Closure Strips Research Articles

Structural Behavior of Full-Depth Deck Panels Having Developed Closure Strips Reinforced with GFRP Bars and Filled with UHPFRC

The adoption of prefabricated elements and systems (PBES) in accelerating bridge construction (ABC) and rapidly replacing aging infrastructure has attracted considerable attention from bridge authorities. These prefabricated components facilitate quick assembly, which diminishes the environmental footprint at the construction site, alleviates delays and lane closures, reduces disruption for the traveling public, and ultimately conserves both time and taxpayer resources. The current paper explores the structural behavior of a reinforced concrete (RC) precast full-depth deck panel (FDDP) having 175 mm projected glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars embedded into a 200 mm wide closure strip filled with ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). Three joint details for moment-resisting connections (MRCs), named the angle joint, C-joint, and zigzag joint, were constructed and loaded to collapse. The controlled slabs and mid-span-connected precast FDDPs were statically loaded to collapse under concentric or eccentric wheel loading. The moment capacity of the controlled slab reinforced with GFRP bars compared with the concrete slab reinforced with steel reinforcing bars was less than 15% for the same reinforcement ratio. The precast FDDPs showed very similar results to those of the controlled slab reinforced with GFRP bars. The RC slab reinforced by steel reinforcing bars failed in the flexural mode, while the slab reinforced by GFRP bars failed in flexural-shear one.

Fatigue and Ultimate Strength Evaluation of GFRP-Reinforced, Laterally-Restrained, Full-Depth Precast Deck Panels with Developed UHPFRC-Filled Transverse Closure Strips

A depth precast deck panel (FDDP) is one element of the prefabricated bridge element and systems (PBES) that allows for quick un-shored assembly of the bridge deck on-site as part of the accelerated bridge construction (ABC) technology. This paper investigates the structural response of full-depth precast deck panels (FDDPs) constructed with new construction materials and connection details. FDDP is cast with normal strength concrete (NSC) and reinforced with high modulus (HM) glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) ribbed bars. The panel-to-girder V-shape connections use the shear pockets to accommodate the clustering of the shear connectors. A novel transverse connection between panels has been developed, featuring three distinct female-to-female joint configurations, each with 175-mm projected GFRP bars extending from the FDDP into the closure strip, complemented by a female vertical shear key and filled with cementitious materials. The ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) was selectively used to joint-fill the 200-mm transverse joint between adjacent precast panels and the shear pockets connecting the panels to the supporting girders to ensure full shear interaction. Two actual-size FDDP specimens for each type of the three developed joints were erected to perform fatigue tests under the footprint of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC) truck wheel loading. The FDDP had a 200-mm thickness, 2500-mm width, and 2400-mm length in traffic direction; the rest was over braced steel twin girders. Two types of fatigue test were performed: incremental variable amplitude fatigue (VAF) loading and constant amplitude fatigue (CAF) loading, followed by monotonically loading the slab ultimate-to-collapse. It was observed that fatigue test results showed that the ultimate capacity of the slab under VAF loading or after 4 million cycles of CAF exceeded the factored design wheel load specified in the CHBDC. Also, the punching shear failure mode was dominant in all the tested FDDP specimens.

Enhancing Tensile Modulus of Polyurethane-Based Shape Memory Polymers for Wound Closure Applications through the Addition of Palm Oil.

Thermo-responsive, biocompatible polyurethane (PU) with shape memory properties is highly desirable for biomedical applications. An innovative approach to producing wound closure strips using shape memory polymers (SMPs) is of significant interest. In this work, PU composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) was synthesized using two-step polymerization. Palm oil (PO) was added to PU for enhancing the Young's modulus of the PU beyond the set criterion of 130 MPa. It was found that PU had the ability to crystallize at room temperature and the segments of individual PCL and BDO polyurethanes crystallized separately. The crystalline domains and hard segment of PU greatly affected the tensile properties. The reduction of crystalline domains by the addition of PO and deformation at the higher melting temperature of the crystalline PCL polyurethane phase improved the shape fixity and shape recovery ratios. The new irreversible phase, raised from the permanent deformation upon stretching at the between melting temperature of the crystalline PCL and BDO polyurethanes of 70 °C, resulted in a decrease in shape fixity ratio after the first thermomechanical stretching-recovering cycles. The demonstration of PU as a wound closure strip showed its efficiency and potential until the surgical wound healed.

IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES: A NON INVASIVE AND COSMETIC FRONTIER FOR WOUND CLOSURE

Abstract Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) implantation procedures have undergone continuous improvement. Every aspect of the procedure can contribute to these improvements, including incision closure. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and validity of a non–invasive method using adhesive skin closure strips for wound closure of CIEDs in older adults, instead of surgical suture, evaluating parameters such as infection, erythema, skin reaction, itching, pain, oedema, time for closure, cosmetic outcomes and patients’ satisfaction. A retrospective study was carried out in 152 subjects (mean age 81 +9.3 years).undergoing application of adhesive strips after CIEDs substitution/implant and 132 usual care control subjects (mean age 76.6+8.9). Variables considered were: age, gender, risk factors for wound complications. Wound evaluation was conducted by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Operative time for closing the incision and for removing sutures or strips were significantly lower in both application and removal in the adhesive strip group. At follow–up evaluations, each parameter considered by evaluation of the patients and staff was significantly better than in the control group. Fewer complications were observed in the patients undergoing wound closure wit adhesive strips. Previoulsy, to the best of our knowledge, the use of adhesive strips in closing surgical wounds of patients undergoing CIEDs implant/replacement has never been considered. Adhesive strips for wound closure of CIEDs incision are characterized by shorter procedural time, optimal early and late cosmetic results, fewer complications in older patients and is cheaper. Its use for CIEDs wound closure is reasonably supported.

Comparison between liquid skin adhesive and wound closure strip for skin closure after subcuticular suturing in single-port laparoscopic appendectomy: a single-center retrospective study in Korea.

This study was performed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of skin adhesives and to compare postoperative and cosmetic outcomes after wound closure in single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SPLA) between skin adhesives and steri-strips. This was a single-center retrospective study. We included 22 and 47 patients in whom skin adhesive and steri-strips were used respectively, for skin closure after subcuticular suturing in SPLA between August 2014 and 2020. The patient scar assessment questionnaire (PSAQ) was completed postoperatively to assess postoperative cosmetic outcomes. On the postoperative day, patients in whom skin adhesive was used had significantly lower numeric rating scores than in whom steri-strips were used (2.8 ± 0.8 vs. 3.9 ± 0.8, p < 0.001). The frequency of analgesic administration within 24 hours and between 24 and 48 hours after surgery was significantly lower in the skin adhesive group compared to the wound closure strip group (1.4 ± 0.8 vs. 2.7 ± 1.2, p = 0.013 and 0.2 ± 0.4 vs. 0.7 ± 0.9, p = 0.002, respectively). In the PSAQ, "satisfaction with appearance" and "satisfaction with symptoms" subitem scores were significantly lower in patients in whom skin adhesive was used (11.3 ± 3.0 vs. 15.1 ± 4.5, p = 0.006 and 6.5 ± 1.8 vs. 9.5 ± 3.3, p = 0.003), whereas, "appearance" and "consciousness" subitems revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups. Liquid skin adhesive closures seem to be safe and feasible and cause less postoperative pain, resulting in greater patient satisfaction with postoperative scars than wound closure strip closure after subcuticular suturing in SPLA.

Adhesive strips for wound closure of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.

Adhesive strips for wound closure of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.

Comparison of a cyanoacrylate liquid skin protectant to skin closure strips for the treatment of injury-related Type I skin tears in elderly patients

Comparison of a cyanoacrylate liquid skin protectant to skin closure strips for the treatment of injury-related Type I skin tears in elderly patients

Use of Wound Closure Strips to Maximize Ocular Exposure during Cataract Surgery in Patients with Brow Ptosis

Draping is a critical step in successful cataract surgery. Poor exposure of the globe can result in limited access during surgery, thus making the surgeon's task more challenging. Additionally, eyelash exposure from underneath the drape can raise the risk of post-operative endophthalmitis [1]. Maintaining adequate exposure while also retracting the lashes appropriately is particularly challenging in patients with brow ptosis.

