Title: Introduction of Strain-Hardening Engineered Cementitious Composites in Design of Reinforced Concrete Flexural Members for Improved Durability

Author(s): Mohamed Maalej and Victor C. Li

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 92

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 167-176

Keywords: concretes; corrosion; cracking (fracturing); durability; fibers; crack width and spacing; permeability; spalling; strains; Design

DOI: 10.14359/1150

Date: 3/1/1995

Abstract:
This paper proposes a new design for reinforced concrete flexural members to improve durability. The design makes use of the unique properties of a strain-hardening cementitious composite to limit crack width. The composite is used as a replacement for the concrete material that surrounds the main reinforcement in a regular reinforced concrete member. With this design, it was shown that crack widths under service load conditions can be limited to values never before achieved using conventional steel reinforcement and concrete. Under these conditions, it was concluded that it would be possible to prevent migration of aggressive substances into the concrete or reinforcement. Furthermore, accelerated corrosion due to longitudinal cracking or spalling can be reduced, if not eliminated, and spalling and delamination problems common to many of today's reinforced concrete structures can be prevented.