International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 9, Issue 7, July 2018, pp. 1581–1589, Article ID: IJCIET_09_07_169

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ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

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STUDY ON ENGINEERED CEMENTITIOUS

COMPOSITES USING MICRO SILICA &
POLYPROPYLENE FIBRE
K.B. SHOBA
Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering,
St. Peter’s Institute of Higher Education & Research, Avadi, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

P. ASHA
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
St. Peter’s Institute of Higher Education & Research, Avadi, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

ABSTRACT
A class of fibre reinforced cementitious composites with high performance is
known as engineered cementitious composites with remarkable plastic deformation
under tension. To curb the environmental effects, optimization of raw and
cementitious materials had been considered. In this study, the mechanical properties
of engineered cementitious composites inducing micro silica and polypropylene fibres
in different volumes had been reported. The investigation revealed the enhancement of
strength and improved durability of the composite when adding 25% of micro silica
and 2% of polypropylene fibre where the replacement of cementitious materials is
restricted by the development of compressive strength
Keywords: Engineered cementitious composites, Microsilica, Polypropylene Fibre,
Compressive strength
Cite this Article: K.B. Shoba and P. Asha, Study on Engineered Cementitious Composites
Using Micro Silica & Polypropylene Fibre, International Journal of Civil Engineering and
Technology, 9(7), 2018, pp. 1581–1589.
http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJCIET?Volume=9&Issue=7

1. INTRODUCTION
In order to overcome the inherent brittleness, low tensile strength and strain potencies, there
has been a steady increase in utilizing the fibre reinforced cementitious composites since 40
years. The fibres are added to control the cracking of Fibre reinforced cementitious
composites and also to modify the behavior of the material once the matrix has cracked
thereby bridging across those cracks and enhancing the post cracking ductility. The properties
of fibre reinforced cementitious materials are dependent on the structure of the composite.
Engineered cementitious composites are a procreator of high performance fibre reinforced
cementitious composites ensuring high ductility and optimizing the fibre content. The

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 Study on Engineered Cementitious Composites Using Micro Silica & Polypropylene Fibre

material has been incorporated in areas subjected to retrofitting of dams, skyscrapers, bridge
decks and in other structural elements and systems. Micro silica which is an inherent co
product of silicon and ferrosilicon are normally produced from Silicon dioxide and Carbon by
adding quartz in smelting furnace at the time of production greater than 2000°C has excellent
chloride and sulfate resisting properties and also it can be considered as one of the parameter
of building materials, enhancing the strength and micromechanical parameters in concrete and
fibre matrix. To curb the conservation of natural resources and also to reduce the
environmental impact caused by the building materials in construction, Advancements had
been erupted to develop green engineered cementitious composites where the high cement
content is a consequence of controlling the rheology to disperse the fibre. Limitations towards
the matrix fracture toughness stands essential as the multiple cracking will occur prior to
attaining the bridging stress of the fibre at the maximum. Henceforth, aggregates of larger in
size have been eliminated thus exploring high cement content when compared with
conventional concrete.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Ali Jihad Hamad (2017) investigated the effect of size and shape of the specimen on the
compressive strength of fibre reinforced concrete. The disparity in the compressive strength
for two dimensions and shape pattern were reduced with a rise in volume fraction of the
fibres.
Chethan et al. (2015) observed that, an extensive strain hardening behavior of the
composite shall attain, if the fibre is utilized for less than 2 percent.
Yu Zhu et al. (2014) reported that the binary system of building materials say fly ash and
slag will keep not only the excellent durability of engineered cementitious composite, but also
the stronger matrix strength and insisted to choose the optimum range of the mixture
proportion to counter the demand in the field of practical engineering.
Ezgi Yurdakul et al. (2014) enunciated that the surface resistivity and shrinkage results of
binary and ternary mixes were equal or improved over the control mix.
Ramya et al. (2014) observed that, Incorporating silica fume into fiber reinforced
cementitious composites provides a better bond with the matrix through pore refinement and
better distribution of hydration products and attained 0.2% higher strength at lower volume
faction when compared with the cement mortar.
Panzera et al. (2011) insisted that ultrasonic pulse velocity is a valuable technique to
characterize cement based composites and also to determine the hydration of cementitious
materials and setting time. Also it can be used to correlate physical and mechanical properties
in novel cement systems.
Mukherjee et al. (2011) studied the effect of variation of compressive load on mortar
specimens using OPC and river sand with w/c ratio of 0.45. The investigation revealed that
while applying load at different ranges (30%, 50%, 70%) on the specimen and releasing it
immediately, cracks up to 2mm have been noted on the surface of the samples.
Yang Yingzi et al. (2010) determined the effect of water to binder ratio w/b on the
compressive strength, flexural strength and toughness behavior of engineered cementitious
composites. Investigations revealed that there was a corresponding increase in compressive
strength, flexural strength, first cracking strength with the decrease of w/b ratio and choosing
higher w/b ratio in mix design exhibit robust engineered cementitious composites.
Shuxin Wang and Victor C. Li (2007) revealed that high volume factions of waste product
reduce the fibre/matrix interface bond and limitations towards replacement of cement by ash
are constrained by the development of compressive strength.

