Ferro-cement Technology

Ferrocement is a form of reinforced concrete that differs from conventional reinforced or prestressed concrete primarily by the manner in which the reinforcing elements are dispersed and arranged. It consists of closely spaced, multiple layers of mesh or fine rods completely embedded in cement mortar. A 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 in. (25 mm) thick, with only a thin mortar cover over the outermost layers of reinforcement.

Unlike conventional concrete, ferrocement reinforcement can be assembled into its final desired shape and the mortar can be plastered directly in place without the use of a form. The term ferrocement implies the combination of a ferrous reinforcement embedded in a cementitious matrix.

“Ferrocement is a type of thin wall reinforced concrete commonly constructed of hydraulic cement mortar reinforced with closely spaced layers of continuous and relatively small size wire mesh. The mesh may be made of metallic or other suitable materials.”