الفهرس 
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Abstract
This study aims to investigate the structural behavior of light weight ferrocement composite concrete beams to be used as a viable alternative to the conventional reinforced concrete beams. Since the use of cementitious composites for various structural applications is becoming more popular with the introduction of new high performance materials, ferrocement laminates are introduced to enhance the overall performance of structures, and reduce the impact on the environment.
An experimental program and theoretical analysis were done to fulfill this objective. Test specimens of the experimental program consist of two control reinforced concrete beams and fifteen lightweight ferrocement composite concrete beams. The cross sectional dimensions and span of beams were fixed for all types of beams. All specimens have similar dimensions of 100x200x2000mm. The two control beams had different matrices (normal weight and light weight concrete). However, they were similarly reinforced using two steel bars of 10mm diameter at top and two steel bars of 12 mm diameter at bottom of the beam and stirrups of 6mm diameter placed at 150 mm intervals. Ferrocement beams were divided into three groups according to the type of the light weight core material used (Group B: autoclaved aerated light weight brick, Group G: extruded foam and Group F: light weight concrete). Ferrocement beams were reinforced using the same previous skeletal reinforcement but without any stirrups. Additionally, three different types of meshes (expanded metal, welded wire and fiber glass) were used to reinforce the ferrocement skin layers.
Specimens were tested under a one-point loading system up to failure. Structural characteristics were obtained from recorded data of load versus deflection and strain (compressive and tensile). The performance of the test
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beams in terms of strength, cracking behavior, ductility, and energy absorption properties was investigated. The behavior of the experimental beams was compared to that of the control beams. Results from experimental data were compared to those from theoretical analysis.
Results showed that the proposed composite beams had high first crack load, reaching in one of the test specimens up to 32.2 % of control beam. High serviceability load up to 32.4 % of control specimen was found. Also, significantly high ultimate load leveling up to 41.9 % of control beam was reached. Results of tested specimens showed good ductility, good energy absorption and crack resistance control compared to control specimens. Comparison between the experimental results and the results obtained from the theoretical analysis showed that there is a close agreement for all beams. These outcomes prove that light weight ferrocement composite concrete beams is superior in first crack load, serviceability load, ultimate load and crack control to conventional and light weight concrete beams.