A series of small-scale rectangular reinforced concrete beams made with different mix proportions were presented. The beams were fabricated using normal concrete designated as specimen control (NC), normal concrete blended with supplementary material using Class F fly ash (SMFA), and engineered cementitious composite (ECC). The beams comprised of similar reinforcement where the ratio of compression, tension, and transverse bars were 1.0%, 1.5%, and 1.0% respectively. To this end, the beams were tested under four-point bending and they were intended to fail in flexure mode. The tests also aimed to provide direct evidence regarding the improvement of beam ductility due to the use of ECC. Furthermore, the performance of test beams on the overall strength, crack pattern, and damage state was also assessed. To corroborate the experimental work, an analytical work employing nonlinear finite element analysis using Abaqus was also included. From this study, it was found that each beam demonstrated a discernible ductile plateau upon the post-cracking region with Beam ECC showing the largest ductility compared to the other two thereby suggesting that the use of ECC could enhance the beam ductility. It was also shown that the flexural cracks manifested in Beam ECC were less critical, signifying that ECC is a damage-tolerant composite. Furthermore, the overall results of predicted load-deflection and damage state obtained from Abaqus were also in a good agreement with the experimental results.

Aim and objective To evaluate and compare the depth of cure of two bulk-fill composites with a conventional composite. Materials and methods A sample size of 36 was taken and divided into three groups based on the type of composite. Standardized cylindrical stainless steel molds were prepared with 8 mm diameter and 10 mm depth. Measurement of depth of cure by the scraping method was performed according to the ISO 4049 (2009). After placing the specimens, the mold was pressed with polyester strips covered by glass slides and curing was initiated using Bluephase 20i (Ivoclar Vivadent US) light-curing unit through the glass slide. Immediately after curing, the specimens were removed from the mold and the uncured part of the specimens was removed by scraping with a plastic spatula. The absolute length of the hardened composite specimen was measured using a digital vernier caliper. The measured length was divided by two and recorded as the ISO depth of cure. Results The depth of cure of the composite specimens was found to be higher for Voco Xtra Fil bulk-fill composite than for Shofu Beautifil bulk-fill composite and Filtek Z350 XT conventional composite (3M/ESPE). Conclusion Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that the placement of bulk-fill composites with 3-mm increments is mandatory for complete curing. Clinical significance Depth of cure of bulk-fill composites determines the adaptation of restoration to the tooth structure, and this study aims to evaluate two newly introduced bulk-fill composites using scrape test. How to cite this article Bastian M, Vineet RV, Mathew J, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Depth of Cure between Two Bulk-fill Composites and a Conventional Resin Composite: An In Vitro Study. Cons Dent Endod J 2020;5(2):23–27.