Application of ferrocement and related composite materials in Indonesia

Ferrocement, in this context, includes cement reinforced with local fibers, such as bamboo. Due to delays, the project was extended from 4/80 to 1/82. Pre-project activity consisted of 4 months of theoretical and practical training of 9 Indonesian engineers at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). In executing the project, the DTC-ITB collaborated with Syiah Kuala and Hasanuddin Universities and with local government units and entrepreneurs, especially in field applications and testing. Three provinces - West Java, South Sulawesi, and Aceh - were selected for FC development; applications specified in the feasibility study for initial concentration included pontoon ferries, dug-out canoes, water containers, toilet bowls with traps, well casings, grain storage bins, and housing components. FC construction in West Java comprised water supply systems (including tanks, channels, distribution pipes, a curved bridge, water facilities for a mosque, and public washing and bathing facilities) in the villages of Buniwangi and Citarik, and the field testing of FC buildings and components (a minaret, a gothic vault shelter, a small mosque, a bus shelter) at Bandung. A FC pontoon ferry was built at Cikarang. In South Sulawesi, FC construction included a mosque dome, ditch lining and well casing, electric poles, a septic tank, and a shrimp breeding pond. The project also supervised construction of 10 other mosque domes built by local personnel and undertook an extensive FC development program. In Aceh, a house was built and FC housing components were made for exhibit, also constructed were a mosque dome, a water tank, and a canoe. Local people were trained to provide manpower for FC construction and to use and maintain completed facilities. The project demonstrated that FC technology has attained social acceptability and can produce far-reaching social and economic benefits to people at all levels.