Advancements and perspectives in engineered cementitious composites (ECC): a comprehensive review

Abstract

Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) have garnered significant attention within the construction industry due to their exceptional mechanical properties and durability. This thorough review presents a meticulous analysis of the progress and prospects in ECC research. It commences by introducing the background and rationale for investigating ECC, while outlining the objectives of the review. The review provides an encompassing overview of ECC, encompassing its definition, characteristics, historical development, composition, and constituent materials. Emphasis is placed on the examination of ECC‘s mechanical properties, specifically its flexural behaviour, tensile behaviour, compressive strength, and resistance to environmental factors. Furthermore, the rheological properties of ECC, including workability, flowability, self-healing, crack mitigation, viscosity, and thixotropy, are discussed in detail. The review delves into the influence of fibre reinforcement on ECC, encompassing the types of fibres utilised, their impact on mechanical and structural properties, as well as fibre dispersion and orientation. Additionally, it explores the diverse applications of ECC across various fields, such as structural applications and sustainable building practices. The challenges and limitations associated with ECC, such as cost and availability, are addressed, alongside an exploration of future trends and research directions.