Mechanical properties of aerated cement slurry-infiltrated chicken mesh

Aerated slurry-infiltrated chicken mesh was evaluated as a ductile and lightweight material for building construction. The compressive strength of the aerated slurry, and the tensile, compressive and flexural behavior of the aerated slurry-infiltrated chicken mesh were evaluated. Aerated slurry provided a relatively low compressive strength, which did not suit load-bearing applications. Aerated slurry-infiltrated chicken mesh, on the other hand, provided desired mechanical properties, including significantly improved compressive strength, for load-bearing applications. The system exhibited a ductile failure mode which can be attributed to the high specific surface area and the desired mechanical interlocking of the chicken mesh reinforcement. The effects of aeration on the system behavior were evaluated. A theoretical model was developed for evaluating the mechanical behavior of aerated slurry-infiltrated chicken mesh. Aerated slurry-infiltrated chicken mesh offers a desired combination of light weight and mechanical characteristics for use as a building construction material.