Durability of mechanically loaded strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC)

Strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) resist increased tensile stress after first crack formation, over a significant range of tensile strain. This increased strength and strain capacity is achieved by effective crack bridging by fibres, across multiple cracks of widths in the micro-range. Whether the crack width limitation translates into increased durability through retardation of ingress of moisture, gas and other deleterious matter, is scrutinised in this paper. The potential of the comparatively new composite material becomes obvious, yet it is clearly outlined that further research is necessary before we fully understand the basic mechanisms underlying durability of SHCC.