Tensile Strain Capacity Prediction of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) Using Soft Computing Techniques

Plain concrete is strong in compression but brittle in tension,having a low tensile strain capacity that can significantly degrade the long-term performance of concrete structures,even when steel reinforcing is present.In order to address these challenges,short polymer fibers are randomly dispersed in a cement-based matrix to forma highly ductile engineered cementitious composite(ECC).Thismaterial exhibits high ductility under tensile forces,with its tensile strain being several hundred times greater than conventional concrete.Since concrete is inherently weak in tension,the tensile strain capacity(TSC)has become one of the most extensively researched properties.As a result,developing a model to predict the TSC of the ECC and to optimize the mixture proportions becomes challenging.Meanwhile,the effort required for laboratory trial batches to determine the TSC is reduced.To achieve the research objectives,five distinct models,artificial neural network(ANN),nonlinear model(NLR),linear relationship model(LR),multi-logistic model(MLR),and M5P-tree model(M5P),are investigated and employed to predict the TSCof ECCmixtures containing fly ash.Data from115 mixtures are gathered and analyzed to develop a new model.The input variables include mixture proportions,fiber length and diameter,and the time required for curing the various mixtures.The model’s effectiveness is evaluated and verified based on statistical parameters such as R2,mean absolute error(MAE),scatter index(SI),root mean squared error(RMSE),and objective function(OBJ)value.Consequently,the ANN model outperforms the others in predicting the TSC of the ECC,with RMSE,MAE,OBJ,SI,and R2 values of 0.42%,0.3%,0.33%,0.135%,and 0.98,respectively.

Multiphysics processes in the interfacial transition zone of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites under induced curing pressure and implications for mine backfill materials: A critical review

The mesoscale fiber-matrix interfacial transition zone(FM-ITZ) under induced curing pressure plays a key role in the effectiveness of fiber reinforcement and the engineering application of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites(FRCCs). This critical review establishes the link among induced curing pressure(i.e., external loading condition), multiphysics processes(i.e., internal governing mechanism), and interface behavior(i.e., material behavior) for FRCC materials through analysis of the state-of-the-art research findings on the FM-ITZ of FRCC materials. The following results are obtained. For the mechanical process, the induced curing pressure changes the stress state and enhances multicracking behavior, which can strengthen the FM-ITZ. For the hydraulic process, the strengthened seepage of the FM-ITZ under induced curing pressure weakens the effective stress and exaggerates the deficiency in water retention capacity between the bulk matrix and the FMITZ. For the thermal process, the induced curing pressure causes a steep temperature gradient in the FM-ITZ and thus influences the temperature evolution and thermally-induced microcracks in the FM-ITZ. For the chemical process, the induced curing pressure enhances hydration kinetics and results in the formation of additional hydration products in the FM-ITZ. Moreover, recommendations are proposed on the basis of findings from this review to facilitate the implementation of fiber reinforcement in cemented paste backfill technology.

Evaluation of Self-Healing Efficiency of Microcapsule-Based Self-Healing Cementitious Composites Based on Acoustic Emission

Microcapsule self-healing technology is one of the effective methods to solve the durability problem of cementbased composites.The evaluation method of the self-healing efficiency of microcapsule self-healing cement-based composites is one of the difficulties that limits the self-healing technology.This paper attempts to characterize the self-healing efficiency of microcapsule self-healing cement-based composites by acoustic emission(AE)parameters,which provides a reference for the evaluation of microcapsule self-healing technology.Firstly,a kind of self-healing microcapsules were prepared,and the microcapsules were added into the cement-based composites to prepare the compression samples.Then,the specimen with certain pre damage was obtained by compression test.Secondly,the damaged samples were divided into two groups.One group was directly used for compression tests to obtain the damage failure process.The other group was put into water for healing for 30 days,and then compression tests were carried out to study the influence of self-healing on the compression failure process.During the experiments,the AE signals were collected and the AE characteristics were extracted for the evaluation of self-healing efficiency.The results show that the compression pre damage test can trigger the microcapsule,and the compression strength of the self-healing sample is improved.The failure mechanism of microcapsule selfhealing cement-based composites can be revealed by the AE parameters during compression,and the self-healing efficiency can be quantitatively characterized by AE hits.The research results of this paper provide experimental reference and technical support for the mechanical property test and healing efficiency evaluation of microcapsule self-healing cement-based composites.

