Description:
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to cement and particularly to an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture.
Description of Related Art
[002] Concrete remains the most widely used construction material due to its availability, strength, and versatility. However, conventional concrete often faces issues related to durability, cracking, and brittleness under extreme loading or environmental exposure. Infrastructure such as bridges, high-rise buildings, and seismic-resistant structures demand materials that meet higher performance standards in terms of strength, ductility, and longevity.
[003] Moreover, a variety of techniques have been explored to overcome these limitations. Modifications to mix designs, fiber reinforcement, and the introduction of novel binders have shown potential to improve mechanical properties. Fiber-reinforced cementitious composites, in particular, have demonstrated superior crack resistance and energy absorption capacity.
[004] However, despite these advancements, many solutions fail to provide an optimal balance between strength, deformability, and environmental resilience. Traditional materials often fall short in aggressive or seismic-prone environments, where both load resistance and flexibility are crucial.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture. The mixture comprising a processed blast furnace slag, in a first predefined amount, to function as a base of the mixture. The first predefined amount of the processed blast furnace slag is in a range of 0.8 percent (%) to 1.2 percent (%). The mixture further comprising a nano-silica, in a second predefined amount, to function as a cementitious material. The second predefined amount of the nano-silica is in a range of 0 percent (%) to 15 percent (%). The mixture further comprising a hybrid fiber adapted to adhere bonding properties between the processed blast furnace slag and the nano-silica.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for preparation and testing of an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture. The method comprising steps of procuring a processed blast furnace slag and a nano-silica in a first predefined amount and a second predefined amount respectively; mixing the processed blast furnace slag with the nano-silica; adding a hybrid fiber in the mix of the processed blast furnace slag with the nano-silica; and obtaining the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a mixture that improves compressive, split tensile, and direct tensile strength, ensuring superior structural performance compared to conventional solutions.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a mixture that leads to enhanced ductility and strain-hardening behavior, reducing crack width and propagation, which is critical for seismic and high-load applications.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a mixture that lowers carbon emissions and promotes eco-friendly construction practices.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a mixture that offers excellent resistance to permeability and environmental degradation, extending the service life of infrastructure.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a mixture that supports efficacy with rigorous laboratory testing and Analysis System (ANSYS) based analytical modeling, confirming its suitability for critical infrastructure such as bridges and high-rise buildings
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of elements of an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a mixer, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for preparation and testing of the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of elements of an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 100 (hereinafter referred to as the mixture 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mixture 100 may be formulated for use in ground-up construction of various infrastructures, including but not limited to bridges, roads, buildings, and statues. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the infrastructures, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may be adapted to repair and execute patchwork on pre-constructed infrastructures. The mixture 100 may be adapted to induce strength and reduce a structural fragility of the infrastructures. Further, the mixture 100 may inculcate resistance to shrinkage, abrasion, water permeability, and so forth to the infrastructures.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, a strength induced by the mixture 100 may further be customized by adjusting proportions of the elements. The customization of the strength may enable utilization of the in various conditions such as, but not limited to, highways, strength-bearing infrastructures, stress-inducing infrastructures, and so forth. Further, the adjustment in the strength of the mixture 100 may allow an easy workability and achieve green sustainable goals.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may exhibit enhanced shrinkage resistance, abrasion resistance, and water permeability compared to traditional cement-based concrete. Hence, providing a long-term structural integrity for infrastructural applications.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may be consumed in a lesser amount for construction of the infrastructures comparatively to the traditional cement-based concrete. Hence, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impacts results in a cost-effective, sustainable, and high-performance material solution for infrastructure applications. Moreover, the mixture 100 may promote waste utilization by repurposing real estate waste, that may otherwise be discarded as landfill waste, hence including environmental friendliness.
[0029] The mixture 100 may comprise a processed blast furnace slag 102, a nano-silica 104, a hybrid fiber 106, and a self-compacting concrete (SCC) 108.
[0030] The processed blast furnace slag 102 may be adapted to function as a base of the mixture 100. The processed blast furnace slag 102 may be, but is not limited to, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) that may be processed by rapid quenching of molten blast furnace slag in water or steam to produce a glassy, granular material. This granulated slag may subsequently be dried and finely ground to achieve a specific particle size distribution suitable for cementitious applications.
