Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Study on Seismic Performance of Ferrocement-Composite Shell in a Full-Scale Building

Design of reinforced-concrete shell is most challenging for structures in seismic zones. Ferrocement-masonry buildings require seismic evaluation. However, a seismic code has not yet developed for ferrocement building. The complexity of structures’ geometry substantially contributes to structural performance when an earthquake occurs [1]; the more complex the geometry is, the more likely building elements are to not move together. Ferrocement composite in low-rise buildings is a cost-effective solution in developing countries because it requires minimal skilled labor. Woven square mesh reinforcement decreases crack propagation and ferrocement enhances homogeneity of the concrete matrices [3]. Additionally, ferrocement is used for rehabilitation of existing reinforced-concrete (RC) structures. Some studies result indicated ferrocement higher in-plain shear and moment capacity compared to fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) [2]. In this research, the behavior of ferrocement masonry building incorporating steel-fiber reinforcement was assessed under dynamic load. Steel fiber and ferrocement increased stress capacity and reduced shrinkage, crack propagation, early fatigue mechanism, and failure under cyclic load.

The main objective of this research is to simulate ferrocement shell in a high seismic zone and assess it with finite-element method (FEM). Structural damage zones, failure mechanism under static and seismic loads were designed by Sap 2000 software (Version 11.07). Numerical FEM analysis was based on fabricating steel-square meshes and ferrocement matrices as homogenized and isotropic laminates. The experimental result of this research in a full-scale building indicated 70% reduction in construction costs compared to conventional masonry building.