What is Ferrocement?
Ferrocement is a super reinforced concrete. It differs from conventional concrete in that there is a higher ratio of steel to cement mortar. By altering the cement/steel ratio to make ferrocement we actually produce a material, which exhibits properties, superior to either steel or cement separately. Ferrocement has many of the properties of steel and yet it will not rust. Although it looks and feels like concrete it can flex without cracking.
Ferrocement is a composite material which is used in construction around the world. As the name implies, ferrocement is a type of cement, but it is applied in a very special way, utilizing minimal material and as a result being much less costly than traditional cement construction. Ferrocement is used to build homes, boats, bridges, and a variety of other structures, and some artists also work with ferrocement, creating sculptures and architectural features from this very strong, durable, versatile material. To construct something from ferrocement, someone starts by creating a frame of wire mesh. Chicken wire is a common choice, but any sort of metallic mesh will work. The mesh is often layered, creating a matrix. Next, a mixture of cement, sand, and water is spread over the frame, typically very thinly, and then the ferrocement structure is allowed to cure; most people keep the ferrocement moist as it sets. The curing time varies, but can exceed a month in some climates and situations
Ferrocement is a technical term, not to be confused with ordinary reinforced concrete. It might be defined as a composite material consisting of a matrix made from hydraulic cement mortar and a number of layers of continuous steel mesh reinforcement distributed throughout the matrix. The basic parameters which characterise ferrocement are the specific surface area of reinforcement, the volume fraction of the reinforcement, the surface cover of the mortar over the reinforcement and the relatively high quality of the mortar. Ferrocement behaves like reinforced concrete in its load bearing characteristics, with the essential difference being that crack development is retarded by the dispersion of the reinforcement in fine form through the mortar. This makes the material of interest in boat construction and it has been established that when cracking takes place it results in a wide distribution of fine cracks which, in combination with the high alcalinity of the cement rich mortar, inhibit
Standard cement, usually mixed with plaster sand. The standard cement is reinforced with more steel or fiber at a closer spacing than traditional construction. Reduced spacing yields uniform force dispersion and increases strength. Ferrocement is also written as ferrociment, ferrocemento, ferrocimento, and ferrozement. What about Building Permits? There is nothing tricky about building permits for structures made of ferrocement or any other building material. Codes set the minimum standard allowed for a permitted structure. This means that most homes are built to the minimum standard the law will allow. All one needs to do to obtain a permit is to have a set of plans with a licensed architectural stamp of approval. Its as easy as that. Although locating an architect confident with use of the material requires a little persistence it is not impossible.
