Emerging deployment of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) for durable and resilient bridge infrastructure

Abstract Modern bridges are faced with lifecycle challenges of ensuring safety and durability under the combined exposure to traffic and environmental loadings. As an emerging high-performance material, Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) possesses ultrahigh tensile ductility and autogenous crack control, offering a plausible solution to establishing a durable and resilient design framework for next-generation bridge infrastructure. Here, we examine recent research findings of ECC’s applications in bridges, with the goal of identifying key advantages and potential opportunities of integrating the material innovation into high-performance structures. The survey shows that ECC’s outstanding tensile ductility accounts for a valuable asset in developing jointless bridges and composite deck systems with enhanced crack control and fatigue performance. The material ductility also promotes structural energy absorption, which contributes to seismic-resistant design by strengthening plastic hinges in substructure. Moreover, by limiting crack width, ECC delivers exceptional resistance to the ingress of deleterious species and promotes structural longevity for steel-reinforced elements and repair applications. The technical benefits offered by ECC further translate into lifecycle environmental and economic merits, demonstrating promise in advancing sustainability and resilience of future transportation systems.