The effect of hydrophilic (polyvinyl alcohol) fiber content on the flexural behavior of engineered cementitious composites (ECC)

This paper investigates the effect of hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber's content (1.2-2.0% volume of composite) on the flexural behavior of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) materials. Different parameters of flexural behavior such as strength at first-cracking and post-cracking stages, deflection at ultimate load, toughness indices according to ASTM 1018, flexural modulus, and energy absorption were determined. Test results showed that the flexural strength and flexural modulus of composites significantly increases by increment in fiber content. However, flexural strength of composites varies from 8.5 to 14MPa depending on amount of PVA fibers. The toughness indices, deflection at max load and energy absorption were decreased by further increase in the fiber content from 1.6 to 2%. It was indicated that there was an indirect relationship between flexural strength and ductility of composite in higher amount of fiber content.