Effect of Matrix Ductility on the Performance of Reinforced Ecc Column Members under Reversed Cyclic Loading Conditions

In this paper, a research study is presented focusing on the effect of substituting brittle concrete in conventional reinforced concrete column members with a ductile engineered cementitious composite (ECC). Based on the material properties of ECC, the interaction with structural reinforcement is characterized by compatible deformations of the reinforcement and ECC matrix in the elastic and inelastic deformation regime. This unique composite deformation mechanism has significant implications on the performance of reinforced ECC structural composite members under reversed cyclic loading conditions. Important findings of this study include the extremely ductile response of steel reinforced ECC members at a simultaneous reduction of transverse reinforcement requirements as well as reduced structural damage after experiencing relatively large deformation reversals. Furthermore, the combination of ECC with structural FRP reinforcement results in composite members with an elastic load-deformation response and small residual displacements.