Description:BACKGROUND
Field of the invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to construction materials and particularly to a method and composition for preparing Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture.
Description of Related Art
[002] Many buildings and structural elements are constructed using cement-based materials like concrete and cement. However, traditional concrete and cement materials tend to be brittle and, as a result, are relatively prone to catastrophic failure when exposed to tensile forces. To address a limitation, Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture have been developed. ECCs are cementitious composites with exceptional ductility and toughness, achieved through an addition of short reinforcing fibers to modified cement. The remarkable ductility and toughness of ECC materials make them suitable for use in demanding structural applications, especially in facilities subject to seismic loads during construction. ECCs have also been explored for potential use in building and civil engineering structures, including walls, floors, flat slabs, support beams, columns, and manufactured components like extruded pressure pipes and tubing.
[003] However, in some conventional ECC formulations, coarse aggregates have been included. The ECC with the coarse aggregates follows a similar formulation as traditional concrete, where the coarse aggregates like gravel or crushed stone are included in the mixture in addition to standard ECC components. The inclusion of the coarse aggregates in the ECC can provide certain benefits, such as reduced material costs and potential improvements in compressive strength. The coarse aggregates are often used in the traditional concrete to enhance its load-bearing capacity.
[004] However, the coarse aggregates in the ECC can compromise its ductility and toughness. Moreover, an introduction of the coarse aggregates can lead to localized stress concentrations within the ECC matrix. This can result in increased cracking tendencies, reducing the overall durability and performance of the ECC. Also, the coarse aggregates are denser and heavier than lightweight aggregates. When used in the ECC, they increase the overall weight of the composite. The presence of coarse aggregates can make mixing and placing ECC more challenging, particularly in cases where precise control of fiber distribution and workability is crucial.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced method for preparing Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture that can administer aforementioned limitations more efficiently.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a composition of lightweight Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC), comprising: a cement; a lightweight aggregate; superplasticizers; and fibers. Water is added to the cement, the lightweight aggregate, the superplasticizers, and the fibers to create a homogeneous and well-blended Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for preparing an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture. The method comprising steps of: selecting a specific type of cement for the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture; selecting a lightweight aggregate to be incorporated into the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture; adding superplasticizers into the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture; adding fibers into the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture; and mixing and homogenizing the cement, the lightweight aggregate, water, the superplasticizers, and the fibers to create the well-blended Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture that is effectively utilized to develop prefabricated lightweight building elements for a sustainable development of affordable building construction.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture that utilizes cement as a binding agent to provide necessary strength and durability to the composite.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture that utilizes lightweight aggregate for reducing an overall weight of the ECC while maintaining its structural integrity.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture that utilizes water to ECC mixture to facilitate a hydration process of cement.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture that utilizes superplasticizers in the ECC mixture as admixtures to enhance the flowability and workability of the ECC mixture.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture that utilizes fibers to enhance the tensile and flexural properties of the composite.
[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. 1A illustrates cement, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates lightweight aggregate, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 1C illustrates superplasticizers, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 1D illustrates fibers, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 depicts the composition of the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for preparing an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] 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
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] FIG. 1A illustrates cement 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cement 100 may serve as a primary binding agent in an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200 (as shown in the FIG. 2). The cement 100 may be responsible for holding together various components of the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200 such as, but not limited to, lightweight aggregate 102 (as shown in FIG. 1B), water, superplasticizers 104 (as shown in FIG. 1C), and fibers 106 (as shown in FIG. 1D).
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cement 100 may undergo a chemical reaction known as hydration, when the cement 100 is mixed with the water. In such embodiment of the present invention, particles of the cement 100 may form a crystalline structure, creating a solidified matrix within the ECC mixture 200.
[0029] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the cement 100 may be adapted to provide a necessary strength and durability to the ECC mixture 200. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cement 100 may be adapted to provide control over a setting time of the ECC mixture 200 by enabling a user to select an appropriate type of the cement 100 and managing a water-to-cement 100 ratio. In an embodiment of the present invention, the selection of the cement 100 may depend on a compatibility of the cement 100 with other components in the ECC mixture 200. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cement 100 may be, but not limited to, an Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), a blended cement, a low heat cement, a white cement, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the cement 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] FIG. 1B illustrates the lightweight aggregate 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lightweight aggregate 102 may be a substance utilized in concrete formulations to decrease an overall weight of the ECC mixture 200 while upholding its structural integrity. In such embodiment of the present invention, the lightweight aggregate 102 may possess lower density in contrast to conventional coarse materials like gravel or crushed stone. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lightweight aggregate 102 may be, but not limited to, expanded clay, expanded shale, lightweight synthetic aggregate, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the lightweight aggregate 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, a selection of the appropriate type of the lightweight aggregate 102 may depend on project requirements and performance objectives, making it an essential consideration in a composition of the ECC mixture 200.
