Optimization of low-cost polyvinyl alcohol (Pva) fiber reinforced engineered cementitious composites (ECC) for practical applications

Abstract

Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) with unique tensile strain-hardening and multiple-cracking properties is an advanced construction material that can enhance resiliency and durability of structures. However, the high cost of the constituents limits the wide spread application of ECC. A relatively low-cost ECC formulation having adequate compressive and tensile properties was developed in this study by using low-cost Chinese PVA fiber with the optimisation of water/binder, sand/binder and fly ash/binder ratios. Such a mix can save steel reinforcement from a reinforced concrete section to be cost-competitive. This opens up a wider range of applications for ECC in real-life.