Innovative Applications of Steel-Mesh Reinforced Cementitious Composites

The unprecedented growth in construction activities have led to speedy consumption of global natural resources like river sand, blue metal, water, and some raw materials like limestone (for producing cement). This study explores the possibility of using Steel-Mesh Reinforced Cementitious Composites (SMRCC) as an alternative to conventional concrete, aiming at sustainability. In order to understand the practical applications of SMRCC, the present authors have cast precast slab elements of size 700 mm (length) X 200 mm (width) in various thickness, 12.5 mm (1/2"), 18.75 mm (3/4") and 25 mm (1"), arched lintel slab (25 mm thick) for a door width of 900 mm, and water tank using several layers of galvanized steel mesh. The construction methodology of some of the elements cast using SMRCC technology, along with recommendations is brought out in this paper. This study recommends that the mechanical strength (impact strength, flexural behaviour and toughness) of thin SMRCC elements may be studied by researchers in future before actual application in the construction industry Keywords—Cementitious Composites, Plates, Ferrocement,