Publication

Abstract : Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) or Strain Hardening Cement-based Composites (SHCC) or bendable concrete, is a special type of concrete which is reinforced with specially selected short random fibers. Strain capacity of ECC is in the range of 3–7%, compared to 0.01% for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) paste, mortar or concrete. Bendable concrete acts like a ductile metal when compared to brittle nature of OPC cement. Various studies show that ECC has superior properties compared to PCC mixes. Due to adverse effect on fiber dispersion and overall performance, the coarse aggregates are not used in ECC. Different type of fibers is added to impart the tensile strength in ECC. Some of fibers include Poly Vinyl Alcohol, Polypropylene fiber and also natural fibers. ECC shows ductility property in the hardened state and flexible property in fresh state makes ECC applicable to wide range of construction application Victor C. Li (2003) [15]. Even though the initial cost of ECC is more than normal concrete, long term benefits of former is better than latter which helps to potentially drive this technology. A review of ECC is done in this paper regarding its mechanical and chemical properties. Also the compressive strength and flexural strength of ECC with PVA and PP fibers are determined to find the effect of different fibers in ECC. An increase in flexural strength is observed with the usage of PVA and PP fibers.