Ferrocement – Advantages and Disadvantages of Ferrocement

What Is Ferrocement?

Ferrocement was developed by an Italian architect named P.L. Nervi in 1940. Ferrocement is generally applied to a Portland cement and sand mixture applied over layers of expanded steel mesh and steel rebars that are closely spaced and also have small-diameter.

Ferrocement is also termed as ‘ferro concrete’ or ‘reinforced concrete‘. Wire mesh is used as reinforcement. Concrete is not used, instead Portland cement mortar is used. The strength of the ferrocement depends on the mesh and cement-sand mixture.

Its own weight is less and there is no need of any form work in ferrocement. Time required for the construction is also low. The maintenance cost is low that makes it economic. Use of ferrocement is largely increased in the last 2 decades.

Composition of Ferrocement

• Cement
• Fine aggregate
• Water
• Admixture
• Mortar mix
• Reinforcing mesh

Advantages of Ferrocement

There are many advantages of ferrocement. Some of the common and major advantages are listed below.

• Raw materials are available in most of the countries.
• It can be constructed in any shape.
• Labor is not required to be very experienced.
• Construction work is easy, less weight and durable.
• Cost of the construction materials are low.
• Provide resistance to fire, corrosion and earthquake.

Disadvantages of Ferrocement

There are also some disadvantages of ferrocement which needs to be in consideration before using it. The disadvantages are as below.

• Number of labor will be higher.
• Rust can be developed on reinforcement if not covered properly by mortar.
• It is hard to do welding etc properly.
• Binding rod and mesh along can be time consuming.