Influence of flaw distribution on tensile behavior of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) based on flaw probability model

The high ductility of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) is attributed to the internal fibers' bridging effect during matrix cracking, where the distribution of strength in components is crucial for ductility design. Starting from fracture mechanics, this paper proposes a method based on the bridging model to convert flaw sizes into fracture strength in an ECC system. The distribution of flaws in the components is implemented using the Weibull function. By incorporating a crack tracing algorithm, the tensile behavior of components under different flaw distributions is calculated. The effectiveness of the proposed model, which considers flaw distribution, is verified through the comparison between the simulated and experimental data. Furthermore, the simulation results indicate that moderate adjustment on the flaw distribution in components can greatly improve the corresponding tensile ductility without compromising the strength. The research outcomes benefit to provide technical supports for the optimization design of material ductility.