Title: Theoretical analysis and finite element modelling of composite ferrocement-concrete beams

Authors: Ezzat H. Fahmy; Yousry B.I. Shaheen; Alaa Abdel Tawab; Ahmed Mahdy Abdelnaby

Addresses: Department of Construction and Architectural Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo, Cairo, 11835, Egypt ' Faculty of Engineering, Menoufia University, Gamal Abdel Nasser Street, Shbin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt ' Department of Construction Engineering, Egyptian Russian University in Cairo, Badr City, Cairo-Suez Road 11829, Egypt ' British Petroleum, 52 Copper Beech House, Heathside Crescent, Woking, Surrey, GU22 7BB, UK

Abstract: Composite ferrocement-concrete beams have been introduced in the literature as a viable alternative for the conventional reinforced concrete beams. This paper presents a proposed theoretical and a three-dimensional non-linear finite element models for simulating and analysis of composite ferrocement-concrete system. The theoretical and the finite element models were used to analyse ten composite ferrocement-concrete beams that have been experimentally tested and reported in the literature. The theoretical and finite element results showed good agreement with the experimental ones. The models could be used in the future for further investigation of more parameters instead of conducting time and cost consuming experimental tests.

Keywords: ferrocement; reinforced concrete; recycled concrete; finite element analysis; FEA; nonlinear modelling; flexural strength; ultimate strength; composite beams; structural engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2014.060906

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2014 Vol.5 No.2, pp.142 - 162

Received: 06 Jun 2013
Accepted: 16 Dec 2013
Published online: 17 Jun 2014 *

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