Flexure Response of Modified Engineered Cementitious Composite’s (ECC) Hollow Slab Panels

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.