Surface-Bonded Concrete-Block Panels

Glass fiber reinforcement in a matrix of cement, hydrated lime, water, and other chemicals can be applied to inside and outside surfaces of concrete blocks stacked without mortar. The cement mixture containing chopped strand fibers is usually troweled onto the block surface. Scrim fabric (continuous filaments) can also be used as reinforcement in composite construction. An advantage of using scrim fabric derives from possibilities for spraying cement matrix using currently available equipment. Finishes for surface-bonded walls can be applied after a minimum curing period of 24 hr. Approximate analysis considers the stresses developed in a prefabricated 8-ft high panel during handling in transportation and erection. Calculations and experiments indicate that prefabrication of concrete block panels is feasible. The surface-bonded wall has greater tensile strength and resistance to bending than conventional mortar-joint walls.