Recently in the architecture field, you might have noticed that ferrocement, as a building material, has been gaining popularity. Ferrocement is a construction material which uses cement mortar on wire meshes to achieve the required form and shapes.
Additionally, ferrocement requires Less steel and cement, making it both cost beneficial and sustainable.
Ferrocement is a system of different materials mixed in specific proportions.
Ferrocement can be used to make all kinds of shapes,as long as a skeletal frame of it is achievable.
Ferrocement construction uses steel rods and meshes to make the skeletal frame of the structure. The mesh can also be of other metals or materials.
Ferrocement construction uses cement for the mixture instead of concrete. The usage of cement is also lesser than on conventional construction, since a thinner layer of mortar is only applied on the skeletal frame.
The strength of the structure depends on the quality of materials and ratio of cement and sand used.
Flexible shapes and structures can be made using ferrocement. This process usually consists of four major steps:
Structures made using ferrocement have very less self weight because of less use of mortar while making.
The mortar is applied around the skeletal shape of the structure. So any kind of shape can be made and covered.
Due to its lightweight and strength, ferrocement is a good choice for building in earthquake prone areas.
Since the construction process is easy, skilled labour is unnecessary while building structures using ferrocement.
Since skilled labour is not required, the construction time is significantly reduced.
Ferrocement construction involves plastering mortar around steel frames and meshes. This technique does not involve any sort of framework or support.
Frameworks and supports alone cost forty percent of the total construction value. By reducing the need for them, it brings down the money required to construct the structure.
Ferrocement structures can be punctured easily by sharp objects.
Although skilled labour is not required, a large number of unskilled labour is needed. This increases the cost as well.
Ferrocement is not corrosion resistant. Not covering the meshes and frames properly can also rest in weakening of the skeletal frame due to rusting.
The making of the skeletal structure and covering it with meshes is a very tedious and time consuming work.
Since the mortar covers a skeletal frame, the structure itself is not easy to change or modify once it is done.
It is neither safe nor easy to fasten ferrocement structures with nuts, nails, screws, bolts etc.
Ferrocement can be used to build structures of many weird shapes.
Ferrocement is also a good choice when building structures that are exposed to water.
Ferrocement can be used to store items which should not come in contact with water or moisture.
Ferrocement offers creative freedom to designs while also being a relatively sustainable option. There has been an increase in its usage in the past decade and a lot more potential is being uncovered.
You might also like:
