Engineered cementitious composite (ECC) strengthening of reinforced concrete structures: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) have been extensively studied and widely used as a strengthening material due to its superior mechanical properties. Only few papers reviewed its structural strengthening/retrofitting performance. This paper focuses on a state-of-the-art review of the bond behaviour between ECC and concrete as well as steel/FRP bars and the strengthening performance of different reinforced concrete (RC) structural components with ECC and other composite materials. This paper details the effectiveness of different configurations of ECC on various RC components and the interaction between ECC and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) as well as steel reinforcing materials. It is concluded that the brittleness of conventional RC structures can be effectively altered and the structural response can be significantly improved by ECC. Furthermore, the predictive models of ECC strengthened RC structures developed are also summarised. Finally, prospects and opportunities for the utilisation of ECC for structural strengthening are identified and suggested.