[0031] The processed blast furnace slag 102 may adapted to be a partial replacement for cement and fine aggregates in infrastructural projects. The processed blast furnace slag 102 may be finely grounded to a particle size distribution optimized for improved bonding and dispersion in the mixture 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the processed blast furnace slag 102 may be sourced from steel manufacturing units. The processed blast furnace slag 102 may have a particle size distribution ranging from 2 to 40 microns, with a median particle size (D50) of around 15 microns, and may be used in the range of 20% to 40% by weight of a total binder content. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any suitable range of the processed blast furnace slag, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] Further, the processed blast furnace slag 102 may improve shrinkage resistance, abrasion resistance, water permeability, and so forth enhancing a longevity of the infrastructural projects. Furthermore, the processed blast furnace slag 102 may reduce cement consumption and may lead to a reduction in the carbon footprint of the infrastructural projects.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may comprise a first predefined amount of the processed blast furnace slag 102. The first predefined amount of the processed blast furnace slag 102 may be in a range of 0.8 percent (%) to 1.2 percent (%). In an embodiment of the present invention, the nano-silica 104 may be adapted to function as a cementitious material for the processed blast furnace slag 102. The nano-silica 104 may provide a reinforcement strength to the processed blast furnace slag 102.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the nano-silica 104 may be sourced from renewable feedstocks, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), fluor silicic acid (FSA), a by-product of a phosphate industry, and so forth. The nano-silica 104 may have an average particle size ranging from 1 nanometer (nm) to about 100 nanometer (nm). Sheets of the nano-silica 104 may be obtained by using bisphenol A PC synthesized in the presence of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles having a size range of 10 nanometers (nm) to 20 nanometers (nm).
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may comprise a second predefined amount of the nano-silica 104. The second predefined amount of the nano-silica 104 may be in a range of 0 percent (%) to 15 percent (%). In an embodiment of the present invention, the first predefined amount of the processed blast furnace slag 102 and the second predefined amount of the nano-silica 104 may be varied to adjust a strength and a ductility of the mixture 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the nano-silica 104 may be functionalized with surface modifiers such as amino silanes or polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives to enhance compatibility with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases within the mixture 100 for improved dispersion and/or reduced agglomeration.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the hybrid fiber 106 may be adapted to adhere bonding properties between the processed blast furnace slag 102 and the nano-silica 104. The hybrid fiber 106 may be, but not limited to, a steel fiber, a Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fiber, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the hybrid fiber 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hybrid fiber 106 may include a dual-coated configuration, such as a corrosion-resistant metallic core that may be coated with a nano-ceramic outer shell to enhance bonding with the cementitious matrix and resist alkaline degradation. This dual-layered structure may increase interfacial adhesion between the hybrid fiber 106 and the matrix under cyclic loading conditions.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the self-compacting concrete (SCC) 108 may be added to the mixture 100 to induce and adjust a load-bearing capacity of the mixture 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the load bearing capacity exhibited by the mixture 100 may be in a range from 143.52 kilo-Newton (kN) to 181.50 kilo-Newton (kN). In an embodiment of the present invention, the load bearing capacity by the self-compacting concrete (SCC) 108 may be 143.52 kilo-Newton (kN). In an embodiment of the present invention, the load bearing capacity exhibited by the mixture 100 without inclusion of the self-compacting concrete (SCC) 108 may be 175.80 kilo-Newton (kN). In an embodiment of the present invention, the load bearing capacity exhibited by the mixture 100 with inclusion of the self-compacting concrete (SCC) 108 may be 181.50 kilo-Newton (kN).
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, a direct tensile strength exhibited by a dog bone specimen of 330 millimeter by 60 millimeter by 13 millimeter constructed of the mixture 100 may be 58.8 Newton per milliliter squared (N/mm2) after 28 days. In an embodiment of the present invention, a split tensile strength exhibited by a cylinder specimen of 10 millimeter by 20 millimeter constructed of the mixture 100 may be 6.41 Newton per milliliter squared (N/mm2) after 28 days. In an embodiment of the present invention, a compressive strength exhibited by a cube specimen of size 50 millimeter (mm) by 50 millimeter (mm) by 50 millimeter (mm) constructed of the mixture 100 may be 84 Newton per milliliter squared (N/mm2) after 28 days.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the combination of the processed blast furnace slag 102, the nano-silica 104, and the hybrid fiber 106 may result in a synergistic effect for producing a denser, more durable, and environmentally sustainable mixture 100. This optimized binder composition may reduce reliance on ordinary cementitious mixture, thereby lowering carbon emissions associated with cement production and enhancing the long-term performance of infrastructural structures.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may further comprise a controlled-release microencapsulated admixture, configured to gradually release internal curing agents or supplementary pozzolanic materials over time. The microencapsulation may be achieved using biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA), to enable sustained strength gain and mitigate early-age shrinkage in aggressive environmental conditions.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a mixer 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixer 200 may be adapted to uniformly mix the processed blast furnace slag 102 and the nano-silica 104. Further, the mixer 200 may allow an ingestion of hybrid fiber 106 in a staggered fashion. The mixer 200 may be hand-operated and/or automatedly operated by harnessing electrical energy or chemical energy. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any mode of operation of the mixer 200, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0042] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for preparation and testing of the mixture 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] At step 302, the processed blast furnace slag 102 and the nano-silica 104 may be procured in the first predefined amount and the second predefined amount respectively.
[0044] At step 304, the processed blast furnace slag 102 may be mixed with the nano-silica 104.
[0045] At step 306, the hybrid fiber 106 may be added in the mix of the processed blast furnace slag 102 with the nano-silica 104.
[0046] At step 308, the mixture 100 may be obtained. The obtained mixture 100 may then be directed toward casting, molding, or application in the infrastructural construction, depending on the intended use-case and curing methodology.
[0047] At step 310, mechanical properties, such as the load bearing capacity, the direct tensile strength, the split tensile strength, the compressive strength of the mixture 100, may be investigated for evaluating a ductility enhancement characteristics.
[0048] At step 312, a structural performance of a Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) beam of 750 millimeter (mm) by 150 millimeter (mm) by 15 millimeter (mm) may be investigated using the obtained mixture 100 under simply supported and two-point load conditions.
[0049] At step 314, a validity of investigation results of the mixture 100 may be intended with an Analysis System (ANSYS) based analytical model.
[0050] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0051] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. An Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (100), the mixture (100) comprising:
a processed blast furnace slag (102), in a first predefined amount, to function as a base of the mixture (100), characterized by the first predefined amount of the processed blast furnace slag (102) is in a range of 0.8 percent (%) to 1.2 percent (%);
a nano-silica (104), in a second predefined amount, to function as a cementitious material, wherein the second predefined amount of the nano-silica (104) is in a range of 0 percent (%) to 15 percent (%); and
a hybrid fiber (106) adapted to adhere bonding properties between the processed blast furnace slag (102) and the nano-silica (104).
2. The mixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hybrid fiber (106) is selected from a steel fiber, a Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fiber, or a combination thereof.
3. The mixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first predefined amount of the processed blast furnace slag (102) and the second predefined amount of the nano-silica (104) is varied to adjust a strength and a ductility of the mixture (100).
4. The mixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a particle size distribution of the processed blast furnace slag (102) is in a range from 2 to 40 microns.
5. The mixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a median particle size (D50) of the processed blast furnace slag (102) is 15 microns.
6. The mixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mixture (100) is added with a self-compacting concrete (SCC) (108) to adjust a load-bearing capacity of the mixture (100).
7. A method (300) for preparation and testing of an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (100), the method (300) is characterized by steps of:
procuring a processed blast furnace slag (102) and a nano-silica (104) in a first predefined amount and a second predefined amount respectively;
mixing the processed blast furnace slag (102) with the nano-silica (104) in a mixer (200); and
obtaining the mixture (100) by adding a hybrid fiber (106) in the mix of the processed blast furnace slag (102) with the nano-silica (104).
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of investigating mechanical properties of the obtained mixture (100) and evaluate a ductility enhancement characteristics.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of investigating a structural performance of a Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) beam of 750 millimeter (mm) by 150 millimeter (mm) by 15 millimeter (mm) using the obtained mixture (100) under simply supported and two-point load conditions.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of intending a validity of investigation results of the mixture (100) with an Analysis System (ANSYS) based analytical model.
Date: April 25, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant