Journal of Transportation Research

Journal of Transportation Research

Investigating the Effect of Various Synthetic Fiber Contents on the Mechanical Performance and Durability of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahdi Kouhiazar Tulun 1
Jafar Sobhani 2
Seyed Mohammad Mirhosseini 3
Ehsanollah Zeyghami 4
Mohammadreza Basiri 5
1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Civil Engineering, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Road, Housing and Urban Development Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran.
5 Assistant Professor, Department of Textile Engineering, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran.
10.22034/tri.2025.506966.3319
Abstract
This research investigates the influence of synthetic fiber incorporation on the mechanical properties and durability of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) through the examination of four distinct mixtures: a control mixture (fiber-free) and three mixtures containing 10, 20, and 30 kg of synthetic fibers per cubic meter of ECC. The experimental findings revealed that the inclusion of synthetic fibers significantly enhances tensile cracking strength, toughness, and residual strength. Notably, the mixture with 30 kg of synthetic fibers demonstrated the highest tensile cracking strength (10.73 MPa) and toughness (174 N·mm). However, exceeding a fiber content of 10 kg resulted in a decline in compressive strength and modulus of elasticity. Regarding durability, the addition of synthetic fibers exhibited mixed effects: the mixture containing 30 kg of synthetic fibers displayed the lowest water absorption, attributable to reduced surface cracking. Conversely, as the fiber content increased, the depth of water penetration and chloride ion ingress also rose, likely due to the formation of micro-pores around the fibers and an increase in internal permeability. These outcomes suggest that synthetic fibers, by forming a network of strands within the ECC matrix, effectively distribute tensile stresses and inhibit crack propagation through a bridging mechanism. This contributes to enhanced fracture energy and improved mechanical performance of the ECC, albeit with potential trade-offs in certain durability characteristics. In conclusion, this study identifies the mixture containing 10 kg of synthetic fibers as the optimal formulation in terms of compressive strength and modulus of elasticity, while the mixture with 30 kg of synthetic fibers is deemed most effective for improving tensile strength and toughness.
Keywords
Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC)
Synthetic Fibers
Compressive Strength
Toughness
Permeability
Mechanical Behavior

Subjects

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