An Experimental Investigation of Flexural Behaviour of Ferrocement Box Beams Using Micro Fillers

The experimental work consists of strength and flexural behaviour of ferrocement box beams for precast purposes. By partially replacing the cement (binder) with various percentages of Silica Fume (SF) (0–25% in steps of 5%), ferrocement box beam is cast to ascertain whether there is an increase or decrease in compressive and tensile strength due to the addition of SF. From the results of compressive and split tensile strengths, it is found that 10% of SF replacement produced higher strength. After obtaining the optimum percentage of micro filler, two ferrocement box beams with SF (10% SF with 90% cement) and two without SF and two ferrocement solid beams are cast and tested for bending, under two-point loading with two layers of wire mesh. The flexural strength of ferrocement box beam without micro filler is compared with ferrocement solid beam. The test results indicated that the flexural strength drop for the beam with voids is less in comparison with a solid beam due to the reduction in self-weight of the hollow box beam.