Strength and behavior of concrete confined by ferrocement boxes

This paper presents experimental study on the behavior of concrete confined by ferrocement boxes. A total of nine prism specimens, which included three plain concrete specimens were prepared and concentrically loaded in compression to failure. Three specimens were reinforced laterally with the ferrocement boxes and the rest were reinforced with combination of the ferrocement boxes and hoop bars. Volume fraction of reinforcement was the only parameter being studied. Since only core concrete was loaded, the height of the ferrocement boxes were prepared shorter than the core concrete to obtain gaps at both ends of the specimens. Test results indicate that ferrocement boxes offer significant enhancement in stiffness, strength, and ductility. Method to predict compressive strength of concrete confined by ferrocement box is proposed.