Effects of supplementary cementitious materials and curing condition on mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance, strain-hardening cementitious composites

This study investigated the influence of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and reactive and non-reactive mineral additives on the characteristic microstructure and mechanical performance of ultra-high-performance, strain-hardening cementitious composites (UHP–SHCCs). Nine mixes of cementitious composites were considered composed of reactive and non-reactive materials, such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), silica fume (SF), cement kiln dust (CKD), and silica flour. Compressive strength and direct tensile tests were performed on the nine mixes cured for 7 d and 28 d. The test result was analyzed based on microstructural inspections, including thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The test result and analysis showed that the microstructural property of the UHP–SHCC impacted the compressive strength and the tensile behavior and also influenced the fiber-matrix interaction. Although most of the 7 d cured specimens did not exhibit notable strain-hardening behaviors, the specimen containing the CKD exhibited a tensile strength of 11.6 MPa and a very high strain capacity of 7.5%. All the specimens with OPC, silica flour, GGBS, or SF exhibited considerably improved tensile behavior at 28 d. The specimen with only OPC as a binder could achieve the tensile strength of 11.6 MPa and strain capacity of 6.2%.