Thin ferrocement plates reinforced with various types of expanded steel meshes were developed
mth high strength, crack resistance, high ductihly and energy absorption properties whlch might
be useful for dynamic applications. Five series of plates were casted and tested under four different
loading condibons. The dynamic responses such as: frequency, mode shape and damping factor
were extensively investigated using FFT analyw. The experimental analysis and finite element
technique were utilized to study the effect of network configurations and boundruy fixations on
dynamic characteristics.
In additioq the investigated composite plates were tested in the high frequency range (up to120
kHA .---
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throueh ultrasonic attenuation technique. For this purpose, an experimental setup was -- c.
designed and constructed to measure dynahc elastic modulus, phase velocity and damping
attenuation. The effect of mesh-layer debonding on the dynamic characteristics (natural frequency
and damping ratio) was investigated. Damage was detected using vibration measurements and
identified by comparing signals in higher frequency ranges before and after damage.