International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET)

Volume 9, Issue 4, July – August 2018, pp. 154–161, Article ID: IJARET_09_04_017
Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/ijaret/issues.asp?JType=IJARET&VType=9&IType=4
ISSN Print: 0976-6480 and ISSN Online: 0976-6499
© IAEME Publication

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE

MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF ALUMINUM
MOSQUITO SHEET ON CONCRETE CANVAS
PANELS
Ansari Umair Ahmad
PG Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering
Imperial College of Engineering and Research, Wahgoli, Pune, Maharashtra
Prof. Pallavi K. Pasnur
Assistance Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
Imperial College of Engineering and Research, Wahgoli, Pune, Maharashtra

ABSTRACT
Concrete is the most commonly used construction material which is used in
today’s rapidly developing construction field. There are so many advantages and
benefits carried by concrete but while we are talking about flexibility property then
we found many difficulties as concrete restricts its boundaries in flexibility. So, to
overcome these complications and problems, a newly introduced flexible construction
material called Concrete Canvas (CC) has been developed. This article describes the
major facets of activities, performances as well as preparation of Concrete Canvas
with the help of the locally available materials. This paper also represents the study
of the experiment conducted to improve the flexural strength of Concrete Canvas
panel through the engagement of an additional aluminum mosquito sheet. The
flexural performance of Aluminum reinforced Concrete Canvas panels are examined
through a three-point flexural (bending) test. The results exhibit from the experiment
that the flexural performance of Concrete Canvas is significantly improved by
reinforcing the CC panels with aluminum mosquito sheet.
Keywords: Concrete Canvas, Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC), aluminum
mosquito sheet, 3D Spacer Fabric, flexural strength
Cite this Article: Ansari Umair Ahmad and Prof. Pallavi K. Pasnur, Experimental
Study of the Mechanical Behavior of Aluminum Mosquito Sheet on Concrete Canvas
Panels, International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology,
9(4), 2018, pp 154–161.
http://www.iaeme.com/ijaret/issues.asp?JType=IJARET&VType=9&IType=4

1. INTRODUCTION
Since from a very long time the construction field is playing a very important role in a
development of any country and it is well known fact that the concrete is the most commonly
used construction material in a scenario in which we are working from a long time. But as the
concrete is not flexible so it creates many difficulties in certain essential works in

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 Experimental Study of the Mechanical Behavior of Aluminum Mosquito Sheet on Concrete
Canvas Panels

construction. It has been supplemented by various economical and rapid installation

construction techniques and materials. In this article, we will study the material named
Concrete Canvas (CC) which has the ability to cover all the above difficulties and problems.
Concrete Canvas is a revolutionary new construction material. The main aspect of Concrete
Canvas that it is a flexible concrete sheet which is impregnated by cement and changes into
hardened concrete layer after hydration and gives us a tough, strong, thin, retaught and water
resistance concrete layer. Simply the Concrete Canvas is a flexible concrete in the form of
cloth which can very easily be positioned and then just add water. After hydration, the
concrete cloth turns into hard, durable concrete structure within 24 hours.

Figure 1 Cross-section of concrete canvas

Concrete Canvas is like a composite material consisting of mainly three layers in which
the top layer is of hydrophilic fiber for the hydration purpose. The need of hydrophilic fiber is
to permit or to soak the water and transfer it into the next layer and to prevent the direct
action of UV on the dry cementitious material. Intermediary layer is of 3-D fiber matrix in
which the 3-D spacer fiber is impregnated with a cementitious material (dry concrete mix)
and the bottommost layer is impermeable layer i.e. PVC layer which is used to avoid the loss
of water at the time of hydration also to prevent the CC from the surrounding moisture attack.
In The initial stage when the dry cementitious powder fills into the 3D spacer fabric it
leads to a comparatively lower initial apparent density of CC, around 1300–1500 kg/m3,
which is dependent on the geometrical pattern of the spacer fabric and the type of
cementitious material. After the hydration, the final apparent density of the hardened CC
product is around 1700–2000 kg/m3 which is only the70 80% of that for ordinary concrete
(2200–2400 kg/m3) [1].
However, the 3D spacer fiber is made up of loose woven material so it has a low tensile
strength which has the clear impact on CC panels. Therefore the flexural strength of Concrete
Canvas found roughly 3 to 4 Mpa. Obviously, the lower tensile strength restricts the
application of Concrete Canvas. So here we explore the possibility of applying additional
aluminum sheet reinforcement in the CC panel system with the aim to improve its flexural
strength while simultaneously retaining the all other benefits of Concrete Canvas.

