Impact Strength of Ferrocement Panel under Low Velocity Impact Loading

The capability to absorb energy, often called as toughness, is of importance in actual service conditions of mesh reinforced composites, when they may be subjected to static, dynamic and fatigue loads. Toughness evaluated under impact loads is the impact strength. The toughness of materials are determined by two methods, (i) by measuring deformation under impact load, (ii) by determining energy adsorption capacity of materials under impact load. Several methods were used to investigate to determining toughness of materials. In this research work, drop weight impact test were used. The present experimental work describes testing of flat ferrocement panels with different number of layer steel mesh as well as enhancement of panels with steel fiber. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of using different number of wire mesh layer on the flexural strength and impact strength and also effect of varying thickness of panels on the energy absorption of ferrocement panels. The experimental work includes preparation of ferrocement panels reinforced with welded square mesh, woven square mesh with and without hooked steel fibers The ferrocement panels of different sizes were prepared and tested for flexural strength under the two point loading as well as drop weight for impact testing. It is expected that as the mesh layers will be increased the energy absorption capacity of the panel should be increased and the also its effect should be seen for addition of hooked steel fibers.