The flexural behavior of ferrocement RC channel slabs

The current study examines the experimental and numerical performance of reinforced concrete (RC) channel slabs made of ferrocement that have been reinforced with fiber glass, expanded steel mesh, and welded steel mesh. As part of the testing program, ten RC channel slabs with dimensions of 500 mmx40 mmx2500 mm were loaded flexibly. The three main factors that can be altered are the mesh layer count, the type of reinforcing materials, and the reinforcement volume fraction. The main objective is to assess the effects of fortifying composite RC channel slabs with novel inventive materials. ANSYS-16.0 Software was used to simulate the behavior of composite channel slabs using nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA). It also shows how parametric analysis can be used to pinpoint variables like variations in slab dimensions that could significantly affect the mechanical behavior of the model. The obtained experimental and numerical results showed that finite element (FE) simulations had a tolerable degree of accuracy in estimating experimental values. It is crucial to show that specimens strengthened with fiber glass meshes gained about 12% less strength than specimens strengthened with expanded or welded steel meshes. In addition, RC channel slab reinforcement made of welded steel meshes has a 24% higher strength than expanded steel meshes. Tested under flexural loads, ferrocement specimens outperform conventional reinforced concrete specimens in terms of ultimate loads and energy absorption.