Ferrocement-Behavior in Tension and Compression

The results of the program are derived from 23 uniaxial tension tests on specimens measuring 36 x 4 x 0.5-in. to 1.5-in. thick (914 x 102 x 13-mm to 38-mm) and from 25 compression tests on 11.5 x 4 x 4-in. (292 x 102 x 102-mm) columns, half mortar throughout and half with a 11.5 x 2.5 x 2.5-in. (292 x 102 x 102-mm) polystyrene core. Variables include the type, amount, strength, and orientation of the reinforcement. In uniaxial tension, the results for two types of expanded metal and one of welded wire mesh show expanded metal to be superior from the point of view of strength, stiffness, and crack development. In compression, welded mesh is much superior because expanded metal is rendered completely ineffective as lateral reinforcement by its tendency to undergo a scissors action under axial load. Geometry and orientation of the reinforcement are mainly responsible for the major differences in performance observed for both tension and compression.