OEIS Syndrome: Omphalocele, Exstrophy of the Cloaca, Imperforate Anus, and Spinal Defects

OEIS Syndrome: Omphalocele, Exstrophy of the Cloaca, Imperforate Anus, and Spinal Defects

Strengthening of defected closure strips for full-depth RC deck slabs using CFRP sheets

Two configurations of closure strips between precast reinforced concrete (RC) slab panels were fabricated and filled with either non-shrink grout or ultrahigh-performance strain-hardening cementitious composite (UHP-SHCC) material. The strips were then strengthened with externally bonded carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets in order to compensate the drawback associated with decreasing the amount of connected steel reinforcing bars required to transfer the bending moment between panels. In total, 12 specimens divided into three groups were cast and tested under short-term non-reversed repeated patch loads simulating wheel load at the central joint. The test results showed that the UHP-SHCC filling material enabled the connected panels to exhibit more ductile behaviour compared with the panels whose closure strips were filled with non-shrink grout. On the other hand, the CFRP strengthening sheets for the first configuration of the closure strip failed to restore the ultimate capacity of the un-strengthened monolithic specimen. However, the second configuration, using UHP-SHCC filling material, enabled the connecting panels to restore lost capacity, with a performance improvement of about 14% compared with the un-strengthened monolithic specimen.

Upper blepharoplasty: A comparative study between wound closure strips and subcuticular closure

The objective is to compare the results of patients having their upper blepharoplasty incision closed by subcuticular suturing versus the usage of wound closure strips (Omnistrips®). Also evaluating the time required for incision closure, any complication, and the aesthetic outcome of each technique. In this study a total of 54 upper blepharoplasty had been performed on 27 patients. Retrospective study done on 16 patients, whom incision closure done by continuous subcuticular non-absorbable suture using 6-0 polypropylene (prolene), and another 11 patients prospectively studied for using omnistrips for their blepharoplasty incision closure. The intraoperative time which was required to finish the closure was one of the most important parameter of the study. The other parameters were the incidence of milia occurrence, presence of pain postoperatively at time of stitch and omnistrips removal, infection rate and suture acceptance. The result of this study indicated that mean time of closure was 12.36 minutes with usage of steristrips and (16.88) minutes with subcuticular suturing (P&lt;0.01). The incidence of milia was significantly reduced by using the omnistrips (P 0.004), and there was no pain encountered at time of omnistrips removal in all patients, while all other patients whom subcuticular suturing done for them complained of pain at the time of stitch removal. The study showed no infection associated with closure of the incision in either groups. In conclusion the closure of the incision in upper lid blepharoplasty using omnistrips is a safe, effective, faster, painless and with less complication rate than that using subcuticular suturing technique.

Retrofitting of Defected Closure Strips for Full-Depth Precast Concrete Deck Slabs Using EB-CFRP Sheets

AbstractFull-depth precast deck panels are commonly used in RC bridges in order to speed their construction. In this study, two configurations of the closure strip between precast slab panels were ...

Comparing Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation and Conventional Dressings for Sternal Wound Reconstructions.

Background:Muscle flap reconstruction has become a mainstay of therapy following treatment of sternal wound complications; however, success depends on removing wound exudate and infectious material from the wound before reconstruction and closure. Importantly, time to closure is a key factor affecting morbidity/mortality and cost-to-treat for this wound type.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 30 patients who were treated for sternal wound complications between June 2015 and October 2017 was performed. After surgical debridement, group 1 patients (n = 15) received negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d), instilling 1/8-strength Dakin’s solution with a 20-minute dwell time followed by 2 hours of NPWT (-125 mm Hg); group 2 patients (n = 15) were treated with wet-to-moist dressings soaked in 1/8-strength Dakin’s solution. After muscle flap reconstruction and closure with sutures, group 1 patients received closed incision negative pressure therapy, and group 2 patients received Benzoin and wound closure strips. Data collected included time to closure, therapy duration, number of debridements/dressing changes, drain duration, and complications.Results:There was a significantly shorter time to closure (P < 0.0001) for group 1 when compared with group 2. In addition, there were fewer therapy days (P = 0.0041), fewer debridements/dressing changes (P = 0.0011), and shorter drain duration (P = 0.0001) for group 1 when compared with group 2.Conclusions:We describe a novel regimen consisting of adjunctive NPWTi-d, along with debridement and systemic antibiotics, followed by closed incision negative pressure therapy after muscle flap reconstruction and closure, to help manage preexisting sternal wounds that had failed to close following a previous cardiac procedure.

