Flexural behaviour of ferrocement septic tank wall panels reinforced with glass fibers

Abstract This paper presents the load –deflection behaviour and energy absorption capacity of ferrocement glass fiber reinforced septic tank wall panels. Cement mortar 1:2 proportion and two layers of welded wire mesh along with 6 mm mild steel reinforcement are used in the manufacturing of septic tank wall panels. In additional glass fibers are added in five different volume fractions such as 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% 0.4% and 0.5%. Flexural test were conducted on five series of glass fiber reinforced septic tank wall panels. Load deflection behaviour, Energy absorption capacity and flexural strength are measured and compared with plain matrix behaviour. The addition of glass fibers improved the flexural strength upto 31% as well as it enhances the energy absorption capacity to 5 to 8 folds greater than the control specimens.