A prediction model of the tensile properties of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) based on the continuous crack tracking algorithm

Considering the extensive application of the engineered cementitious composites (ECC) in aseismatic structures due to its high ductility, it is necessary to know the variation characteristics of its tensile property. This paper proposed a simulation model so as to capture the multiple cracking behavior and predict the stress-strain curve of ECC based on its mechanical information. By introducing the fiber bridging distribution model (FBDM) into the one-by-one crack tracking algorithm, the influence of randomly distributed short fibers on matrix cracking can be considered. The effectiveness of the model is confirmed by the good consistency between the simulation and result data from existing experiments. Therefore the three-stage cracking mechanism observed from the results can be deduced as the actual failure process of the component. In addition, the effects of the interface parameters and matrix strength distribution on ECC's tensile properties are analyzed, which can provide theoretical support for the prediction of the mechanical properties and material toughness improvement design of ECC.