Characterization of Ferrocement Designed with GRP Reinforcement. Deformation and Displacement

Abstract

Cuba, because it is a Caribbean country, has a very aggressive environment for structures that have reinforcing steel in its structural composition. Engineers have sought new technologies to solve these problems that greatly limit the useful life of the structures projected in alkaline environments. Reinforced concrete is one of the main materials in the construction, however its biggest problem is the corrosion of steel. Nowadays, with the advancement of technology, several studies have been carried out with the use of ferrocement since it is a material that works with small thicknesses, however the use of steel as main reinforcement remains an obstacle to be avoided due to the inevitable danger of corrosion that it has. A new variant has emerged in recent years to reinforce the structures, the use of composite materials of Polymers reinforced with glass fibers (GRP) that is the ideal solution for a tropical island with a highly aggressive environment. In this work, a study of the bending behavior of ferrocement reinforced with GRP meshes using slab-type specimens with different mesh layers will be made, to reach conclusions to be taken into account in the use of this material in the construction sector and in our company (ETECSA) that could sometimes replace reinforced concrete. This could be the structural solution in buildings in aggressive environments, building lighter structures, resistant fronts to the effects of corrosion and much more durable.