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DEnd · 05-20-17, 05:22 AM

Not to be a Debbie Downer but I'm confused by what you are trying to do.

The impact resistance of concrete is well understood, and cost effective measures are already available. The issue is cost effective is still very expensive. While the compressive strength of concrete is an important part of the design, the real weak point is the tensile strength. Stucco Mesh is way to small to impart enough strength to the concrete to impact survivability of a structure, unless enough is added to equal the weight of steel you would otherwise have added. At that amount though you have issues with even aggregate spread within the concrete, and it would end up being more expensive than traditional systems (by weight stucco mesh is more expensive than re-bar as it is more refined and processed).

For stucco applications a 12" square is not the right testing dimension, you should start out with 16", and then work up to a test wall.

Also the materials aren't as important as the assembly. The weakest point is generally windows and doors, not walls. After that it is roof and foundation attachment, then wall and roof strength. At least as far as structure survive-ability is concerned. Even with great roof and wall survive-ability the weak points of windows and doors still lead to a need for hardened storm shelters inside the house.

05-20-17, 05:22 AM	#4
DEnd Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NC Posts: 117 Thanks: 6 Thanked 27 Times in 25 Posts	Not to be a Debbie Downer but I'm confused by what you are trying to do. The impact resistance of concrete is well understood, and cost effective measures are already available. The issue is cost effective is still very expensive. While the compressive strength of concrete is an important part of the design, the real weak point is the tensile strength. Stucco Mesh is way to small to impart enough strength to the concrete to impact survivability of a structure, unless enough is added to equal the weight of steel you would otherwise have added. At that amount though you have issues with even aggregate spread within the concrete, and it would end up being more expensive than traditional systems (by weight stucco mesh is more expensive than re-bar as it is more refined and processed). For stucco applications a 12" square is not the right testing dimension, you should start out with 16", and then work up to a test wall. Also the materials aren't as important as the assembly. The weakest point is generally windows and doors, not walls. After that it is roof and foundation attachment, then wall and roof strength. At least as far as structure survive-ability is concerned. Even with great roof and wall survive-ability the weak points of windows and doors still lead to a need for hardened storm shelters inside the house.