A testing device to investigate the properties of strain-hardening, cement-based composites (SHCC) under impact shear loading

•Impact shear testing setup is developed using gravity tensile Split-Hopkinson bar.•SHCC is investigated under quasi-static and impact shear loading.•DIC accurately captures the specimen's response and mode of failure.•Confinement influences the mode of failure under shear loading.•Structural inertia plays an important role in the specimen response.