Design of Fiber Reinforced Cement Matrix Composite Produced with Limestone Powder and Flexural Performance of Structural Members

: The purpose of this study is to develop fiber reinforced cement matrix composite (ECC) produced with limestone powder in order to achieve high ductility of the composite, and to evaluate flexural performance of structural members made with ECC. Four kinds of mixture proportions were determined on the basis of the micromechanics and a steady state cracking theory considering the matrix fracture toughness and fiber-matrix interfacial characteristics. The mechanical properties of ECC, represented by strain-hardening behavior in uniaxial tension, were investigated. Also, strength property of the composite was experimentally evaluated. Two structural members made with ECC were produced and tested. Test results were compared with those of conventional concrete structural members. Increased limestone powder contents of ECC provides higher ductility of the composites while generally resulting in a lower strength property. ECC structural members exhibited higher flexural ductility, higher flexural load-carrying capacity and tighter crack width compared to conventional structural members.