The greening of engineered cementitious composites (ECC): A review

Concern over sustainability in the construction industry is growing. Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) have the potential to reduce the carbon and energy footprints of the built environment due to their crack resistance and self-healing properties. Over the last decade, continuous efforts have been made in the development of greener ECC. These efforts can be broadly classified by the use of greener binders, fillers, and fibers. This paper reviews recent progress in the exploration of more environmentally friendly and perhaps even more economical materials, and points to research needed for further enhancing the mechanical or durability properties of ECC. Specifically, the significant contribution of fly ash (FA) as a green binder, and alternatives that address its possible shortage are discussed. The adoption of greener sands (natural or recycled) and fibers (man-made or natural) based on physical, chemical, and mechanical perspectives is evaluated. Further explorations of the ductility of high-volume limestone calcined clay (LCC)-blended ECC, interactions between ground-glass pozzolans (GP) and ceramic powder against alkali-silica reaction (ASR), chemical interaction between recycled ceramic aggregate and cementitious matrix, characteristics of local polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers, and the combined effects of eco-friendly ingredients are recommended.