Characterization of lightweight ferrocement panels containing expanded perlite-based mortar

In this study, the deflection and cracking of lightweight ferrocement panels (LFPs) containing expanded perlite based mortar (EPBM) was investigated. For this purpose, twelve LFPs with one or two layers of wire mesh were produced with two different mix designs (M1, M2), and LFPs were subjected to four point loading flexural test. In this test, the first cracking load and ultimate load of LFPs varied depending on the number of the layers and types of wire mesh used in the LFP. The optimum LFP was determined as LFP-D1 containing EPBM2. In addition; compressive and flexural tests were conducted on EPBM specimens, and the characteristics of EPBM were investigated by SEM/EDS, XRD, TG/DTA and BET analysis. It was observed that the compressive strength of EPBM improved as the cement ratio increased. The use of expanded perlite (EP) as aggregate expedited the start of micropore formation in mortar. This led to a decrease in the strength and unit weight of EPBM.