Fire resistance of ECC materials

• Main Author: Sim, Tian Qi
• Other Authors: Tan Kang Hai
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Civil engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/64433
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Fire resistance materials for construction play an important role in ensuring the safety of the structure. This is especially significant in an enclosed area, such as tunnels and underground caverns. In this project, Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) with Hybrid fibres was explored to determine its suitability for such use. Both Polyethylene (PE) and Steel (ST) fibres were chosen to be added into the mix. This is in an attempt to improve on the mechanical property of ECC and its fire resistance. The experimental program was divided into 2 stages. With the water/binder ratio constant, variables of the mixes were the Aggregate/Binder ratio, PE-Steel fibres variation, Fly Ash (FA) replacement and Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBS) replacement. Based on the tensile stress-strain graphs, the mix was chosen. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the mix was determined. Large and medium cylinders were then cast for the testing of the specimen under 2h and 3h temperature heating, as well as for the hot and cold strength test. With the optimal PE-Steel Fibres used, the stress-strain curve showed that cement without silica sand helps with better strain while replacement of low FA or GGBS can help with better strength. Also, there was an optimal range for the variable to be changed. Specimens for the elevated temperature tests were cast based on the mix proportion with a better stress-strain curve. When placed under elevated temperature, experimental results showed that spalling does occur on the chosen hybrid mix. Compared to the large-sized cylinder, the medium-sized cylinder showed lesser degree of spalling. Similarly, the normal concrete, which acts as a control, displayed a lower degree of spalling.