ABSTRACT
Several ferrocement structures were cast during the period 1972–1978 using hand casting and semi-mechanised fabrication processes. Galvanised and Ungalvanised steel meshes were used in their manufacture. These structures have been exposed to several non-industrial environmental conditions of varying degrees. A few of the structures were cracked and exposed to similar environmental conditions for comparative performance.
Samples of the wire meshes were drawn from the structures in 1983, 1984, 1987 and October 1990 to study the extent of corrosion. The extent of corrosion was found to have doubled between 1984 and 1987. The data for the period 1987 to October 1990 shows a decrease in the rate of corrosion indicating development of a passive corrosion product layer and stabilisation of the corrosion process over a period of 15–18 years. The rate of metal penetration is also found to be assuring in all cases.
