الفهرس 
CHAPTER (1) INTRODUCTION.Only 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Ferrocement slabs, comprising reinforced cement and steel wire mesh layers, excel in structural versatility, finding use in diverse applications like retaining walls, ships, and flood protection due to their robustness, crack resistance, and adaptability. Their lightweight, energy-efficient nature presents a compelling alternative to conventional materials. This study delves into the punching shear behavior of lightweight composite ferrocement concrete slabs, recognized for their strength, crack resistance, ductility, and energy absorption, ideal for dynamic applications in contrast to standard concrete slabs. The study employs two variants of wire meshes, welded galvanized wire mesh, and welded steel bars mesh, to offer supplementary reinforcement to the slabs, forming a composite material capable of withstanding substantial shear forces and resisting cracks. Conducting an experimental program, sixteen slabs using three concrete mix types were cast and subjected to tests, each slab measuring 1000mm x 1000mm x 50mm. The study aims to evaluate the punching shear behavior of lightweight ferrocement slabs in various conditions to improve their design and application in construction. The research reveals notable trends: the ultimate load and weight of the slabs experienced an average reduction of 81% and 59% respectively, comparing adipour group concrete to brick group; a decrease of 77% in ultimate load and 92% in weight, comparing concrete in the brick group to the perlite group; and a decrease of 60% in ultimate load, comparing addipor 55 slabs to both the control and perlite groups. Through a detailed experimental program and ABAQUS finite element model, the behavior of tested lightweight slabs was analyzed, encompassing aspects like initial cracking, ultimate load, deflection, cracking pattern, energy absorption, and ductility index under different loading stages. Strong alignment between theoretical and experimental outcomes was evident, affirming the reliability of the study. These lightweight slabs hold significant promise for developed and developing nations alike.