Abstract
Strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) represent the most efficient system with pseudo strain hardening response forming multiple microcracks under the tensile stresses. The detrimental effect of hot climates on the workability of SHCC could be compensated for using chemical admixtures. An effective combination of polycarboxylic ether-based superplasticizer (PCE) and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) that functioning as micro reservoirs for the internal curing could be applied. This study estimates the effect of PCE dosage, curing temperature and SAP content on the strain-hardening properties of SHCC mixtures at curing ages of 7 and 28 days. Various ranges of workability and the curing regimes (20 and 40 degrees C) were applied. Results indicated that improved strain-hardening properties were attained within a certain range of optimized workability. The incorporation of 0.6% SAP has counteracted the negative impact of temperature on SHCC properties. A relation between the strain capacity (SC) and the crack area fraction (CAF) was established using image analysis. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.