Effect of Saline Water on the Flexural Performance of Ferrocement Wall Panel

Ferrocement as a form of reinforced concrete constructed of hydraulic cement mortar strengthened with closely spaced layers of continuous and relatively small diameter wire mesh. It has been used worldwide as a construction material to provide better construction and rehabilitation of structures. Moreover, there may be structural deterioration of ferrocement due to the exposure of saline water. In this article, the flexural performance of ferrocement panels under normal and exposed in saline water was investigated. For this rationale, a series of thin mortar plate specimens of 275 mm × 275 mm (width× length) in size were casted with varying number of mesh layers, thickness and immersed condition. For the expedition of the effect of saline water, accelerated constant current corrosion test was performed. Mid-point loading test was done to measure the flexure performance of the specimens. Test results revealed that the flexural performance of ferrocement wall panel reduces due to the effect of saline water.