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Experimental Study on the Flexural Behavior of Ferrocement Beams Using Expanded Polystyrene Lightweight Mortar | ||
| Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 02 May 2026 | ||
| Document Type: Research Paper | ||
| DOI: 10.30772/qjes.2026.167455.1831 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Iba,a Jehad Hamdi* ; Abdulkader Al-Hadithi | ||
| Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Anbar, Al-Ramadi, Iraq | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Ferrocement is a composite construction material that’s gaining more attention due to its superior strength, toughness, crack control, and impact. By contrast, the use of expanded polystyrene particles in concrete not only reduces the weight of the structure but also provides unique benefits like a higher strength-to-weight ratio, better thermal insulation, less water permeability, and increased energy and sound absorption. This study investigates the flexural behavior of Expanded Polystyrene ferrocement beams under static loading. Initially, the study focused on evaluating the mechanical properties of mixtures in fresh and hardened states using two replacement ratios of expanded polystyrene beads (10% and 20%) that substitute fine aggregates. The slump test was used to determine the fresh-state workability, and standard specimens for compressive strength, density, split, and flexural strength were used to determine the mechanical properties of the hardened samples. At 20% EPS, mortar exhibits decreasing trends in density (2056.28 kg/m³), compressive strength (23.6 MPa), splitting tensile strength (2.85 MPa), and flexural strength (3.96 MPa). Flexural outcomes exhibited that the beams reinforced with wire mesh display higher peak loads and greater stiffness and strength compared to those with stirrups. A beam with 20% EPS and reinforced with wire mesh produced a high ultimate load (41.96 KN) that was nearest to mortar alone (43.96 KN). In addition to having the narrowest cracks (1.1 mm) compared to other beams, it also has higher stiffness (4.11 kN/mm). Therefore, it stands out as the best overall choice for lightweight, durable applications requiring both strength and crack control. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Flexural; Mechanical properties; EPS beads; wire mesh; Beams | ||
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