Great Lakes Winter Navigation -- Technical and Economic Analyses. Vol. IV: Strengthening of Steel Plates Using Ferrocement and Reinforced Concrete

Abstract

To determine the applicability of using ferrocement and reinforced concrete for ice strengthening ship hulls, thirty_four composite beams were constructed and tested. Beams were made of 1/4-inch steel plate reinforced with 1 inch of either a concrete or ferrocement segment. Shear transfer between plate and concrete was accomplished using natural bond, epoxy or shear studs. Ferrocement composite beams were found to be strongest but less ductile than those of reinforced concrete. A sandblasted steel surface plus epoxy provided adequate shear transfer although shear studs allowed the greatest ductility. It is concluded that ships may be adequately strengthened using ferrocement and reinforced concrete; a brief design guide is given to aid in selection of an appropriate concrete section.