97: A randomized controlled trial of tissue adhesive compared to sterile strips for cesarean delivery

To determine if the use of tissue adhesive results in fewer wound complications than sterile strips when used after closure of the cesarean skin incision. This study was an unblinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare wound complications with tissue adhesive (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) versus sterile strips for closure of the cesarean skin incision. Eligibility criteria included any cesarean delivery via Pfannenstiel skin incision. Subjects underwent a standardized protocol including preoperative antibiotics, skin preparation, closure of the subcutaneous space if ≥ 2cm and subcuticular closure. The primary outcome was wound complication defined as drainage, cellulitis, abscess, seroma, hematoma or isolated wound separation within 8 weeks of delivery. Secondary outcomes included components of the primary outcome and other measures of wound care. Intention to treat analysis was performed using χ2 for the primary outcome. To achieve 80% power and a 95% confidence interval, a total of 864 subjects were required to demonstrate a 50% reduction in wound complications. An interim analysis was planned after 500 subjects were delivered to assess feasibility. Between June 2016 and April 2018, 510 subjects were randomized with 485/510 (95%) follow-up achieved for interim analysis. Patient baseline characteristics were similarly distributed between intervention groups. On average, women were 33 years of age with 45 (9.3%) nulliparous women and 217 (44.7%) undergoing primary cesarean delivery. The group was racially and ethnically diverse with 257 (53.0%) white, 125 (25.8%) black and 52 (10.7%) Hispanic participants. Wound complications occurred in 20 (8.2%) of the sterile strips group and 18 (7.5%) of the tissue adhesive group (P = 0.77). In the sterile strips as compared to the tissue adhesive group, there were no significant differences with regard to types of wound complications, operative time, readmission rate, office or emergency room visits or antibiotics prescribed for wound complications (Table). Given these negative findings, the study was halted due to futility. The use of tissue adhesive does not lead to a reduction in wound complications when used after closure of Pfannenstiel skin incision for cesarean delivery when compared to sterile strips.

The effect of Steri-Strip orientation on wound healing: A survey of current applications and trends amongst surgeons

Wound closure strips are used in the repair of superficial, low tension wounds, lacerations, and surgical incisions.They represent an inexpensive, easy, and painless way to close such wounds or as an adjunct in a multi-layered closure. There is debate over correct orientation (transverse, oblique, zig-zag or parallel) and importance of wound closure strips relative to the incision.The purpose of this research was to examine the closure techniques amongst Canadian plastic surgeons and current applications of wound closure strips using an online survey circulated to members of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery. Participants answered a series of multiple choice and short answer questions regarding their practice,closure techniques and use of wound closure strips.A total of 120 plastic surgeons (30.0%) completed the survey with 89.9% reporting wound closure strips usage. Of respondents who used wound closure strips, 57.2% used them in more than half of all wound closures. Parallel orientation to the wound (52.3%) and per- pendicular orientation (30.8%) were the most common techniques employed, and these were applied in a consistent fashion (90.6%) covering the whole wound (78.1%). Most plastic surgeons agreed there is a need to further study adhesive strips.This survey of Canadian plastic surgeons has demonstrated the variability that exists in wound closure strip application technique, orientation and intended function.These findings suggest further investigation of wound closure strip usage may be needed to help guide clinical practice.

Libération du Canal carpien par voie endoscopique avec ou sans suture de la voie d’abord. Y a-t-il une différence ?

