Fibre reinforced concrete used as a cladding material : an investigation

Abstract

The construction industry has changed, and developed quite significantly in the last few years. One of the latest trends is that of using frame structures, and cladding the open space between the supports, using the lightest and most attractive material available. The concept of this study is to create a series of concrete cladding panels with the least possible thickness, while having a large surface area measuring 800 x 800mm. To obtain such a large concrete panel fibre reinforcement had to be introduced. To achieve a concrete panel that had an aesthetic appeal, it was decided to study and use a modified version of the terrazzo tile technology; this means; using finer aggregates such as granite and marble chippings. The adaptation of this procedure made it possible to achieve a unique and attractive concrete cladding panel. Seven different sets of mixes were cast, and for each set three panels were produced. These mixes included a variation of plasticisers and super plasticisers, unreinforced and with fibre reinforcement; and a variation of production processes such as compression, and also the application of a resin and reinforcing. Once they were complete they were tested for impact. The characteristics and results of each intervention were compared and analysed. The cost implication of each intervention was taken into account, to understand fully whether or not certain interventions are feasible. It was found that the panels that included the fibers reinforcement or the resin backing and mesh reinforcement performed better then the rest since the panels did not fail in a brittle manner.