Durability studies on ferrocement

This study deals with the experimental investigation of durability aspects of ferrocement in marine environment by conducting laboratory accelerated tests and field exposure tests. The parameters used for the investigation are the water-cement ratio, sand-cement ratio and addition of a high-range water reducing admixture. The degree of corrosion was detected by determining the percentage reduction in ultimate tensile strength of the exposed specimens compared to the original specimens and also by chemical analysis. Test results have indicated that ferrocement specimens subjected to accelerated tests and those in the splash zone of field tests suffered appreciable loss of strength. The specimens in the atmospheric and immersion zone showed improvements in the ultimate tensile strength during the test. The chloride content is highly influenced by the w/c ratio of the mix. The sulphate content and pH value determination did not give any reliable results.