Integration of Digital Image Correlation in Flexural Tests for the Corrosion Evaluation of Ferrocement Plates

Ferrocement is a thin reinforced cementitious composites of hydraulic cement mortar with layers of wire steel mesh, which has been widely used in the roofing systems in major 20th-century architectures. However, few studies have analyzed its durability for preservation purposes and stiffens time-dependency evolution. In the present paper the results of a recent testing campaign on ferrocement specimens subjected to a corrosive environment are presented. The experimental campaign in monitored by 3D-Digital Image Correlation (DIC) signal processing. In particular, the external evidence obtained by the reconstruction of the strain field may be directly correlated with the 3-D localization of the microraking formation in the tested specimen obtained by AE detection. The aim was to assess the behavior of historical ferrocement (used by Pier Luigi Nervi in his constructions) and its durability for identifying the best procedures to protect and preserve it.