Abstract

Advancements in construction have spurred the demand for lighter concrete, offering benefits across various applications, notably reducing load on foundations and soil. Lighter concrete has demonstrated enhanced impact and fire resistance, marking a significant shift in structural engineering over the last century, introducing numerous eco-friendly components. Among these, Ferro-vermiculite wall panels stand out. These panels feature a core composed of vermiculite board, adhering to Indian Standard specifications and incorporating different grades of exfoliated vermiculite. Why vermiculite? This mineral boasts thermal stability, inertness, cleanliness, odorlessness, mold resistance, vermin resistance, heat endurance up to 1200°C, lightweight properties, effective fillers, and sterilization due to high-temperature processing. Vermiculite boards come in two categories: one mixed with coconut fiber and the other without. Employing Ferro-cement techniques, the vermiculite board is encased. Typically, wall panels within a framed structure serve as non-load-bearing components. Comprehensive testing, including compressive strength, flexural strength, split tension, and ultra-sonic pulse velocity assessments, has been conducted on these wall panels. Comparative analysis against commercially available asbestos wall panels has been undertaken to yield conclusive results

Description