[0031] FIG. 1C illustrates the superplasticizers 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the superplasticizers 104 may be chemical admixtures that may be added to the ECC mixture 200, to improve their flowability and workability without compromising a water-to-cement ratio. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the superplasticizers 104 may have an ability to disperse particles of the cement 100 more effectively, allowing for better particle dispersion and reduced water content while maintaining a desired consistency. In an embodiment of the present invention, the superplasticizers 104 must be added to the ECC mixture 200 in a correct dosage as excessive use may lead to over-liquefying the ECC mixture 200, potentially impacting strength and performance. In an embodiment of the present invention, the superplasticizers 104 may be, but not limited to, Polycarboxylate Ether (PCE), Sulfonated Melamine Formaldehyde (SMF), Sulfonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde (SNF), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the superplasticizers 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] FIG. 1D illustrates the fibers 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fibers 106 may be added to the ECC mixture 200 to improve a crack resistance of the ECC, especially in situations where the ECC is subjected to tensile or flexural stresses. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the fibers 106 may be added to the ECC mixture 200 to increase an overall toughness of the ECC. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fibers 106 may be adapted to enhance the ductility of the ECC, allowing it to deform more before fracturing.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, a selection of a type of the fibers 106 and dosage in the ECC mixture 200 may depend on project's specific requirements and desired performance characteristics. In such embodiment of the present invention, the dosage of the fibers 106 may be measured in terms of weight or volume percentages relative to the ECC mixture 200. The fibers 106 may be natural fibers, or artificial fibers, in an embodiment of the present invention. The natural fibers may be made from materials such as, but not limited to, a jute, a coir, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the materials for the natural fibers, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The artificial fibers may be made from materials such as, but not limited to, polypropylene, glass, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the materials for the artificial fibers, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] FIG. 2 depicts the composition of the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200 may be suitable for development of prefabricated lightweight building elements. The Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200 may be capable of replacing conventional building materials with the potential to enhance structural performance and reduce the overall weight of construction elements, according to the embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for preparing the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] At step 302, the specific type of the cement 100 may be selected for the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200.
[0037] At step 304, the lightweight aggregate 102 may be selected for the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200.
[0038] At step 306, the superplasticizers 104 may be added to the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200.
[0039] At step 308, the fibers 106 may be added to the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200.
[0040] At step 310, the cement 100, the lightweight aggregate 102, the water, the superplasticizers 104, and the fibers 106 may be mixed and homogenized to create the well-blended Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture 200.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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 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. A composition of Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200), wherein the composition comprising:
a cement (100);
a lightweight aggregate (102);
superplasticizers (104); and
fibers (106), wherein water is added to the cement (100), the lightweight aggregate (102), the superplasticizers (104), and the fibers (106) to create the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200).
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cement (100) serves as a binding agent for the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200).
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the superplasticizers (104) serve as admixtures added to the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200).
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fibers (106) are selected from natural fibers or artificial fibers.
5. A method (300) for preparing an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200), wherein the method (300) comprising steps of:
selecting a specific type of cement (100) for the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200);
selecting a lightweight aggregate (102) to be incorporated into the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200);
adding superplasticizers (104) into the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200);
adding fibers (106) into the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200); and
mixing and homogenizing the cement (100), the lightweight aggregate (102), water, the superplasticizers (104), and the fibers (106) to create the well-blended Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200).
6. The method (300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200) is suitable for development of prefabricated lightweight building elements.
7. The method (300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cement (100) serves as a binding agent for the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200).
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lightweight aggregate (102) is selected from expanded clay, expanded shale, or lightweight synthetic aggregates.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the superplasticizers (104) are added to the Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) mixture (200) as admixtures.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fibers (106) are selected from natural fibers or artificial fibers.
Date: November 03, 2023

Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)