Influence of Aggregate Gradation on Mechanics Performance of Strain-Hardening Cement-Based Composites (SHCC)

Abstract

The high brittleness of cement-based materials is the dominant reason that causes cracking, corrosion, and even losing the load bearing capacity of the structure. PVA fiber reinforced Strain-hardening Cement-based Materials (SHCC) which is characterized by strain-hardening and multi-micro cracking significantly improves the mechanics performance of cement-based materials. In this paper, 3-point-bending and direct tensile tests were conducted to contrast influence of the material mechanics on SHCC by aggregate gradation. Tests results demonstrate that appropriate particle gradation may improve the strain hardening section in the stress-strain curve. Therefore, the maximum diameter of aggregate can be enlarged from 110μm to 1.25mm. Comparatively large aggregate will be convenient for such materials in the practical application and popularization.