Effect of Fly Ash and PVA Fiber on Microstructural Damage and Residual Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composites Exposed to High Temperatures

Abstract

This paper discusses the influence of high volumes of fly ash and micro polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers on the fire resistance and microstructure of engineered cementitious composites (ECC). Composites containing two different contents of fly ash as a replacement for cement (55 and 70% by weight of total cementitious materials) are examined. To determine the effects of microfibers and ultrahigh ductility of ECC, ECC matrix mixtures of similar composition except PVA fiber are also produced and tested for the fire resistance. The mixtures are exposed to temperatures up to 800°C for one hour. Fire resistances of the mixtures are then quantified in terms of the residual mechanical properties (strength, stress-strain curve, deflection, and stiffness) and mass loss. The role of PVA fibers and fly ash is discussed through the analysis of microstructure and fiber-matrix interactions as a function of heat treatment. The microstructural characterization is examined before and after exposure to fire deterioration by using scanning electron microscopy and the pore size distribution is obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry. Results indicate that adding micro PVA fiber to the ECC matrix substantially improves the fire resistance and eliminates the explosive spalling behaviors of the ECC matrix. Fire resistance of ECC mixtures is further improved with the increase of fly ash content.