Simulation of flexural performance of layered ECC-concrete composite beam with fracture mechanics model

Fracture mechanics based flexural model for layered engineered cementitious composite (ECC)-concrete beam is proposed. With the model, the flexural behavior of the layered beam is simulated. The model results show that flexural strength improvement depends on the strength of concrete and ECC, as well as the thickness of ECC. As the ECC thickness reaches a critical value, such as 30% of the beam height, the member ductility is found to show a very rapid increase. The flexural performance of layered ECC-concrete beams was investigated also experimentally. Good agreement between model and test results is found.