Project Description:
This project investigates the impact of using engineered cementitious composite (ECC) with different types of fibres on the performance of precast concrete (PC) beam-to-column joints. The precast joints were cast using ECC with 2% volume fraction of polyvinyl alcohol fibre (with two different aspect ratios) (HPCPVA8 and HPCPVA12), polyethylene fibre (HPCPE) and hooked-end steel fibre (HPCHES), while normal concrete was used to prepare the conventional monolithic joint (RC-NC). The exterior joints were tested under cyclic loading by applying load in push-pull directions at the end of the cantilever beam.
The seismic behaviour of the precast joints exhibited better performance than the conventional monolithic joint. The beam flexural failure was observed in the precast specimen and there was less damage compared to the monolithic RC joint. Due to higher tensile and flexural strengths of the ECC fibres, better mechanical bridging was observed in the crack area. Sufficient amount and distribution of the fibres resulted in good bonding in the ECC and reduction of concrete spalling in the joint area. The cumulative energy dissipation of the precast ECC joints was greater than that of the RC-NC sample in the range of 21% to 45%. This is due to properly distributed fibres, where steel fibres are the most effective in increasing the crack-bridging ability of the ECC concrete matrix. Therefore, this led to better crack width control and higher resistance, which enabled the joints to dissipate more energy during the cyclic loading test.
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Duration: 2018- 2022 Research Methods:
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Team:
QUT :
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