An eco-friendly ECC with high slag and polypropylene fiber content for high-tensile strain applications

Addressing the critical need for sustainable construction materials, this study introduces an innovative engineered cementitious composite (ECC) that combines environmental friendliness with superior tensile strain capacity. The research addresses the historical trade-off between ecofriendliness and performance in ECCs. This research aims to bridge this gap by formulating an ECC that maintains strength or durability while incorporating sustainable materials. Methodologically, a significant proportion of slag and polypropylene (PP) fibers have been employed to enhance the mechanical properties of ECC. The reinforcement of the ECC matrix with glass and steel wire mesh further enhances its ductility and tensile strain, representing a substantial advancement in ECC technology. The evaluation involved rigorous tests, including compressive strength, direct tensile, four -point bending, and microstructure tests. The findings reveal that the ECC mixture, with its high slag and PP fibers content, achieved a tensile strain exceeding 3 %, surpassing traditional ECCs with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. Notably, the ECC demonstrated a compressive strength of 45 MPa. The incorporation of glass and steel wire mesh in the ECC resulted in an 18 % and 74 % increase in ultimate energy absorption, respectively. Moreover, the tensile strain of ECC specimens reinforced with glass and steel wire mesh improved by 52 % and 1.6 %, respectively. These outcomes underscore the potential of the ECC formulation as a groundbreaking solution in the quest for high-performance, eco-conscious materials.