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 Ansari Umair Ahmad and Prof. Pallavi K. Pasnur

2. MATERIALS & EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

2.1. Materials
2.1.1. 3D Spacer Fabric
The 3D spacer fabric plays an important role in offering a space for the cement powder filling
and enhances the tensile strength of the composite. Normally, the thickness of the 3D spacer
fabric is about 5-20 mm [5]. The 3D spacer fiber is a matrix of three woven fabric layers. The
upper and bottom face layer are of tightly knitted fabric layers and the space between these
layers is hold out by third fabric layer known as pile yarns. Pile yarns are vertical and
inclined extended fiber woven from upper to bottom face layer and it essentially works as a
column in between upper and bottom face layers. The space between the upper and bottom
face layer is then filled with cementitious material and the addition of water makes it set and
durable. There are two fundamental directions in 3D spacer fiber i.e. Warp and Weft
direction. Warp is a series of threads that run from the front to the back, and “weft” is a series
of threads that run in a pattern through the warp [13]. The warp direction is also known as
machine direction. In addition, there are two different types of spacer yarns are present in the
fundamental mechanism of 3D spacer fabrics. Spacer yarn I and Spacer yarn II, in which
spacer yarn I is of vertical nature of outer textile substrates, and another one spacer yarns II,
is of inclined nature of outer textile substrates as shown in fig below.

Figure 2 Geometrical structure of 3d spacer fabric

Once the spacer fabric is patched with PVC membrane, the cementitious material is
filled and gets packed inside the 3D spacer fabric without any leakage.

Table 1 Test performed on 3d spacer fabric & its results

Sr. No Name of the Test Results
1 Tensile Strength
Warp Direction 0.73 Mpa
Weft Direction 0.38 Mpa
2 % Elongation
Warp Direction 64.4 %
Weft Direction 116.8 %

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 Experimental Study of the Mechanical Behavior of Aluminum Mosquito Sheet on Concrete
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2.1.2. Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC)

Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) is a kind of cement which has a unique identity as
compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) obviously due to its chemical composition and
its high-performance characteristics. The rapid hardening property of Calcium aluminate
cement is differentiating it from the other types of Portland cement. Comparatively, a very
high amount of heat is exerted through the hydration of CAC within a day which is
responsible for the increase in material temperature. The workability of CAC due to its rapid
hardening property is a much difficult issue and it varies with the respective water/binder
ratio. The temperature also has the adverse effect on working time as well as strengths of
CAC. The working time will reduce in hot climates. CAC was initially developed for the
application against sulfate attack and high sulfate environment. CAC is more resistance
against acid attack as compared to OPC. CAC contains fewer amounts of alkalis which limits
the production of calcium hydroxide as the hydration product which increases the effect of
resistance against corrosion when CAC compared to OPC.

Table 2 Chemical composition of CAC

Oxides Percentage of Contents %
SiO₂ ≤9
Al₂O₃ ≥ 44
Fe₂O₃ ≤9
CaO 37 - 41
MgO ≤ 1.5
SO₃ < 0.4
Calcium aluminate cement is a good construction material as a binding material and has
tremendous advantages such as high performance in specific applications, high early strength
gain, refectory material, high corrosion resistance and high chemical resistance. Even though
all the above benefits and advantages are in the favor Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) but
due to its higher cost, we don’t compete it directly to the other types of Portland cement.
Despite all the superiorities of Calcium aluminate cement, it hasn’t beaten the OPC in the
market yet due to its higher cost.
Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) is also known as aluminous cement and high alumina
cement. When we have a glance at Chemical composition of CAC it shows that the mono
calcium aluminate (CA) acts as a main element or component in Calcium aluminate cement
(CAC) which hardens very quickly and releasing the huge amount of heat during hydration.

