations before cracking or

high deflections

04/10/2023 13

Behavior of ferrocement in tension

RC IN TENSION FERRO CEMENT IN TENSION

04/10/2023 14

Applications

TANKS, CONTAINERS AND SILOS 

. FLOORS AND ROOFS 

. HEAVY DUTY FLOORS TILES 

. WATERPROOFING 

. MANHOLE COVERS 

. WALL CUPBOARDS 

04/10/2023 15

• ANTICORROSIVE MEMBRANE TREATMENT 

. FERROCEMENT BUILDINGS 

. FERROCEMENT DUCTS 

. REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURES 

. CHEMICAL RESISTANT TREATMENT 

. IRRIGATION STRUCTURES

04/10/2023 16

RURAL APPLICATIONS 

MARINE APPLICATIONS 

ELEVATION TREATMENT 

FIRE RESISTANT STRUCTURES

SOIL STABILISATION 

PIPES 

04/10/2023 17

SEWER LINES 

BRIDGE

FOOT BRIDGE 

STRENGTHENING OF RCC STRUCTURES

SULPHATE RESISTANT CEMENT SAVING 

PRE-CAST FERROCEMENT STRUCTURES  

    

04/10/2023 18

Techniques of manufacture

Hand plastering

Semi- mechanised process

Centrifuging and

Guniting

04/10/2023 19

THANK YOU