Design, production, and properties of high-strength high-ductility cementitious composite (HSHDCC): A review

Abstract

High-strength high-ductility cementitious composite (HSHDCC) refers to a strain-hardening cementitious composite with high strength and high ductility. HSHDCC is ideal for resilient civil infrastructure, which has attracted increasing research interest. Design of HSHDCC is based on the micromechanical design theory of engineered cementitious composite to tailor high-strength cement matrix, fiber, and fiber-matrix interface. This review provides a systematic overview of the recent research on mixture design, workability control, and environmental and cost evaluation of HSHDCC. In terms of mixture design, the cementitious materials with low water-to-binder ratio and fine aggregate with size less than 0.6 mm are mainly used in HSHDCC to achieve high strength and relatively low matrix fracture toughness. Suitable content of superplasticizer, raw materials with smooth surface, and high particle packing property are required to have good workability of HSHDCC. The environmental and cost impacts of HSHDCC can be alleviated by using industrial wastes. Based on the present overview of the current status of HSHDCC, the conclusions and future research prospects are proposed to enhance its properties and industrial applications.