Abstract:
In construction, solid slabs are important since they offer strong and
continuous support, handle great loads well and have good resistance to fire and
thermal properties. But solid slabs have the weight factor that prevents them from
spanning long distances. To conquer this challenge, hollow slab systems are
introduced. But due to holes in hollow slabs the flexure and tensile strength of
hollow slabs are compromised. Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) are
material which is gaining a lot of attention now a days due to its excellent tensile
strength and durability. This study objectives to examine the properties of ECC in
hollow slabs and assess their flexural response. Moreover, the research took a new
approach by substituting normal shrinkage bars with fibers. This has not only
reduced the total cost but also provides options for employing waste products as
fibers, which is a step towards being sustainability. The methodology includes
mechanical testing of modified ECC in which 2 types of fibers are used. The first
one is nylon fiber is used at a proportion of 1.5% to 2% in ECC and Second fiber is
jute at 2% in ECC. In order to achieve the optimum result ratio, compressive, tensile
and flexure tests are carried out and then used in checking the flexural response of a
hollow slab. To check the flexure response four-point loading has been used for slab
having dimension (L=1700mm, Width= 435mm, Thickness= 125mm). The study
demonstrated that modified ECC material strength was enhanced when 2% nylon
fiber was added to it; compressive strength cube went up by 34%, tensile strength of
cylinder is increased 40% and flexural strength of prism is increased by over 120%,
which shows improving the material performance overall. Moreover, in slab testing,
it has been observed that there is an enhancement in the ductility and cracking
resistance because of fiber bridging effect. The flexure strength of sample of slab
including fibers flexure strength increased 23% than the control sample.
