A review of the mechanical and durability properties of strain hardening cement-based composite (SHCC)

Abstract

This review paper covers the current state of the art and cases of successful applications of innovative materials in the field of concrete and in particular, the current and possible future uses of strain hardening cement-based composite (SHCC) in structural and non-structural concrete. It also presents an extensive overview of existing results and background of the mechanical and durability aspects of SHCC in relation to reference concretes. Research articles on SHCC indicate that its pseudo strain-hardening behavior can be an alternative solution to the impasse of normal concrete in ductility, tensile and flexural strength, and crack widths. Though research works on SHCC have been conducted in some countries, however, as a new material, the literature on SHCC, especially its durability properties is still limited. Some of the existing results are yet to be tested on the field, hence the limited applications of SHCC.

Keywords:

• mechanical strength
• cracks
• chloride attack
• water penetration
• corrosion
• strain hardening cement-based composite (SHCC)