College of Engineering Technology-Mosul, Northern Technical University discussed a master dissertation on engineering cementitious composite concrete used as a reinforcing material by the postgraduate student, Mrs. Rand Hammam Diaa.

The dissertation aimed at producing concrete (ECC) made from different fibers and finding the best among them to strengthen the concrete elements and enable them to withstand the loads that cause sudden shear failure at the lowest possible cost.

The dissertation reviewed the mechanical properties of cement composite concrete and how to use it to strengthen the components of concrete parts.

The dissertation recommended the use of patches made of ECC as a ready-made improved element to strengthen reinforced concrete beams as it enhances the structural performance of beams by improving load capacity, post-peak response and ductility behaviour of the shear resistance capacity increased by approximately (11 to 26)% more than the reference threshold, and the maximum deflection increased in the range (20 to 60)% before cracks.

The dissertation highlighted that ECC patches make the crack width much smaller than regular concrete and ECC patches made of fibers (PVA and SF) can be used together to strengthen structural members, as they are less expensive than other strengthening materials such as carbon fibres.