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Abstract
This thesis focuses on developing U-shaped Ferro cement permanent forms to be used for construction of reinforced concrete beams as a viable alternative to traditionally used wooden and metal formwork. To achieve this goal, an experimental program was conducted also theoretical investigation was carried out in terms of developing model suitable for hand calculation to predict the first crack load and the ultimate load as well as developing finite element model to simulate the test beams. The experimental program comprised casting and testing of twenty one reinforced concrete beams of dimensions 300x 150x2000mm. These beams are organized in seven groups, each group comprised three beams. Group number one is the control group in which beams are cast using ordinary formwork. The beams in this group were reinforced with two steel bars of 12mm diameter at top and bottom of the beam. The beams in the other six groups are cast using U shaped Ferro cement forms of thickness 25 mm. The concrete core of these beams was reinforced with two steel bars of 12mm diameter. Three types of steel mesh were used to reinforce the Ferro cement laminate. These types are: woven wire mesh, X8 expanded wire mesh, and EX 156 expanded wire mesh. Single and double layers of each type were employed. The test specimens were tested as simple beams under three point loading condition. The performance of the test beams in terms of: strength, stiffness, cracking behavior, ductility, and energy absorption properties is investigated. The performance of the beams incorporating permanent Ferro cement forms is compared with that of the control beams.