Ferrocement is used to build houses, boats, bridges, and a variety of other structures.
Ferrocement is a composite material used in construction throughout the world. As its name implies, ferrocement is a type of cement, but it is applied in a very special way, using a minimum of material and therefore being much cheaper than traditional cement construction. Ferrocement is used to build houses, boats, bridges, and a variety of other structures, and some artists also work with ferrocement, creating sculptures and architectural features from this very strong, durable, and versatile material.
To build something out of ferrocement, one starts by creating a wire mesh structure. Chicken wire is a common choice, but any type of wire mesh will work. The mesh is usually layered, creating an array. A mixture of cement, sand and water, usually very fine, is then spread over the structure and the ferrocement structure can then cure; most people keep ferrocement moist while it dries. Curing time varies but can exceed a month in some climates and situations. At the end of the curing period, the resulting structure is quite strong and very solid, despite very thin walls.
You may hear ferrocement referred to as “thin shell” or “cement and wire mesh construction.” Ferrocement has several advantages that make it the material of choice for some people. On the one hand, it is extremely flexible, since the load on the structure is widely distributed and ferrocement tends to behave well in earthquakes. It is also fire resistant and extremely durable; Well-built ferrocement structures can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
One of the reasons many people like ferrocement is that it is a very cheap material to build with. Fans of ferrocement construction sometimes say that it “pays for itself” by being minimally expensive. In areas where resources and skilled labor are scarce, this building material is a great option to have on hand, allowing people to build structures that are durable and affordable.
For people interested in using ferrocement to build a home, checking local building codes is a great idea, as is discussing the idea with an engineer, who can help you create a load-bearing design that meets local code requirements. In some regions, ferrocement construction classes and workshops are offered for people who want some experience working with the material; If you’re willing to let your house be a model, you can also sponsor a workshop, learning how to work with ferrocement while your house is built by a team of students.