In our department surgical treatment of Carpal tunnel syndrome is performed using, the single incision technique described by Agee. It is a transverse incision of about 1 cm carefully placed into the skinfold of the palmar wrist. In our practice, we faced 2 cases where the skin suture was removed accidentally the day following surgery. We left the wound open and protected it with wound closure strips. The skin healed remarkably well. We therefore set up, after approval of the ethics committee, a randomized study to compare the evolution of wound healing with or without skin suture in patients undergoing an endoscopic carpal tunnel release as treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Primary outcome is the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS). Hundred and fifty-nine patients were recruited between April 2016 and April 2017. Inclusion criteria were patients with clinical and electrographic confirmation by the Canterbury NCS Scale of a carpal tunnel syndrome. Age, gender, occupation, predominant hand and the side of the operation were noted. In the first group (64 patients) the skin was not sutured. In the second group (44 patients) the skin was intracutaneously sutured with ethilon 5-0. Data from 108 patients till 3 months postoperatively could be acquired. Since the data were not normally distributed the analysis was done with the Independent Samples Mann-Whitney U test (MWU). There is no significant difference in age (P = 0.496), gender (P = 0.670) and occupation (P = 0.725). The scar assessment using the MSS did not differ significantly between both groups — The MWU test is used, P = 0.607. In the non-suture group, the MSS was 6.59 (standard deviation 1.294) and in the suture group the MSS was 6.45 (standard deviation 1.088). Postoperatively wound healing and scar appearance with or without a suture is a topic that has not yet been addressed in the literature. In this study, the outcome of the scar 3 months postoperatively using the MSS is similar in both groups. Wound closing without a suture can be considered as a valuable option in treating carpal tunnel syndrome using a single portal endoscopic technique.

Microscopically controlled surgery with three-dimensional histology, tumescent local anesthesia and intracutaneous sutures for high tension in the treatment of skin cancer

The study objectiveis to describe the available techniques of microscopically controlled surgery for skin cancer with histological control of tumor resection margins (three-dimensional (3D) histology). This approach almost completely eliminates the risk of recurrence and allows preserving healthy tissue. It is a standard treatment for skin cancer in Germany; however, in Russia and other CIS countries, this method is not in use.Materials and methods.We reviewed German standards for skin cancer treatment and currently available research literature on the treatment methods used for skin cancer.Results.Automated subcutaneous tumescent local anesthesia (ATLA). Since ATLA contains a highly diluted (up to 100 times) anesthetic, we can inject a 100-fold larger volume, thus, increasing the anesthetized area. The use of naropin or ropivacaine in ATLA ensures long lasting effect (10 h on average), while the incidence of side effects is two times lower due to mixing of anesthetics and reducing their doses. The anesthetic solution is injected slowly; therefore, the patient has neither pain nor oppressive feeling. Moreover, the sodium chloride solution was replaced by ionosteril, which eliminates burning sensation. Microscopically controlled surgery (MCS). Before excision, the tumor is topographically marked (with indicating the 12 o’clock position) in order to determine the tissues that should be additionally excised after finding a tumor infiltrate in the resection margin. The tumor is excised by circumscribing an ellipse of skin; the scalpel blade should be tilted toward the tumor, making an acute angle with skin surface. The defect is closed by wound closure strips; then a compression bandage is placed over the strips. When the complete removal of tumor infiltrates is histologically confirmed, the wound is sutured or closed with a flap (if necessary). MCS ensures complete removal of the tumor and preservation of healthy tissues, which is particularly important for patients with head and neck cancer. Three-dimensional histology. In the case of small tumor specimens (up to 2 cm), the margins and the basis of the specimen are folded to a one plane by incisions (“Muffin” technique). Larger specimens require the “Tubingen cake” technique: a narrow (2–4 mm) lateral strip is cut vertically around the full perimeter of the tumor border (marginal fragment). Then a narrow section is cut from the bottom of the specimen (basal fragment); the remaining tissue is cut by diameter (medial fragment). The marginal and basal fragments are examined to identify tumor infiltrates, whereas the medial fragment is used for the diagnosis. The 3D-histological examination allows revealing twice as many tumor infiltrates as conventional histology in Germany, tumor recurrence is the lowest in the world. 3D-histology does not require additional labor costs. Defect closure using intracutaneous 3D-sutures for high tension. Absorbable butterfly and double butterfly sutures withstand strong skin tension, which allows avoiding reconstructive surgery with local tissues and skin transplantation and allows avoiding expander using. This improves functional and aesthetic results, reduces the duration of surgery, the incidence of postoperative complications, and treatment costs.Conclusion.MCS, 3D histology, ATLA, and defect closure with intracutaneous 3D-sutures for high tension preserve healthy tissues, reduce the frequency of complications and relapses, improve functional and cosmetic results, and decrease the duration of surgery and treatment costs. This technique has proven its efficacy in Germany; so we recommend its implementation in the Russian Federation and in CIS countries.

