Properties of nano-silica-modified self-compacting engineered cementitious composites

• Main Authors: Mohammed, B.S., Achara, B.E., Nuruddin, M.F., Yaw, M., Zulkefli, M.Z.
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2017
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85024130913&doi=10.1016%2fj.jclepro.2017.06.137&partnerID=40&md5=24f9b2a49d93e090fbe1c33d28738e6f; http://eprints.utp.edu.my/19354/

An engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is a type of high-performance fibre-reinforced composite developed based on micromechanical principles. To improve the modulus of elasticity and minimise the drying shrinkage in self-compacting (SC) ECC without adversely affecting its ductility, nano-silica (NS) is included in the cementitious composite. Twenty SC-ECC mixtures were proportioned, cast, cured, and tested to determine the fresh and hardened properties by using two variables: polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber and NS particles. Five levels of NS (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4) and four levels of PVA (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2) were considered. A response surface methodology was used to conduct multi-objective optimisation and develop mix proportions that produce the best response to the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and energy absorption. It was found that mixtures with 2 PVA and 1.89 NS produce the most desirable responses. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd