S Bitaraf - MSc, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
M Jamee - BSc, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
M Hoseininezhad - BSc, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
F Jandaghi Alaee - Assist. Prof., Civil Eng. Dept., Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran

In the last several decades, concrete with high compressive strength has been extensively used for structural applications. The main drawback of these materials is their brittleness which causes reduction in ductility and may lead to sudden failure of structures. In seismic regions, concrete with high ductility can make a significant improvement in the seismic response of the overall structure. Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) is a special class of Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composite (FRCC) that combines short polymer fibres with cementitious matrix to produce a cost-effective material, which undergoes strain-hardening, multiple cracking and tensile strain capacity. While significant advances have been achieved in the concrete industry of our country, very limited studies have been carried out on the behaviour of ECC in Iran. The current paper presents the result of an experimental programme designed to evaluate the properties of Poly-Vinyl Alcohol Engineered Cementitious Composites (PVA-ECC). As the design of ECC significantly depends on the quality of raw materials, this contribution focuses on the use of available materials in Iran. In this research, based on Micromechanics the design procedure of a PVA-ECC is described. Then, this material is cast and its behaviour is thoroughly studied. Finally, the mechanical properties (compressive strength and indirect tensile strength) of this cementitious composite are evaluated.

Engineered, Cementitious, Composites, Strain Hardening