Study of flexural response in strain hardening cementitious composites based on proposed parametric model

Abstract

Strain hardening cementitious composites (SHCCs) are widely used in projects due to their excellent deformation resistance and large energy absorption capacity. However, determining tensile strain capacity is still a challenge for engineers. The current popular approach is to use inverse methods to predict the tensile behavior of SHCCs, such as the UM method (Qian and Li) and the JCI (Japan Concrete Institute) method. The key to these two approaches is to acquire the exact relationship between the bending and the uniaxial response. In this paper, a reasonable linear constitutive model of the SHCCs is modified. Initially, the moment-curvature diagrams are discussed by material parameters. The results reveal that the moment-curvature response is quite sensitive to the variations in the parameter of transition strain α, post-cracking tensile stiffness η, and strain softening stiffness μ, however, for the compressive parameters, the moment-curvature responses influence on flexural behavior is insignificant. Moreover, the load-deflection curve in the mid-span of SHCC, based on the consideration of shear effect, is simulated under a four-point bending test (FPBT). The results show a remarkable consistency with the experimental data when compared to the previous simulations. It is expected that this modified method can enhance an accurate program in order to obtain the tensile capacity.