Manufacturing of small sized fibre reinforced concrete boats

Abstract

The use of fibre as reinforcement in concrete is receiving considerable attention and the activity level is not confined to laboratory research only. Its acceptance by the designer, specifier, owner and contractor is very positive in developed countries. Very thin section concrete having good mechanical properties and properties like impact abrasion resistance have been achieved using fibre reinforcement. This paper reports the outcome of experiments involving design and manufacturing of small boats using fibre reinforced concrete. It is seen from the study that, fibre reinforced concrete boats are less expensive and of improved quality in comparison with the wooden ones. The short term performance of the boats built with this material has shown no structural or material weakness. It is recommended that based on the outcome of the works, follow up actions be undertaken to establish the material as a viable alternative boat-building material. It is further emphasized that evolution of this material as alternative to wood in building small boats will help the boat owners and help

preserve environment.