Work

Effects of different fiber types and curing methods on the mechanical performance of seawater coral sand engineered cementitious composites

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The construction of island projects is crucial to accelerate the strategy of building a strong maritime nation. To address the shortage of raw materials in island projects and meet the structural requirements for high strength , toughness, and durability, Seawater Coral sand Engineered Cementitious Composites (SC-ECC) were developed. This study focuses on examining the effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene (PE), and hybrid fibers with basalt fiber (BF) on the mechanical properties of SC-ECC. The influence of fiber types , fiber content, and curing methods on the mechanical properties of normal-strength and high-strength SC-ECC was examined. The bridging characteristics between the fibers and matrix were analyzed using single-crack tensile tests , scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. The results show that within reasonable dosage ranges, hybrid fibers can enhance the mechanical properties of SC-ECC. Specifically, 2.0 % PE fiber and 0.6 % BF is the optimum level for comprehensive performance. At this time, SC-ECC can produce higher tensile strength (8.6 MPa), tensile strain (7.5 %) and multiple fine cracks. Compared to humid air curing (HAC), seawater immersion curing (SIC) increases the compressive strength (7.9 %) and tensile strength (37.5 %), and decreases the tensile strain (15.4 %) of normal-strength SC-ECC; while it decreases compressive strength (8.4 %) and increases the tensile strength (28.1 %) and tensile strain capacity (12.1 %) of high-strength SC-ECC. This study provides valuable insights into the design and application of SC-ECC in island engineering materials .

Source: Journal of Building Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.112450

Authors: Peng Yu, Jiexia Yao, Sheng He, Zhangzhan Li

Institution: Guangxi University

Language: English

Topic: Innovative concrete reinforcement materials

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,940