Numerical and experimental study of Yellow River sand in engineered cementitious composite

Abstract

Engineering Cementitious Composites (ECC) represents a significant advancement in concrete technology, addressing the issues and limitations of conventional concrete and environmental challenges related to sedimentation in rivers like the Yellow River in China. This study investigates the integration of Yellow River Sand (YRS) into ECC mix designs for sustainable development. YRS replacement rates (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) with quartz sand are systematically analyzed through flexural, compressive, uniaxial tensile, and four-point bending tests. In addition, SEM and MIP tests are conducted to investigate the micro-mechanical properties. The results reveal that the optimal mechanical performance with 100% YRS substitution improved the compressive and flexural strength of 26.4 MPa and 11.5 MPa, respectively. These values are 6.20% lower than the 0% substitution rate. Notably, a replacement maintains an ultimate tensile strain of 3.71%, improving crack width and spacing compared to 0%. Average crack width and spacing decrease by 4.87% and 11.2%, respectively, compared to 0% substitution. The four-point bending test results show the highest ductility at a 75% substitution rate. Furthermore, a Finite Element Method (FEM) model of ECC beams with YRS was developed and validated under the same loading conditions as the experimental data. This study recommended an analytical method for predicting flexural strength compared to the experimental data, enhancing its suitability for sustainable engineering applications.