Mechanical behaviour of polymer-modified ferrocement under different exposure conditions: An experimental study

This paper, based on laboratory programs, evaluated the load-deflection characteristics, first crack strength, crack width and crack spacing of three commercial polymer-modified ferrocements namely styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyacrylic ester (PAE), and vinyl acetate–ethylene (VAE), and unmodified ferrocement elements cured in air and saltwater exposure conditions. The results indicated that continuous saltwater exposure significantly improved the behaviour of polymer modified ferrocements in flexure by exhibiting higher experimental values of the first crack load and ultimate strength of all the specimens. Irrespective of the exposure conditions, polymer modified ferrocements showed lower average crack width than that of the unmodified ferrocement.