Development of engineered cementitious composites with local ingredients

In order to reduce the cost of high performance polyvinyl alcohol（PVA） fiber reinforced cementitious material（called engineered cementitious composites,ECC）,a ductile ECC material is developed using domestic PVA fibers along with other local ingredients,such as fly ash,cement and sand.In addition to the economic analysis of ECC,the four-point bending test and the optical microscope are employed to investigate the deflection capacity of ECC,its crack width and the occurrence of the self-healing phenomenon.The experimental results suggest that ECC made with domestic ingredients exhibits larger deformability and the average crack width is controlled around 60 μm.Furthermore,the self-healing behavior is observed in cracks of the specimens after cycles of wet and dry curing.The economic analysis shows that the cost of ECC can be greatly reduced via employing domestic PVA fibers.It is,therefore,feasible to produce low cost ECC material employing domestic PVA fibers,while simultaneously retaining high material ductility.

Impact Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composites with High Volume Fly Ash Using SHPB Test

The split Hopkinson pressure bar （SHPB） testing with diameter 40 mm was used to investigate the dynamic mechanical properties of engineered cementitious composites （ECCs） with different fly ash content. The basic properties including deformation, energy absorption capacity, strain-stress relationship and failure patterns were discussed. The ECCs showed strain-rate dependency and kept better plastic flow during impact process compared with reactive powder concrete （RPC） and concrete, but the critical compressive strength was lower than that of RPC and concrete. The bridging effect of PVA fiber and addition of fly ash can significantly improve the deformation and energy absorption capacities of ECCs. With the increase of fly ash content in ECCs, the static and dynamic compressive strength lowered and the dynamic increase factor enhanced. Therefore, to meet different engineering needs, the content of fly ash can be an important index to control the static and dynamic mechanical properties of ECCs.

Mechanics Behavior of Ultra High Toughness Cementitious Composites after Freezing and Thawing

Mechanical behaviors of UHTCC after freezing and thawing were investigated,and compared with those of steel fiber reinforced concrete（SFRC）,air-entrained concrete（AEC） and ordinary concrete（OC）.Four point bending tests had been applied after different freezing-thawing cycles（0,50,100,150,200 and 300 cycles,respectively）.The results showed that residual flexural strength of UHTCC after 300 freezing-thawing cycles was 10.62 MPa（70% of no freezing thawing ones）,while 1.58 MPa（17% of no freezing thawing ones） for SFRC.Flexural toughness of UHTCC decreased by 17%,while 70% for SFRC comparatively.It has been demonstrated experimentally that UHTCC without any air-entraining agent could resist freezing-thawing and retain its high toughness characteristic in cold environment.Consequently,UHTCC could be put into practice for new-built or retrofit of infrastructures in cold regions.

Damage evolution model of strain hardening cementitious composites under the uniaxial stress state

The deformation and damage behaviors of strain hardening cementitious composites （SHCC） under the uniaxial stress state were investigated in this paper. Two ductile failure-based constitutive models were introduced to describe the uniaxial tension and compression properties of SHCC only using a few parameters. The computation method of model parameters was developed to ease the simulation procedures. Damage evolution of the SHCC was simulated by the formulation of continuum damage mechanics subsequently. The results show that the proposed models fit the stress-strain curves reasonably well, and the damage variables show different growth rules under uniaxial tension and compression. It is concluded that the proposed method can not only simply simulate the constitutive behavior of SHCC with the reasonable accuracy but also capture the characteristic of material degradation.

Electromagnetic Shielding and Absorption Properties of Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites

In order to investigate the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness （SE） and absorbing properties of fiber reinforced concrete, steel fiber, carbon fiber and synthetic polyvinyl alcohol （PVA） fiber reinforced concrete were researched. The results show that with the increase of fiber Volume fraction, the SE and trend of frequency change of corresponding fiber reinforced concrete are enhanced. When the volume content of steel fiber is 3%, the SE of concrete is above 50 dB and its frequency is above 1.8 GHz. Moreover, in the range of 8-18 GHz, steel fiber, carbon fiber and PVA fiber all can improve the microwave absorption properties of concrete. The concrete with 0.5% carbon fiber can achieve the best absorbing property, the minimum reflectivity is about -7 dB; while steel fiber optimal volume fraction is 2%. The reflectivity curve of PVA fiber reinforced concrete fluctuates with the frequency, and the minimum value of the reflectivity is below -10 dB. The results show that fiber reinforced concrete could be used as EMI（electromagnetic interference） prevention buildings by attenuating and reflecting electromagnetic wave energy.

Mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol-basalt hybrid fiber engineered cementitious composites with impact of elevated temperatures

In the present study,the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)-basalt hybrid fiber reinforced engineered cementitious composites(ECC)after exposure to elevated temperatures were experimentally investigated.Five temperatures of 20,50,100,200 and 400℃ were set to evaluate the residual compressive,tensile and flexural behaviors of hybrid and mono fiber ECC.It was shown that partial replacement of PVA fibers with basalt fibers endowed ECC with improved residual compressive toughness,compared to brittle failure of mono fiber ECC heated to 400℃.The tension tests indicated that the presence of basalt fibers benefited the tensile strength up to 200℃,and delayed the sharp reduction of strength to 400℃.Under flexural load,the peak deflections corresponding to flexural strengths of hybrid fiber ECC were found to be less vulnerable ranging from 20 to 100℃.Further,the scanning electron microscopy(SEM)results uncovered that the rupture of basalt fiber at moderate temperature and its pullout mechanism at high temperature was responsible for the mechanical evolution of hybrid fiber ECC.This work develops a better understanding of elevated temperature and basalt fiber impact on the residual mechanical properties and further provides guideline for tailoring ECC for improved fire resistance.

Effects of Water/Binder Ratio on the Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composites

The effects of water/binder ratio （w/b） on the toughness behavior, compressive strength and flexural strength of engineered cementitious composites （ECC） were investigated. The w/b ratios of 0.25, 0.31, 0.33 and 0.37 were selected and the specimens were tested at the ages of 7 d and 28 d. The experimental results showed that there was a corresponding increase in first cracking strength, modulus of rupture, compressive strength and flexural strength with the decrease of w/b. Within the w/b range of 0.25-0.37, higher w/b was found to have improved effects on deflection, strain hardening index and toughness index of ECC. In the permission of meeting the requirement of compressive strength grade, selecting higher w/b in mix design will help to obtain robust ECC.

Role of matrix structure and flaw size distribution modification on deflection hardening behavior of polyvinyl alcohol fiber reinforced engineered cementitious composites(PVA-ECC)

The multiple cracking and deflection hardening performance of polyvinyl alcohol fiber reinforced engineered cementitious composites(PVA-ECC)under four-point flexural loading have been investigated.Matrices with different binder combinations and W/B ratios(from 0.44 to 0.78)providing satisfactory PVA fiber dispersion were specially designed.Effect of pre-existing flaw size distribution modification on deflection hardening behavior was comparatively studied by adding 3 mm diameter polyethylene beads into the mixtures(6%by total volume).Natural flaw size distributions of composites without beads were determined by cross sectional analysis.The crack number and crack width distributions of specimens after flexural loading were characterized and the possible causes of changes in multiple cracking and deflection hardening behavior by flaw size distribution modification were discussed.Promising results from the view point of deflection hardening behavior were obtained from metakaolin incorporated and flaw size distribution modified PVA-ECCs prepared with W/B=0.53.The dual roles of W/B ratio and superplasticizer content on flaw size distribution,cracking potential and fiber-matrix bond behavior were evaluated.Flaw size distribution modification is found beneficial in terms of ductility improvement at an optimized W/B ratio.

Effects of curing age on compressive and tensile stress-strain behaviors of ecological high ductility cementitious composites

To obtain the design parameters of the structure made by ecological high ductility cementitious composites(Eco-HDCC),the effects of curing age on the compressive and tensile stress-strain relationships were studied.The reaction degree of fly ash,non-evaporable water content and the pH value in pore solution were calculated to reveal the mechanical property.The results indicate that as the curing age increases,the peak compressive strength,peak compressive strain and ultimate tensile strength of Eco-HDCC increase.However,the ultimate compressive strain and ultimate tensile strain of Eco-HDCC decrease with the increase in curing age.Besides,as the curing age increases,the reaction degree of fly ash and non-evaporable water content in Eco-HDCC increase,while the pH value in the pore solution of Eco-HDCC decreases.Finally,the simplified compressive and tensile stress-strain constitutive relationship models of Eco-HDCC with a curing age of 28 d were suggested for the structure design safety.

Methods of Modifying the Brittle Behavior of Cementitious Composites

We put forward effective methods of increasing the tensile strain of cementitious composites with 2% PVA fiber and high fly ash content. The test results show that curing condition has a significantly effect on the tensile performance. It is approved that the specimens incorporated appropriate volume fraction rubber powder and lightweight aggregate greatly increase the tensile strain of composites at medium-term age, but indefinitely at long-term age. To a certain extent, EVA can limitedly enhance the tensile performance of comentitious composites owing to the formation of polymer membrane and the hindered hydration of cement.