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 K.B Shoba and P.Asha

Rustem Gul et al. (2006) noted that the increase in the compressive strength is due to the
increase in curing regime which eventually recommends extending the period to a maximum
of 90 days to achieve the same.

3. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE
In this study, the purpose is to investigate the mechanical properties in terms of compressive,
split tensile and flexural strength at different ages for 26 different ECC specimens containing
mineral admixtures. The water-binder ratio is kept constant at 0.3. The replacement levels of
microsilica are 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%. 25% respectively and the percentage of polypropylene
fibres considered in line with the sequel are 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% respectively.

4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
4.1. Materials and Mix Proportions
In this study, the ingredients used for producing the mixture includes Ordinary Portland
Cement of grade 53, M-sand, microsilica (silica fumed densified) with a packed density of
0.76g/cc, water, polypropylene fibres and a high range new generation water reducing
admixture. The properties of these materials are listed in Table 1, 2,3,4,5 and the mix
proportions are shown in Table 6. The mixtures are prepared using mini-mixer with a constant
water-binder ratio of 0.3

Table 1 Physical Properties of 53 grade OPC

S. No Test Conducted Results
1 Fineness 276.4 m2/kg
2 Initial setting time 180min
3 Final setting time 265min
Soundness by Le-
4 1.0mm
Chatelier Method
5 Compressive Strength
5a 3 days 31.5MPa
5b 28 days 53.0MPa

Table 2 Physical Properties of M-Sand

S. No Description Results
1 Un-compacted bulk density 1.43 kg / lit
2 Compacted bulk density 1.64 kg/ lit
3 Specific gravity 2.54
4 Water Absorption 2.50 %

Table 3 Physical Properties of Microsilica

S. No Physical Properties Results
1 Physical State Micronized Powder
2 Odour Odourless
3 Appearance Ash Color Powder
4 Packed Density 0.76 gms/cc
5 Specific Gravity 2.63
6 Moisture & Oil absorption 0.058% & 55ml/100gms

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 Study on Engineered Cementitious Composites Using Micro Silica & Polypropylene Fibre

Table 4 Chemical Properties of Microsilica

S. No Chemical Properties Results
1 SiO2 99.886%
2 Al 2O 3 0.043%
3 Fe 2O 3 0.040%
4 TiO2 0.001%
5 CaO, MgO, K2O 0.001%,0%,0.001%
6 Na2O, Loss on ignition 0.003% , 0.015%

Table 5 Properties of Polypropylene Fibre

S. No Description Results
1 Length of fibre (mm) 3.50
2 Density (g/cc) & Color 0.91 & White
3 Diameter of fibre (µm) 38
4 Tensile Strength >500 MPa
5 Elongation Rate >15%
6 Melting & Burning point 180°& >360 °

Table 6 Mix Proportions of Test Specimens

Addition of
S. Cement Microsilica M. Sand HRWR w/c
Mix ID Polypropylene
No (kg/m3 ) (kg/m 3) (kg/m3) (%) Ratio
Fibre (%)
1 MS0,F0 850
2 MS5,F0 807.5
3 MS10,F0 765
0 0
4 MS15,F0 722.5
5 MS20,F0 680
6 MS25,F0 849.75
7 MS5,F0.5 807.75 42.5
8 MS10,F0.5 765 85
9 MS15,F0.5 722.5 127.5 0.5
10 MS20,F0.5 680 170
11 MS25,F0.5 637.5 212.5
12 MS5,F1 807.5 42.5
13 MS10,F1 765 85
680 3 0.3
14 MS15,F1 722.5 127.5 1
15 MS20,F1 680 170
16 MS25,F1 637.5 212.5
17 MS5,F1.5 807.5 42.5
18 MS10,F1.5 765 85
19 MS15,F1.5 722.5 127.5 1.5
20 MS20,F1.5 680 170
21 MS25,F1.5 637.5 212.5
22 MS5,F2 807.5 42.5
23 MS10,F2 765 85
24 MS15,F2 722.5 127.5 2
25 MS20,F2 680 170
26 MS25,F2 637.5 212.5

