CHAPTER NO 1

INTRODUCTON

INTRODUCTION
1.1

BACKGROUND

The strength of the normally reinforced concrete is a big issue in the whole world
because of the distresses produces in it. It may be caused due to poor
workmanship, design error, change of use and deterioration. Strength decreases
due to all of these problems, so the repair and strengthening of such elements are
necessary, feasible, practical alternatives to the reconstruction of the structure.
Ferrocement is the best material to increase the strength of such concrete.
Concrete with the application of ferrocement can better hold the strength as
compared to normally reinforced concrete.[1]

1.2

Problem statement

As we are the student of civil engineering Department of Mirpur University of

Science and Technology (MUST) Mirpur, A.K, we decided to strengthen the beams
by using Ferrocement laminate.
The name of our project is
STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCED

CONCRETE BEAM USING

FERROCEMENT CAST INSITU
LAMINATES

1.3

Aims and Objectives:

The main objective is to strengthen the concrete as an ordinary reinforcement

has the less strength. By using ferrocement the strength of such concrete
increases. Strength of the ordinary concrete may be deficient due to many errors
such as,
1.
2.
3.
4.

Due to revision of codes

Due to cracking
Change in coding pattern
Due to corrosion of reinforcement.

STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM USING FERROCEMENT CAST INSITU

LAMINATES DANISH AZAD AHTESHAM ALTAF IMRAN ASLAM MUHAMMAD UMER
ABDULLAH KHAN
Page 1

CHAPTER NO 1
INTRODUCTON

It will be uneconomical to replace such member, so aim of this research is to

compare the result of ferrocement strengthened beam with ordinary reinforcement
beam based on the following parameters
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Theoretical ultimate moment capacity

Experimental moment capacity
First crack load
Maximum crack width
Average crack spacing
Cracking pattern
Mid span deflection

1.4

Advantages of the project:

Following advantages of ferrocement are given below, [2]

1. Flexural strength of the ferrocement material (beam, column, etc) is much
higher as compared to ordinary reinforced concrete materials.
2. Using ferrocement layers encapsulate the damaged beams leads not only to
enhance structural capacity but also ensure sealing of cracks.
3. Ferrocement materials are more durable and high strengthen.
4. Cracking moment of strengthened beams increased by 32 to 88% when
compared with the corresponding value of the control beam.
5. Crack width and spacing are reduced after strengthening the beam with
ferrocement.
6. Ferrocement is suitable for wide range of construction techniques, ranging
from self-help construction for houses and agriculture structures.
7. At the low end, ferrocement requires a low level of technology and common
labor skills.
8. Ferrocement can be easily maintained and repaired after damaged.
9. Ferrocement is cost effective.
10.
Ferrocement can be fabricated in any desired shape.

1.5

Scope of the work

To select suitable materials such as sand, aggregates, cement and steel for casting of beams.
Mix design for the strength of 5000Psi.
Structural design of beam to obtain
Dimension of beam

STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM USING FERROCEMENT CAST INSITU

LAMINATES DANISH AZAD AHTESHAM ALTAF IMRAN ASLAM MUHAMMAD UMER
ABDULLAH KHAN
Page 2

CHAPTER NO 1
INTRODUCTON

Area of steel for flexural

Size of bar, spacing, and type of shear reinforcement.
Design and fabrication of mold.
Casting of required no of specimens.
Strengthening of the specimens by using following option.
Laying a pair of hexagonal and rectangular mesh on tension side throughout the length of

beam.
Laying a pair of one rectangular and two hexagonal meshes on tension side throughout the

length of beam.
Laying two pair of rectangular and hexagonal on tension side throughout the length of the beam of
beam.

Laying a pair of one rectangular and hexagonal mesh on tension side throughout the length
of the beam and also along the both sides of the beam.
Testing of the specimens (one reference and 4 strengthened with ferrocement).
Comparison of test results

This research work also has a lot of academic benefits as it can also be enhance
further by taking it as a research project for Master or PhDs level.
We are hoping full that this research work shall extent in all cities of Pakistan
and the damaging of structure will reduce.

STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM USING FERROCEMENT CAST INSITU

LAMINATES DANISH AZAD AHTESHAM ALTAF IMRAN ASLAM MUHAMMAD UMER
ABDULLAH KHAN
Page 3