• Ferrocrete
• Concrete
• Cement

Links

• Fountain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMLWvHzwBhs
• Wizard Workshop: https://www.youtube.com/@wizardofeutopia/videos
• Balls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_UUlWM0azc

Additives

GPT

Ferrocement is a type of thin reinforced concrete made with a closely spaced, multiple layers of wire mesh or fine rods, which is then impregnated with a cement-sand mortar. In addition to cement and sand, several additives can be used in ferrocement to enhance its properties. Here are some common additives, their purposes, and typical quantities:

1. **Water**:

  - **Purpose**: Essential for the hydration of cement and to create the paste that binds the aggregates.
  - **Quantity**: Water-cement ratio typically ranges from 0.4 to 0.6 by weight.

2. **Admixtures**:

  - **Types and Purposes**:
    - **Plasticizers (Water-reducing agents)**: Improve workability without adding more water. Typical dosage is 0.1% to 0.4% of cement weight.
    - **Superplasticizers (High-range water reducers)**: Allow for significant reductions in water content, improving strength and durability. Dosage can range from 0.5% to 3% of cement weight.
    - **Retarders**: Slow down the setting time of the cement, useful in hot climates or for complex shapes. Dosage usually around 0.2% to 0.6% of cement weight.
    - **Accelerators**: Speed up the setting and hardening process, useful in cold climates. Dosage varies, often around 1% to 2% of cement weight.
    - **Air-entraining agents**: Introduce tiny air bubbles to improve freeze-thaw resistance. Typically used at 0.05% to 0.2% of cement weight.

3. **Fibers**:

  - **Purpose**: Improve tensile strength, crack resistance, and overall durability.
  - **Types and Quantities**:
    - **Steel fibers**: 0.5% to 2% by volume.
    - **Glass fibers**: 0.1% to 0.5% by volume.
    - **Polypropylene fibers**: 0.1% to 0.3% by volume.

4. **Pozzolans**:

  - **Purpose**: Improve durability, reduce permeability, and enhance long-term strength.
  - **Types and Quantities**:
    - **Fly ash**: Can replace 15% to 30% of cement weight.
    - **Silica fume**: Used at 5% to 10% of cement weight.
    - **Metakaolin**: Typically used at 5% to 10% of cement weight.

5. **Silica Sand**:

  - **Purpose**: Used as fine aggregate to improve the workability and finish of the mortar.
  - **Quantity**: Replaces a portion of the regular sand, often 10% to 30% by volume of the sand component.

6. **Lime**:

  - **Purpose**: Improves workability and plasticity of the mortar.
  - **Quantity**: Typically used at 5% to 10% of the cement weight.

7. **Waterproofing Agents**:

  - **Purpose**: Improve water resistance and reduce permeability.
  - **Types and Quantities**: Dosages vary widely depending on the specific product, usually around 1% to 2% of cement weight.

The exact quantities and combinations of these additives will depend on the specific requirements of the ferrocement application, including desired strength, workability, setting time, and durability.