A uniaxial tensile constitutive equation of high-ductility cementitious composites

In order to establish the constitutive relationship of high-ductility cementitious composites(HDCCs)under uniaxial tensile load and to guide the structural design of HDCCs,based on the analysis of the existing uniaxial tensile constitutive relationship and ideal elastoplastic linear strain-hardening model,a bilinear tensile constitutive equation of HDCCs was proposed.The points of nominal initial cracking and nominal maximum stress were adopted as control points of the line segment,and the constitutive relationship of HDCCs was established.Five series of uniaxial tensile stress-strain curves of HDCCs were combined to perform an experimental application of the constitutive equation,along with an analysis of the key parameters.The experimental results confirm the ability of the constitutive equation to overcome the problem of insufficient or excessive redundancy of existing models in terms of calculation bearing capacity.Specifically,the measured maximum stress value is larger than the nominal value,and the ratio between the two values ranges from 1.08 to 1.22.Additionally,the tensile strain at the softening point obtained by fitting a straight line with the valley points of the strain-hardening stage curve is greater than or equal to the tensile strain at the measured maximum stress point and the ratio of the fitted values to the measured values ranges from 1.00 to 1.19.

Properties and Microstructure of Polymer Emulsions Modifi ed Fibers Reinforced Cementitious Composites

The synthesis and characterization of a new class of cementitious composites filled with polymer emulsions were investigated, and their superior mechanical strength and durability properties compared to composites devoid of fi llers were reported. Polymer emulsions were utilized to mechanically reinforce the composite and bridge the cement, fly ash, aggregate and fibers. The results reveal that the epoxy emulsion and poly（ethylene-co-vinyl acetate） emulsion markedly enhance the mechanical and durability properties of cemetitious composites. The fi bers can be pulled out in the form of slip-hardening and the abrasion phenomenon can be observed clearly on the surface of the fibers. The hydration extent of cement is higher than that of the pristine composites. The polymer modified cementitious composites designed on micromechanics, have fl exibility and plasticity which could be applied for a novel form of multifunctional materials with a range of pipeline coatings applications.

Study of the Superficial Modification of Sisal Fibres with Lignin, and Its Use As a Reinforcement Agent in Cementitious Composites

The objective of this work was to evaluate different superficial treatments of sisal fibres employing lignin,and their use as a reinforcement agent in cementitious composites.The treatments consisted of superficially impregnating sisal fibres(S)with organosolv lignin(LO),organosolv lignin and glutaraldehyde(LOG),Kraft lignin(LK)and Kraft lignin and glutaraldehyde(LKG).The fibre modifications were verified by FTIR-ATR and SEM analyzes,and the presence of lignin on the surface of the fibres was evidenced,confirming the effectiveness of the treatments.The mechanical,thermal(by TGA)and water absorption properties of the fibres before and after the modifications were also investigated.After treatment,the modified fibres presented an expressive reduction of the water absorption and did not show significant changes in the mechanical properties when compared with the natural unmodified sisal fibre(SNAT).It was verified an increase in the thermal stability of the treated fibres which can be attributed to the insertion of lignin on the fibres.To evaluate the performance of the fibres in the cementitious composites,cement plates(CP)were produced with different treated fibres(CP-SLOG,CP-SLO,CP-SLKG,CP-SLK)and fibres without treatment(CP-SNAT).The composites were evaluated concerning to the water absorption,porosity and mechanical properties.The fractured regions were also investigated by SEM.All composites prepared showed similar values of absorption and porosity indexes.From the mechanical properties,the composites prepared with modified fibres showed a significant increase in the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity compared with CP-SNAT,while toughness was similar to all samples.From the SEM images,it was observed that the modified fibres immersed in the cementitious plates showed no degradation,indicating that the impregnation of lignin acted as a protective agent of the fibres.Therefore,the treatments of the fibres with lignin led to a significant improvement in the properties of the composites generating a treatment with potential for industrial application.

Shrinkage Reducing Measures for Engineering Cementitious Composites

Inhibition measurement of shrinkage of engineering cementitious composites （ECC） was investigated due to typical ECC with higher free drying shrinkage.The effects of expanded admixture （EA）,shrinkage reducing admixture （SRA）,coarse sand＋stone powder （CS＋SP） and superabsorbent polymer （SAP） on drying shrinkage and mechanical properties were studied.The experimental results show that ECC incorporating EA,SRA and coarse sand can retain around 60% of the typical ECC＇s free drying shrinkage.Superabsorbent polymerl（SAP） can delay the development of free drying shrinkage of ECC at different ages,and the effect of SAP is not distinct like the actions of EA,superabsorbent polymer（SRA） and coarse sand.Significantly,SAP may act as artificial flaw to form a more homogeneous defect system that increases the potential of saturated multiple cracking,hence the ductility of ECC will be improved greatly.

