FERROCEMENT: ALTERNATIVE MATERIAL FOR SECONDARY ROOFING ELEMENTS

The appcicability of ferrocement as an alternative material for secondary roofing slabs was investigated. The performance of such slabs was compared to those of cellular concrete slabs and commercially available 'hollow blocks.' Tests carried out include flexural and patch load tests, initial surface absorption tests, and shrinkage measurements. The effects of carbonation, weathering, and thermal stresses were also studied. Results indicated that ferrocement slabs have a higher resistance against cracking and carbonation. They are more impermeable and have lower long-term shrinkage. In general, the effects of weathering and thermal stresses are found to be least detrimental in ferrocement slabs than in cellular concrete slabs and hollow blocks.