Work

Comparative Structural Behavior of Sustainable Fibrous Voided Ferrocement Slabs Incorporating Waste Glass Powder and Different Void Formers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ferrocement slabs, being lightweight and sustainable, can help in achieving resource-efficient construction by reducing material consumption while maintaining satisfactory structural performance. The flexural behavior of environmentally friendly ferrocement slabs with recycled materials and internal void-slab systems was investigated in this work. Glass powder (GP) was used to replace 15% of the cement, and the effect of polypropylene fibers (PPFs) on the mechanical and structural behavior was investigated. Eight one-way ferrocement slabs, including two solid reference slabs and six voided slabs with two longitudinal void paths formed using PVC tubes, waste plastic bottles and recycled aluminum beverage cans, were tested. Each configuration was made with and without 1% PPF. The experimental work included tests of the flow diameter, compressive and flexural strengths, load–deflection behavior, cracking pattern, failure load and displacement, and toughness. The results showed that the addition of PPFs reduced the diameter of the mortar flow from 22.0 to 17.8 mm and increased the compressive strength from 54.0 to 55.45 MPa and the flexural strength from 4.15 to 6.80 MPa. Voided slabs without PPFs showed a decrease in the ultimate load of 6.3–13.1% when compared to the solid reference slab. The ultimate load was increased by 14.8–33.6% by adding 1% PPF, and the toughness and failure displacement were increased by 51.9–89.8% and 20.9–59.7%, respectively. The recycled aluminum-can void slab showed a comparable structural response to the other void-forming materials, demonstrating its waste valorization potential and responsible material use.

Source: Eng—Advances in Engineering

DOI: 10.3390/eng7100542

Authors: Mohammed Hmood Mohana, Sheelan Mahmoud Hama, Ziadoon Mohsin Ali, Taher A. Tawfik

Institutions: University of Anbar, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Construction and Architecture of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, October 6 University

Language: English

Topic: Innovative concrete reinforcement materials

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,448