Abstract: Ferrocement is a mortar that incorporates wire mesh or bars within a cement mortar structure. This study examines the flexural performance of ferrocement slabs, which were prepared using both potable water and seawater and reinforced with glass fiber bars (GFRP). The research primarily encompasses the impact of the seawater-to-potable water ratio, where seawater content is gradually increased while limiting potable water in five different mortar mixtures . Additionally, various longitudinal reinforcement ratios are analyzed.
The study encompasses an evaluation of fresh mortar properties, including the mechanical specifications of compressive strength. Furthermore, the flexural behavior of seven one-way slabs is examined. The results indicate that the inclusion of seawater in the mixing water led to an increase in early-age compressive strength. However, increasing seawater content did not have a notable impact on failure behavior. It did lead to a significant reduction in cracking load, with a minor change in failure load, as well as deflection results and fiber and mortar stresses.
Conversely, different longitudinal reinforcement ratios had the opposite effect. The use of 0.37% and 1.25% longitudinal reinforcement was inversely related to crack width and deflection while being directly correlated with cracking load. Similar trends were observed for failure load.
Keywords: Ferrocement; High-performance mortar; GFRP Bars; Flexural behavior; Seawater.
Title: The Behavior of Ferro-Cement Slabs Reinforced with FRP Bars and Mixed with Seawater under Flexural Loading
Author: Ahmed K. Dagher, Khaled Samy, Hesham A. Haggag, Ahmed M. Ahmed
International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research
ISSN 2348-7607 (Online)
Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025
Page No: 84-96
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 01-September-2025
