FERROCEMENT TANKS

It

is a thin-walled construction consisting of rich cement mortar with uniformly distributed and closely spaced layers of continuous and relatively small diameter mesh (metallic or other suitable material).

composite material is formed that behaves differently from conventional reinforced concrete in strength, deformation, and potential applications, and thus is classified as a separate and distinct material. It can be formed into thin panels or sections, mostly less than 1 inch (25 mm) thick, with only a thin mortar cover over the outermost layers of reinforcement.

Ferrocement consists of: Portland cement mortar matrix; Reinforcement; Admixtures; and Coatings.

The mix proportion ranges of the mortar for ferrocement are:

Cement-sand

ratio, 1:3 to 1:4 ratio by weight, 0.30 to

Water-cement

0.55

Wall cross-section showing mesh reinforcements

Samples of mesh that can be used

 Boats

 Silos

 Tanks

 Buildings

 Misc.

The construction of ferrocement can be divided into four phases:

Fabricating

the steel rods to form a skeletal framing system; Tying or fastening rods and mesh to the skeletal framing; Plastering; and Curing.

FAVOURABLE Cheaper to construct and require less skilled labour; Withstands shock better, as it is flexible; High strength-weight ratio; Relative lack or low maintenance;

NON-FAVOURABLE Labour intensive; Poor fire resistance; Susceptible to deteriorate in salts because of thin cover;

FAVOURABLE Very adaptable and easy to work; Relatively low cost; Highly tensile;

 The

Applied Scientific Research Corporation of Thailand (Bangkhen, Bangkok) has developed a family of economical, airtight ferrocement silos that can hold up to 10 metric tons of grain and other foodstuffs, fertilizer, cement, pesticide, or up to 5000 gal (18.9 m) of drinking water. The base of the silo is saucershaped and consists of two layers of 2 in. (50 mm) thick, mesh-reinforced concrete with an asphalt seal between the layers. These silos are conical in shape.

 Small

capacity ferrocement bins (up to 3 metric tons) have been developed, analyzed, and tested in India. The units are cylindrical in shape, 3.9 ft (1.20 m) in diameter and are prefabricated in heights of 3 ft. (1.0 m).

 In

Bangladesh, an elevated ferrocement water tank of 12,500 gal (46 m) capacity was successfully constructed in 1989. It incorporates some unique design features, compatible with the local conditions, that not only simplified the construction process but also resulted in substantial economy.

 Small

ferrocement tanks of less than 5000 gal capacity (18.3 m) are being factory-built in New Zealand.

 For

the storage of water heated by solar energy, tanks of approximate total capacity of 160,000 gal (605 m) were required for a proposed design of a new physical science education center for the Science Museum of Virginia, in Richmond.

 In

the year 1986, UNICEF introduced the construction of Ferrocement rain harvesting tanks in Ghana. In September 1986, UNICEF organized a two week training course on the construction of ferrrocement tanks at Amedzikrope, near Denu in the Volta Region. Those who benefited from the course include Engineers from GWSC, PWD and local artisan from the various regions. The participants were trained as trainers to train others.

1. Amadzikope J.S.S 2. W.A.E.C. Accra 3. Aburi girls 4. Koforidua P.W.D 5. Koforidua P&T 6. Kdua.Sectech. 7. Kdua.S.D.A Training College 8. Kdua Elect. Company 9. Somanya Sec. School 10. Benkum Sec. School 11. Akosombo Ghana Telecom 12. Akim-Tafo Gh. Telecom

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13. Akim-Oda Telecom 14. Nkawkaw Gh. Telecom 15. Kdua Municipal Assembly 16. Donkorkrom Dist. Assembly 17. New Abirem Dist. Assembly 18. Abetifi Sec. School 19. Nsawam Gh. Telecom 20. Bunso Rest. House 21. Ejjura Gh. Highway compound 22. Larteh Presby. J.S.S 23. Wenchi Gh. Telecom (B/A)

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QUESTIONS??