M.A.A. Sherir, K.M.A. Hossain and M. Lachemi
Department of Civil Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT: The addition of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) as additives can strongly affect the mechanical characteristics and enhance the water content for internal curing of Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC). ECC is a special type of ductile concrete with high tensile strain hardening and micro-cracking characteristics due to the presence of Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibers (PVA). This paper presents the results of a research conducted to investigate the effect of different types and sizes of SAP’s and different chemical admixtures on the fresh and mechanical properties of ECC mixtures when both W/C ratio and dosages of superplasticizers are adjusted. Different mixing procedures are also produced to get the optimum self-consolidating characteristics of ECC’s when mixed with SAP’s. In addition, high volume of Supplementary Cementing Materials (SCMs) is used in this research in order to produce sustainable, greener and cost-effective ECC concrete for construction applications.