4.2. Preparation of Specimens

Cube moulds of 50mm*50mm*50mm, cylindrical specimens of 75mm*150mm and coupon
specimens of 360mm*75mm*50mm are considered for conducting tests for 26 different mix
proportions. The solid ingredients including cement, micro silica, and sand are first mixed for
a period of 30 seconds in Hobart mixer machine with a capacity of 7 litres Thereafter water
and HRWR in stipulated dosage levels are added to the dry mix and blend well for about 120
seconds. Polypropylene fibres are added thereafter into the mortar mix and continue to blend

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 K.B Shoba and P.Asha

until the fibre gets evenly distributed. Then the mixtures are cast in specimens and demoulded
after 24 hours. After that, the specimens are cured in curing tank to satisfy different curing
intervals thereby to proceed with assessment for mechanical property and durability.

Figure 1 Casting of Cube Moulds & Coupon Specimens

Figure 2 Flexure test on Coupon Specimen

5. RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

5.1. Compressive, Split tensile & Flexural Performance of ECC
The variation in strength potencies with respect to 26 different mix identities are defined to
exhibit the best outcome in the mechanical properties of ECC are listed in Fig.3, Fig.4 &
Fig.5 respectively

Table 7 Overall variation in Compressive strength

Compressive Strength (MPa)
S. No Mix ID 7 Days 14 Days 28 Days
1 MS0,F0 27.58 38.2 42.4
2 MS5,F0 26.41 36.5 40.6
3 MS10,F0 27.2 37.7 41.8
4 MS15,F0 28.3 39 43.2
5 MS20,F0 29.2 39.9 44.3
6 MS25,F0 25.6 35.1 38.9
7 MS5,F0.5 27 37.3 41.2
8 MS10,F0.5 27.8 38.4 42.6
9 MS15,F0.5 28.4 39.2 43.5
10 MS20,F0.5 29.7 40.9 45.4
11 MS25,F0.5 24.1 33.3 36.6
12 MS5,F1 27.9 38.1 42

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 Study on Engineered Cementitious Composites Using Micro Silica & Polypropylene Fibre

13 MS10,F1 27.7 38.6 42.7

14 MS15,F1 28.3 39.13 43.4
15 MS20,F1 28.52 39.5 43.8
16 MS25,F1 23.2 32.3 35.6
17 MS5,F1.5 27.4 38.23 42
18 MS10,F1.5 28.2 39 43.1
19 MS15,F1.5 27.73 38.5 42.6
20 MS20,F1.5 29.3 40.8 45
21 MS25,F1.5 25.2 34.6 38
22 MS5,F2 26.3 36.4 40
23 MS10,F2 26.5 36.7 40.6
24 MS15,F2 27.17 37.9 41.7
25 MS20,F2 30.1 41.4 45.9
26 MS25,F2 23.6 32.8 36.2
With respect to the outcome, it is noted that the compressive strength has a steady increase
in the range from 44.3 MPa to 45.4 MPa when on adding 0.5% of fibre it attained 45 MPa and
attained a maximum of 45.9 MPa when on adding 1.5% and 2% of fibres whereas the
progress detained to the least of 36.2 MPa when the cementitious material of 25% and fibres
of 2% was added to the proposed ECC mixture. The compressive strength continues to
increase after every percentage increase of fibre and 20% increase in microsilica content

