Mechanical performance of sustainable PE-ECC using GGBS and dune sands

Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) are a class of high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (HPFRC), renowned for their exceptional ductility and strain-hardening behavior. Unlike traditional fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC), ECC forms multiple fine cracks under tensile stress, maintaining a tensile strain capacity above 3%. While fly ash has been widely studied as a supplementary material in ECC, research on Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) as a sustainable cement alternative is still limited. This study addresses this gap by investigating the mechanical performance of polyethylene fiber-reinforced ECC (PE-ECC) with GGBS replacement levels of 30%, 60%, and 90%. Additionally, dune sand is explored as a substitute for silica sand, a relatively under-researched aspect in ECC development. Standardized compressive and tensile tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of GGBS and dune sand on strength and ductility. The 60% GGBS mix demonstrated the highest compressive strength (72.5 MPa) and tensile strain capacity (3.066%), while the 30% GGBS mix exhibited the highest tensile strength (7.77 MPa). The 90% GGBS mix showed the lowest permeability (780 coulombs) in the Rapid Chloride Permeability Test (RCPT), indicating superior durability in aggressive environments. These findings highlight the potential of GGBS and dune sand as effective substitutes in ECC, contributing to more sustainable and durable construction materials.