2.1.3. Aluminum Mosquito Sheet

In this research, a commercially available aluminum mosquito sheet is used as a reinforcing
material in CC panels. Aluminum Mosquito Sheet is plain square weave mesh sheet from a
high-quality aluminum wire. It is corrosion resistant like stainless steel mesh, but much
lighter and softer than stainless steel [12]. Aluminum Mosquito Sheet has many advantages,
such as at room temperature does not fall off, high temperature 120°C does not fade, anti-acid
and anti-alkali, corrosion resistance, not react with oxidants, suitable for humid environment,
not rust or mildew, light weight, good air and light flow, has good toughness and high
strength [12]. There are some key features of aluminum mesh sheet,
 Good strength, weldability, acid and alkali resistant.
 Significant resistance for atmospheric corrosion.
 Lighter weight than steel, copper, brass and maintenance free.

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 Ansari Umair Ahmad and Prof. Pallavi K. Pasnur

 Easy to use for forming and bending.

 Costs less than stainless steel.

Table 3 Test performed on aluminum mosquito sheet & its results

Sr. No Name of the Test Results
1 Tensile Strength 26.5 Mpa
2 % Elongation 10.48 %

2.2. Methodology
2.2.1. Ideology of My Project
From the previous literature, we studied that the Concrete Canvas is a promising material not
only for Civil engineering but also military engineering purpose due to its flexibility, rapid
construction with fewer effects, low labor cost and rapid strength development [1]. Also, it is
very good in terms of compressive strength but it has a relatively lower flexural strength
which limits its application. In my research, I worked on to place an additional aluminum
layer in CC panels which is not only to improve the flexural strength of Concrete Canvas but
also maintain its flexibility. So my research presents the preparation of Concrete Canvas with
locally available materials as well as it represents the study of an experiment conducted to
improve the flexural strength of Concrete Canvas panel through the engagement of an
additional aluminum mosquito sheet.

Figure 3 Geometrical structure of 3D spacer fabric

The reason to select the aluminum sheet as a reinforcing material is that it is cheaper than
other reinforcing material such as stainless steel and FRP. Also aluminum is comparatively
more corrosion resistance and flexible as well.

2.2.2. Specimens Preparation

Preparation of the sample is executed at room temperature around 28oC. First, the 3D spacer
fiber is glued with PVC membrane by fevicol. But this time we have an additional layer of
the aluminum sheet so we patch aluminum sheet in between the PVC and spacer fiber by
fevicol and put some heavy weight over the layers to press the layers for the purpose of
proper compaction. Left that sample to dry for 3 and 4 hours. Once the layers get bound
together and can’t separate by acting manual force then start to fill the cement powder
gradually into the specimen holding 3D spacer fiber until the 3D spacer fabric is completely
impregnated with the cementitious material. When the cementitious powder is filled

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 Experimental Study of the Mechanical Behavior of Aluminum Mosquito Sheet on Concrete
Canvas Panels

uniformly overall the thickness by vibration and compaction then patch the upper hydrophilic
layer with another face of 3D spacer fabric layer for the perseverance of the specimen. Left
that specimen for several hours, the purpose is to dry the bond between hydrophilic layer and
3D spacer fiber. Now the specimen is ready for hydration. The weight of cementitious
material should be noted in order to calculate the water/binder ratio. The water/binder should
be fixed not less than 0.45.
As indicated in Fig 4, CC is composed of a 3D spacer fabric and cement powder filled in-
between.

Figure 4 A typical 3D spacer fabric and compositions of concrete canvas

Finally, tap water is spread over the hydrophilic surface for the hydration of CC panels.
Once CC panel gets hydrated it is only workable for 2 to 2 and half hours. Spraying of water
will immediately stop once the water penetrates alongside the bottommost layer of the CC
sample. An excess in water/binder ratio always recommended. Use the spray nozzles for the
best results do not use high-pressure jet directly on CC specimen as gets disturb the unset CC
panels.
No further curing is required for Concrete Canvas. The samples are stored in a room
temperature around 20oC because the high temperature had the adverse effect on
compressive strength of CAC. There are some literatures on CAC which shows that if the
same sample is cured at two different temperature 20oC and 30oC then there is an 18 to 20%
of variation found in compressive stress. Before the addition of water, CC is just like a soft
cloth.
Once CC gets hydrated by water it becomes solid and to form a thin, strong and
waterproof concrete layer.

3. EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP AND RESULTS

3.1. Three-Point Bending Test
The mechanical properties of CC are playing a very significant role in the application of CC.
The 10-day flexural strength of commercially available CC product provided by Concrete
Canvas Pvt. Ltd is tested according to BS EN 12467-2004 [6]. The code of practice in British
Standard EN 12467-2004 is given for the “Fiber Cement Flat Sheet”. And according to
Indian Standards the code of practice for “Fiber Cement Flat Sheet” is given in IS 14862-
2000. IS 14862-2000 standard covers the features and generates the methods of control and
test as well as admissibility circumstances for fiber cement flat sheets.

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 Ansari Umair Ahmad and Prof. Pallavi K. Pasnur

3.1. Cutting Size of the Specimen

According to IS 14862-2000 the width of the rectangular specimen for “Fiber Cement Flat
Sheet” should not be less than 100 mm. In three-point bending test there are two parallel
supports, one rigid and one self-aligning, the distance between the axes of supports for should
not be less than 18e for the rectangular specimen in which “e” stands for the thickness of the
specimen. Arrange the test specimen in between support axes with the central rod at the top
of the specimen. Position the central rod equidistance between the supports and load the test
piece along its centerline by means of the loading bar.
The modulus of rupture, (Rf) in MPa is given by the formula,

Where
P = Breaking load in N
l = Distance between axes in mm
b = Width of the test piece, in mm 2
e = Average thickness of the piece in mm

3. TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

As expected the strain hardening behavior of CC displays the typical pattern. The application
of flexural stress on CC panel alone escalates rapidly to the peak value (2.4 MPa which is
almost same in both the directions) increases at a slower rate, until the test is stopped at the
deflection of nearly 25 mm. With the reinforcement of Aluminum sheet, the flexural strength
of the reinforced CC increases at a similar rate as to that of the CC panel before that, up to the
peak value is found (23 Mpa). Although the deflection is greater than that finer crack for the
CC, which are nonvisible and didn’t observe until the deflection has occurred.
The flexural properties of the CC panels and the Aluminum reinforced CC panels are
summarized in Table 8.1. It is observed that the MOR of the Aluminum reinforced CC panels
is nearly 10 times greater than that of the CC panels alone.

Table 4 Flexural properties of CC and AFRP reinforced CC

Sr. No Concrete Canvas Panels Flexural Strength
1 CC 2.4 Mpa
2 Reinforced CC 23 Mpa

4. CONCLUSIONS
Initially, Concrete Canvas is a modern construction material and has tremendous advantages
and usages in concrete construction. Concrete Canvas is a revolutionary material in the field
of concrete which modifies the approach towards the construction, construction materials and
methods of construction. Manpower, the requirement of skills and mechanical tools during
the installation and application of CC are significantly less. CC is not only used in a
temporary construction but also used as permanent purposes Especially in Tunnel Lining,
Defense uses, Waterproofing, Fencings, and Construction of military runways. Overall this
innovative material can change the tradition of constructions.
In this research, experiment has done on the flexural behavior of Concrete Canvas. The
mechanical behavior of aluminum mosquito sheet reinforced CC is probed experimentally by
the three-point bending test. The results indicate that aluminum mosquito sheet reinforced CC
panel shows the substantial enhancement in respect of mechanical performance. The flexural

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 Experimental Study of the Mechanical Behavior of Aluminum Mosquito Sheet on Concrete
Canvas Panels

strength of Concrete Canvas panels combined with Aluminum reinforcement is 23 Mpa

which is about 10 times greater than that of Concrete Canvas panels considered alone (2.4
MPa). Aluminum mosquito sheet reinforcement provides an effective improvement in
mechanical properties of Concrete Canvas panels which commendably extends its
applications.
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