Figure 3 Variation in compressive strength for different ages

Table 8 Overall Variation in Split tensile strength

Split Tensile Strength (Mpa)
S.No Mix ID
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days
1 MS0,F0 2.82 3.92 4.32
2 MS5,F0 2.67 3.74 4.1
3 MS10,F0 2.69 3.78 4.13
4 MS15,F0 2.84 3.91 4.34
5 MS20,F0 2.95 4.12 4.5
6 MS25,F0 2.76 3.82 4.2
7 MS5,F0.5 2.72 3.79 4.16
8 MS10,F0.5 2.81 3.92 4.3
9 MS15,F0.5 2.89 3.98 4.4
10 MS20,F0.5 3.1 4.17 4.59
11 MS25,F0.5 2.45 3.43 3.71
12 MS5,F1 2.8 3.89 4.28
13 MS10,F1 2.83 3.92 4.33
14 MS15,F1 2.84 3.94 4.36
15 MS20,F1 2.88 3.98 4.42
16 MS25,F1 2.68 3.73 4.1
17 MS5,F1.5 3.1 4.21 4.6
18 MS10,F1.5 2.92 4.01 4.36
19 MS15,F1.5 2.87 3.94 4.33
20 MS20,F1.5 3.14 4.23 4.66
21 MS25,F1.5 2.63 3.61 3.95
22 MS5,F2 2.84 3.95 4.3
23 MS10,F2 2.79 3.93 4.27
24 MS15,F2 2.78 3.86 4.24
25 MS20,F2 3.11 4.22 4.63
26 MS25,F2 2.42 3.34 3.68

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The split tensile strength has a significant improvement in the range from 4.59 MPa to the
maximum of 4.63 MPa when compared with the reference mix determined to be 4.32 MPa.
Whereas when the fibre was added to 2% the split tensile strength got reduced from the
benchmark of 4.63 Mpa to 3.68 MPa.

Figure 4 Graph showing variation in split tensile strength for different ECC
Three point loading method had been adopted for determining the flexural performance of
the proposed specimens to compute the modulus of rupture. The result depends upon the type,
volume of materials adopted. The flexural performance revealed a rapid strength gain of 6.81
MPa when syncing the fibre at the range of 0.5% comparing with other identities whereas the
compressive strength is constrained on the replacement of cementitious materials. The
formation of cracks shall be restricted to a greater extent due to the bond interface mechanism
of the polypropylene fibre in mortar matrix

Table 9 Overall Variation in Flexural strength

Flexural Strength (Mpa)
S.No Mix ID
7 Days 28 Days
1 MS0,F0 5.7 6.36
2 MS5,F0 5.5 6.09
3 MS10,F0 5.62 6.27
4 MS15,F0 5.78 6.48
5 MS20,F0 6.14 6.645
6 MS25,F0 5.23 5.835
7 MS5,F0.5 5.62 6.18
8 MS10,F0.5 5.71 6.39
9 MS15,F0.5 5.86 6.525
10 MS20,F0.5 6.2 6.81
11 MS25,F0.5 4.96 5.49
12 MS5,F1 5.8 6.3
13 MS10,F1 5.77 6.405
14 MS15,F1 5.82 6.51
15 MS20,F1 5.89 6.57
16 MS25,F1 4.8 5.34
17 MS5,F1.5 5.62 6.3
18 MS10,F1.5 5.84 6.465
19 MS15,F1.5 5.76 6.39
20 MS20,F1.5 6.2 6.75
21 MS25,F1.5 5.32 5.7
22 MS5,F2 5.45 6
23 MS10,F2 5.52 6.09
24 MS15,F2 5.76 6.255
25 MS20,F2 6.23 6.885
26 MS25,F2 5.16 5.43

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 Study on Engineered Cementitious Composites Using Micro Silica & Polypropylene Fibre

Figure 5 Graph showing variation in flexural strength for different ECC

6. CONCLUSIONS
Based on the various investigations carried out to assess the mechanical performance of
Engineered Cementitious Composite specimens, the following conclusions were drawn
1. Higher compressive strength say 45.9 MPa had been obtained when replaced with
20% of microsilica and 2% of polypropylene fibres
2. Higher split tensile strength say 4.66 MPa had been obtained when replaced with
20% of microsilica and 1.5% of polypropylene fibres
3. Since the flexural strength say 6.9 MPa topped the highest among those two (1&2)
when replaced with 20% of microsilica and 2% of polypropylene fibres, it shall be
concluded that ECC specimens reveal its best outcomes in terms of mechanical
performance when cement is replaced with 20% of microsilica

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 K.B Shoba and P.Asha

[8] Shuxin Wang and Victor C.Li, “Engineered Cementitious Composites with High Volume
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