Title : CHANGE METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION TO REDUCE WEIGHT OF STRUCTURE
Authors : Chandramohan Hangekar, Superintending Engineer
Publication : 2013
Volume :
Pages : 5-Jan
Price : 250
Abstract : Conventional methods of constructions like load bearing walls or RCC frame works with filler walls in them are using traditional old style materials and methods. They result in increasing dead load of the structures. With the advent of a new material of construction like ferrocement and novel method of construction of ferrocement paneled cavity walls, box sectioned ferrocement hollow floors and hollow beams and columns, the dead load of the structure can be brought down to forty percent. All in one is a method developed in which traditional method of building RCC structure first and then to build filler walls in it, is completely reversed. RCC framework is completely hidden inside ferrocement cavity walls and hollow floors and the wall columns, slab, and beams are cast simultaneously. Stiffened ferrocement plates are precast as walling and floor panels. When erected and joined at site, the joints in cavity walls act as columns while joints in hollow slabs act as grid beams.Precast ferrocement elements in place of timber forms and centering plates are developed and used as lost formwork for RCC framework. Elongated box section with both ends open act as formwork for columns, “U” shaped channel sections for beams and large size stiffened ferrocement plates act as centering plates. To pour cast concrete in these moulds is the only work to be done at site. All these innovative methods of construction using ferrocement will bring down the weight of the building to 35 to 40 percent