What Type of Cement Is Ferrocement?
Ferrocement, a mixture of Portland cement reinforced by steel mesh and, in some cases, small diameter rods was invented in the mid-19th century. The compound is sometimes confused with reinforced concrete, a thicker material which uses larger reinforcing agents. The name ferrocement comes from the Latin word ferrum, meaning iron. Does this Spark an idea?
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Housing
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Ferrocement has a number of advantages as a building material for constructing houses, particularly in developing countries. Its relatively low cost compared with other materials and the speed with which workers can put up structures makes it a good fit for low-income regions of the world. Builders also have the option of using ferrocement cast on-site or assembling prefabricated units, whichever is more efficient for the specific project.
Boats
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Almost from the start of the discovery of ferrocement, boat builders recognized that its properties of lightness and strength made it a good candidate for use in ship construction. Joseph Lambot, one of the pioneers of ferrocement, made a small boat from the material in 1848. It was not until the mid-20 century, however, under the instigation of Italian engineer Pier Luigi Nervi, that ferrocement became a prominent component in the craft of boat building.
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Bamboo
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Although steel remains the primary reinforcement material for ferrocement, another possibility has recently gained acceptance. Bamboo, a tough and durable organic material, may be substituted for steel mesh in some instances. A reprehensible and inexpensive material, bamboo makes a good reinforcement structure in applications as pavements, buttresses and wall panels. Bamboo's light weight and strength give it the potential to see more use the future.
Water Tanks
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People in lower income areas who need cheap, easily constructed water tanks gain certain advantages in making them out of ferrocement. Using materials such as brick or standard concrete may require more skilled labor and more expense than local populations possess. The tanks can be built in various sizes, with the smaller ones having portability, an advantage in some cases. The construction process involves applying the ferrocement over a wire frame and letting it cure for at least two weeks.
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