Tensile Behavior of Strain Hardening Cementitious Composites (SHCC) Containing Reactive Recycled Powder from Various C&D Waste

This work investigates the feasibility of utilizing reactive recycled powder(RP)from construction and demolition(C&D)waste as supplementary cementitious material(SCM)to achieve a ductile strain hardening cementitious composites(SHCC).The recycled mortar powder(RMP)from mortar waste,recycled concrete powder(RCP)from concrete waste and recycled brick powder(RBP)from clay brick waste were first prepared,and the micro-properties and tensile behavior of SHCC containing various types and replacement ratios of RPs were determined.The incorporated RP promotes pozzolanic and filler effects,while the hydration products in cementitious materials decrease with RP incorporation;therefore,the incorporated RP decreases the compressive strength of SHCC.Attributed to the reduction in the matrix strength,the incorporated RP increases the crack-bridging extent and ductility of SHCC;the irregular micro-structure and high reactivity of RP also help the strain-hardening performance of the prepared SHCC.In addition,the strainhardening performance of SHCC containing RMP and RBP is surperior to that of SHCC with RCP and is slightly lower than that of SHCC with fly ash(FA);for instance,the ultimate strain of SHCC containing 54%FA,RMP,RCP and RBP is 3.67%,3.61%,2.52%and 3.53%,respectively.In addition,the strain-hardening behavior of an SHCC doubled mix with FA and RMP or RBP has a similar ultimate strain and a higher ultimate stress than SHCC containing only FA.

Characteristics of Self-Healing Microcapsules for Cementitious Composites

Urea formaldehyde/epoxy resin microcapsules were prepared by an in situ polymerization method and the effect of emulsifier on the syntheses process of the microcapsules was discussed. The surface morphology of the microcapsules was observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy（SEM）. Chemical structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FTIR）. Thermal stability was obtained using simultaneous thermal analysis（STA）. The microcapsules were composed of urea-formaldehyde resin shell and epoxy resin core. Emulsifier played an important role in the polymerization process when the core material was packed by pre-polymer, so the effects of different emulsifiers（OP-10, SDS and SDBS） were discussed respectively. Results showed that the particle size of the microcapsules was uniform when SDBS as an emulsifier. Microcapsules showed good thermal stability below 240 ℃ and the initial decomposition temperature of the microcapsules was 265 ℃. The core materials released after microcapsules rupturing, which could be proven by the images of SEM. When implanted in cementitious composites, complete shape of microcapsules and good interface between microcapsules and cement specimen substrate could also be observed.

High Temperature Flexural Deformation Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) with Hybrid Fiber Reinforcement

Engineered Cementitious Composites(ECC)is a class of high-performance fiber reinforced composites with ultra-ductility designed based on micromechanics,and it has been developed for increasing application in the construction industry during recent decades.The properties of ECC at room temperature have been tested and studied in depth,however,few studies focus on its performance after high temperature that is one of the worst conditions to ECC.To investigate the change tendency and mechanism for the high temperature flexural properties of hybrid fiber reinforced ECC and the feasibility of calcium carbonate whisker to reduce the cost of ECC materials,polyvinyl alcohol fiber(PVA)reinforced strain hardening cementitious composites(PVA-ECC),steel fiber+PVA fiber reinforced ECC(defined as HyFRECC-A)and steel fiber+PVA fiber+CaCO3 whisker reinforced ECC(defined as HyFRECC-B)subject to room temperature and 200℃,400℃,600℃,800℃elevated temperature exposure were experimentally compared.The results indicate that equally replacing PVA fibers by steel fibers degraded the flexural hardening ability of PVA-ECC at room temperature,while the addition of appropriate amount of CaCO3 whisker improved the flexural strength,toughness and flexural hardening behavior.The elevated temperature posed a significant effect on the flexural strength and toughness of the three types of ECCs.Flexural deflection hardening behavior of the three types of ECCs was eliminated after high temperature exposure.Flexural strength and toughness of PVA-ECC presented an exponential decay along with the increase of temperature.The addition of steel fiber slowed down the decay rate.Although the use of CaCO3 whisker increased the post-temperature flexural strength and toughness of HyFRECC-B,the decay rate was not further decreased.