N-Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (Histoacryl) vs. subcuticular sutures for skin closure of Pfannenstiel incisions following cesarean delivery

BackgroundTissue adhesives are now routinely used for skin closure in various surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) tissue adhesive in cesarean delivery by comparing it with the safety and efficacy of subcuticular suture closure.Methods and findingsA retrospective chart review was undertaken of all patients who underwent cesarean delivery via Pfannenstiel skin incision. During the study period, a total of 209 patients had NBCA (Histoacryl®) closure and 208 patients had suture closure. Wound complications and Vancouver scar scale (VSS) scores were compared between the 2 groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups in indications for cesarean deliveries or number of previous cesarean deliveries. Incidences of wound disruption and infection were also similar between the two closure groups (p = 0.322 and 0.997, respectively). The rate of wound complications was 3.4% in the NBCA group and 5.3% in the suture group. All complications healed uneventfully with topical antibiotics or closure strips. VSS scores at 6–8 weeks after operation were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.858). These results were corroborated by propensity score-matching analysis.ConclusionsNBCA may be a useful skin closure of Pfannenstiel skin incisions after cesarean delivery.

BOTDA based investigation on the effects of closure strips in bottom plate during the construction of navigation lock

The effects of closure strips was investigated by combining a distributed optical fibre sensing technology with a conventional monitoring scheme for analysing strain distribution, subsidence, earth pressure, and structural stress. It was found that the changes of the structural stress in each block were small and the strain distribution on the block surface was uniform. The closure strips effectively reduced the stress concentration and cracks induced by differential settlement and earth pressure of different RC blocks. The lock head BP underwent coordinated deformation after the sealing of the closure strips. This indicated that the construction of blocks exerted negligible interactive effects because of the closure strips. The results of some conventional point sensing methods, such as the rebar stress, earth pressure and subsidence show the same conclusion. The feasibility and effectiveness of distributed optical fibre sensing technology for structural monitoring of navigation lock construction were also verified.

Behaviour of composite high performance concrete slab on steel I-beams subjected to static hogging moment

This paper investigates the behavior of composite girders made of high performance concrete (HPC) slab connected to steel I-beam through stud shear connectors subjected to hogging moment. Such girders are widely used in bridge construction. However, reinforcing steel bars in the negative moment region contribute significantly to the moment resistance and is found to be ineffective due to cracking of ordinary concrete. This research proposes the use HPCs containing fibers (with better crack resisting and strain hardening characteristics) in the deck slab to enhance both cracking and yield load carrying capacity of such girders at the negative moment region. Four composite girder specimens made of different types of concrete and having variable slab continuity were tested to failure under monotonic loading simulating negative moment. Three types of concrete were employed in the first three girder specimens, namely: Normal Concrete (NC), Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) and engineered cementitious composite (ECC). The fourth girder specimen was constructed using two SFRC end slabs connected together with an Ultra-High Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) closure strip located at the maximum negative moment mid span region. This specimen represents the case of full width -full depth deck slabs resting over steel girders with transverse joints filled with UHPFRC used to accelerate bridge construction. The SFRC and ECC composite girders showed better performance in terms of cracking characteristics (multi-cracking and smaller crack width), higher pre-cracking linear stiffness, higher cracking load, higher concrete strain development during cracking and higher strength compared to their NC counterparts.