Browsing by Author "De Koker, Don"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemManufacturing processes for engineered cement-based composite material products(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2004-12) De Koker, Don; Van Zijl, G. P. A. G.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Civil Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The effort to modify the brittle behaviour of plain cement materials such as cement pastes, mortars and concretes has resulted in the modern concepts of fibre reinforcement and matrixfibre interface engineering. The behaviour of such modern cement-based materials is characterized by a more ductile post-peak softening in uni-axial tension compared with the plain, unreinforced matrix. This is as a result of balancing the matrix strength and toughness with fibre bond and strength. The mechanical response shows a sustained or even higher tensile load carrying capacity after first cracking of the matrix. This class of fibre reinforced composites, designed to exhibit such pseudo-strain hardening properties based on micromechanical principles, are referred to as engineered cement-based composites (ECC). ECC are manufactured by either cast moulding, extrusion or spinning (in the case of pipes). Different manufacturing techniques lead to different performance of composites. Researching the micro-mechanical aspects of ECC, particularly fibre orientation and fibrematrix interfacial bond strength, leads to a better understanding of the strength characteristics and mechanical behaviour. Moreover, the manufacturing process significantly influences these characteristics. Here lies the focus of this research. The research consisted of an in-depth research, literature study and understanding of ECC technology, developing extrusion and cast equipment, developing laboratory testing equipment for pipe testing, tailoring the ECC mix for the specific purpose of manufacture, manufacturing of ECC plate and pipe samples, testing of ECC for various manufacturing techniques and scrutinising/ analysing the results for recommendations with respect to further research and commercialisation of ECC material products.