Analytically investigation of sustainable cement-based composite concrete (ECC) usage for construction and retrofitting infill walls

Concrete is a fundamental construction material obtained by mixing cement, water, and aggregate in specific proportions. Through scientific research, environmentally friendly and sustainable types of concrete can be developed. One such innovative material is Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC), which stands out for its high ductility and crack control capabilities. In terms of structural performance, ECC offers significant advantages, particularly in terms of high strength and long-term durability. The thesis investigates the use of ECC material to enhance the lateral load capacity and energy dissipation in the design of new infill walls, as well as to provide a practical method for strengthening existing infill walls. In structural systems, the load-bearing capacity of infill walls is often neglected and considered only as vertical load in calculations. However, scientific studies and field observations have demonstrated that infill walls play a significant role in resisting lateral loads within structural systems. As part of this study, a comprehensive literature review on sustainable ECC was conducted, and mix designs were developed accordingly. Based on compressive and flexural tests, the ECC mixture with the highest mechanical performance and optimal unit weight was selected for analytical studies. Using the mechanical and physical properties of the sustainable ECC, frame analyses were performed with SAP2000 software. In the analyses, the use of ECC-produced unit elements in newly constructed infill walls and the effect of ECC retrofitting on existing infill walls were examined using pushover analysis.