Flexible Concrete
It is special type of concrete that can take the
bending stresses. It consist of special type of
materials that makes it flexible. It was developed
by the Professor Victor Li at the University of
Michigan. Its engineering name is Engineered
Cementitious Composite(ECC). It exhibits the
property of a ductile material instead of a brittle
material which is shown by the conventional
concrete.
Materials used in Bendable Concrete
Fibres reinforcement:
For giving the concrete flexibility we have to alter
the material of the conventional concrete. In the
flexible concrete we eliminate the coarse
aggregate. Instead of that we use the fibers that
are used in the fiber reinforced concrete such as
silica fibers, glass fibers, steel fibers, asbestos
fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, etc. The micro fibers
provide the flexibility to the concrete. It also act as
a reinforcement material in the concrete.
Slick coating (anti-friction coating):
Additionally the slick coating (anti-frictional
coating) is provided so that the fibers particles can
slide over one another and does not have the
friction which may result into the cracks in
concrete. This tendency of slipping of fibers over
one another helps the concrete to minimize the
crack and provide flexibility to the concrete. The
normal cement can be used for the concrete.
Fine sand:
The fine silica sand is suitable for the flexible
concrete which is used in the water treatment
plant but if it is not available the normal sand can
be used but it may effects the strength and
flexibility of concrete. We can also add fly ash, silica
fume, blast furnace slag can also be used in the
concrete.
Superplasticizer:
Polycarboxylated ether, lignosulfonates, lignin,
napthalene or melamine formal dehyde
sulphonate(any one) is used in the concrete for
increasing the workability of the concrete. Latex
can also be used in the concrete for improving its
flexibility.
Karan Gupta 2014barc006
Advantages of flexible concrete
• The flexible concrete has the ability to bend
like a metal.
• It is more Stronger, more durable, and lasts
longer than conventional concrete.
• It has a self-healing property that is it can heal
itself by using carbon dioxide and rainwater.
• It is not brittle like a glass.
• It is more resistant to cracking.
• It does not emit that amount of harmful gases
Uses: as compared to conventional concrete.
Earthquake resistance building: The structure made with the flexible concrete can take
more tensile stresses that it does not break down due to the vibration caused by
• The flexible concrete is approx. 20-40 percent
lighter
the earthquake. In Japan a 60 floor is under construction which uses this concrete. • The use of steel reinforcement is reduced and
For roads & bridges: It can be used in roads and bridges. With the use of flexible concrete can be eliminated.
in roads and bridges there is no need of joints such as expansion joint, contraction joint • It reduces the cost of the project.
as the concrete is itself have the ability to change its shape. • It can be used as precast concrete.
Disadvantages of flexible concrete
• It has a high initial cost as compared to
conventional concrete.
• It requires skilled labor for its construction.
• It needs some special type of materials which
can be difficult to find in some areas.
• Its quality depend upon the material used and
the condition under which it is made.
• Its compressive strength can be lesser than
the conventional concrete.
Comparison between Conventional Concrete & Bendable Concrete
Point of difference Normal Concrete Bendable Concrete
Durability less durable more durable.
Earthquake resistance prone to earthquake. They generally forms cracks or flexible concrete does not break easily by the
may collapse during earthquake. earthquake motion.
Self-healing property very low self-healing property as it has very low free very good self-healing property as it can heal the
cement concrete. micro-cracks itself by the reaction of carbon dioxide
and water.
Repair & maintenance high as it developed cracks and other defects. less as it does not develop that much cracks.
Self-weight more 30-40 % lighter than the conventional concrete
Reinforcement steel bar reinforcement is require for taking the tensile fibre reinforcement can provide the require tensile
load. strength in the concrete so less or may be steel
reinforcement is require.
Curing time more curing time (around 28 days). less curing time (generally 7 days)
Labour less skilled labour more skilled labour
Cost less as it consist of common material initial cost of construction is more