Multifunctional engineered cementitious composites modified with nanomaterials and their applications: An overview

Due to their advantages such as high tensile strength, low cost of production, easy manufacturing methods, and ease of use, cementitious materials are extensively utilized in the construction industry. The applications of nanomaterials in cementitious materials have been found to enhance their properties. It allows molecular changes to improve the material behaviour and the performance of civil infrastructure structures, including buildings and highways. Owing to the high ductility of polyvinyl alcohol-engineered cementitious composites (ECCs), it was suggested to be used in steel-reinforced structural elements to enhance the strength and ductility of the components. The presence of hybrid fibres provided increased shattering resistance with decreased scabbing, spalling, destruction, and damage zone and better absorption of energy through distributed microcracking. The presence of nanomaterials in ECCs modifies its atomic macroscopic scales, enhancing its mechanical and microstructural properties. The versatile properties of nanomaterials offer immense potential to cementitious composite for structural applications.