TY - JOUR

T1 - Comparative analysis of spinning techniques on the performance of full-strength-grade engineered cementitious composites

T2 - Mechanical characteristics, pore structure, fiber distribution, micromorphology

AU - Cai, Minjin

AU - Zhu, Hehua

AU - Rabczuk, Timon

AU - Zhuang, Xiaoying

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © Elsevier Ltd

PY - 2024/11/15

Y1 - 2024/11/15

N2 - The spinning techniques used for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are crucial for enhancing the performance of ECC. However, the specific effects of different spinning techniques for UHMWPE fibers on ECC's performance are not well understood. To address this gap, this study investigates the influence of dry-spun and wet-spun spinning techniques on both the macroscopic mechanical properties and microscopic characteristics of full-strength-grade ECC. Comprehensive tests were conducted, including assessments of tensile, compressive, and flexural strength. Additionally, detailed CT-based 3D reconstruction and SEM analysis were performed to examine the pore structure, fiber orientation, and micromorphology. The findings reveal that the surface irregularities and roughness of dry-spun fibers lead to stress concentration, whereas the more uniform surface of wet-spun fibers enhances their bridging performance. Compared to dry-spun fibers, wet-spun fibers significantly improve ECC's tensile and flexural properties, enhancing ultimate tensile strength by up to 22.7 % and ultimate flexural deflection by up to 50.2 %. Additionally, wet-spun fibers result in a more uniform pore structure and better fiber alignment, creating a denser and more compact matrix. These microstructural improvements contribute to superior load transfer and energy absorption characteristics, enhancing ECC's overall performance and durability. These results underscore the critical role of fiber spinning techniques in optimizing ECC performance, contributing to more durable and sustainable structures in high-performance construction applications.

AB - The spinning techniques used for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are crucial for enhancing the performance of ECC. However, the specific effects of different spinning techniques for UHMWPE fibers on ECC's performance are not well understood. To address this gap, this study investigates the influence of dry-spun and wet-spun spinning techniques on both the macroscopic mechanical properties and microscopic characteristics of full-strength-grade ECC. Comprehensive tests were conducted, including assessments of tensile, compressive, and flexural strength. Additionally, detailed CT-based 3D reconstruction and SEM analysis were performed to examine the pore structure, fiber orientation, and micromorphology. The findings reveal that the surface irregularities and roughness of dry-spun fibers lead to stress concentration, whereas the more uniform surface of wet-spun fibers enhances their bridging performance. Compared to dry-spun fibers, wet-spun fibers significantly improve ECC's tensile and flexural properties, enhancing ultimate tensile strength by up to 22.7 % and ultimate flexural deflection by up to 50.2 %. Additionally, wet-spun fibers result in a more uniform pore structure and better fiber alignment, creating a denser and more compact matrix. These microstructural improvements contribute to superior load transfer and energy absorption characteristics, enhancing ECC's overall performance and durability. These results underscore the critical role of fiber spinning techniques in optimizing ECC performance, contributing to more durable and sustainable structures in high-performance construction applications.

KW - Dry spinning

KW - Mechanical properties

KW - Microscopic characteristics

KW - UHMWPE fibers

KW - Wet spinning

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85205291919&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110793

DO - 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110793

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:85205291919

VL - 97

JO - Journal of Building Engineering

JF - Journal of Building Engineering

M1 - 110793

ER -