International Network to Promote Ferrocement Technology: International Development Research Centre

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International Network to Promote Ferrocement Technology

Document(s) 11 of 18

Introduction
Impact
Prerequisites
Potentialusers
Contact
Resources

Introduction

Ferrocement technology, in which mortar (cement, sand, and water) is spreadover a steel and wire or bamboo skeleton, is a simple and inexpensive buildingmethod with a wide variety of uses. Ferrocement is often used to buildcylindrical rainwater catchment tanks. Although the walls of the cisternsare only a few centimetres thick, they can withstand the water pressurebecause of internal reinforcement with large-gauge, welded steel mesh coveredwith fine wire mesh. In various countries, ferrocement is also used tobuild silos, biogas holders and digesters, boats, roofing elements, canallinings, and latrines. The technology has been applied, especially in ruralareas, in more than 50 countries including India, Indonesia, Malaysia,and the Philippines.

The International Ferrocement Information Centre (IFIC) at the AsianInstitute of Technology (AIT) was established in 1976 to ensure the transferof ferrocement technology. Although the technique is simple in theory,the Centre recognizes that translating it into a technically sound, sociallyacceptable, and affordable village technology requires detailed researchand testing. It has developed a number of novel approaches to teach ruralpeople howto use this technique.

Training is complemented by "do-it-yourself" brochures and bookletsin local languages adapted for use by villagers. Technical informationis repackaged to target specific groups, such as women (who are usuallyinvolved in construction) or extension workers in each country.

A Ferrocement Information Network (FIN) was established in 1985 to facilitateand accelerate the flow of information among ferrocement users in developingcountries. FIN has nodes in 16 countries: tenin Asia, five in the Americas,and one in Europe. A directory of people and organizations knowledgeableabout ferrocement technology is available. Network members also organizetraining programs and demonstrations.

Impact

Ongoing Development of IFIC and the Ferrocement Network - IFIC'sefforts in promoting ferrocement technology, including providing trainingand disseminating information, have resulted in applying the technologyin some 50 countries. IFIC has alsoestablished relationships with morethan 200 universities in 60 countries to teach ferrocement technology.In addition, more than 100 ferrocement reference centres have been establishedthroughout the world. IFIC has developed a comprehensive site on the WorldWide Web, and uses the Internet to provide information and to communicatewith network members.

Prerequisites

Adequate supplies of cement, aggregate (usually sand), and reinforcement(usually steel mesh, butother materials such as bamboo are also used).The technique is easily explained by demonstration, pamphlets, and videos.

Potentialusers

Villagers and technicians working in low-income rural and urban areas.Technicians and engineers can access specialized bibliographies, directories,and computer software on the design of ferrocement structures, such aswater tanks and roofing elements. As well, newsletters, brochures, andaudiovisual materials are available throughFINand the various referencecentres.

Contact

Lilia Robles-Austriaco, Manager
Information Centers
Center for Library and Information Resources (CLAIR)
International Ferrocement Information Center (IFIC)
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
P.O. Box 4
Khlong Luang Pathumthani 12120, THAILAND
Tel: (66-2) 529-0900-13; Direct Line: (66-2) 524-5864
Fax: (66-2) 516-2126 or (66-2) 524-5870
Telex: 84276TH; Cable: AIT Bangkok
E-mail: geoferro@ait.ac.th
Web site: http://www.ait.ac.th/clair/centers/ific

Resources

A wealth of ferrocement information (publications, networks, services,training, applications, etc.) is available from the IFIC Web site, includingthe Ferrocement Primer.

RainwaterHarvesting Network, Rainwater Harvesting Information Service
PO Box 38638, Nairobi, KENYA
Tel: +254 2 556943/506363
Fax: +254 2 556943 / 605909 / 55513
E-mail: Africa.WaterNetwork@elci.sasa.unon.org

Rainwater Catchment (Tanzania).IDRC: Adventures in Development

Document(s) 11 of 18

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