Enhancing PVCC beam performance through PVA fiber and basalt fabric in sustainable construction: ductility, strength, and energy absorption improvements

This study evaluates the performance of PVCC (Polyvinyl Alcohol Cementitious Composite) layered beams (BP1 to BP5), basalt fiber fabric-wrapped beams (BB1 and BB2), and a control beam (B0). Results show that specimen BP3, with 1.2% PVA fiber in PVCC layered beam, and BB2, with basalt fiber fabric wrapped at the bottom up to the neutral axis, exhibit superior performance. BP3 delays first crack initiation, increases the ultimate load-carrying capacity by 19.87%, and achieves a remarkable 54.57% increase in maximum ductility compared to B0. BP3 also demonstrates 54.54% higher stiffness and notable energy absorption. Similarly, BB2 outperforms BB1 and B0 in first crack load, ultimate load carrying capacity, ductility, stiffness, energy absorption, and energy index. BB2 exhibits 2.10 times increase in ductility compared to B0. Incorporating PVA fiber in PVCC layered beams and basalt fiber fabric wrapping offers better improvements in crack resistance, load capacity, ductility, stiffness, and energy absorption, contributing to innovative and sustainable beam design in construction.

Keywords:
PVCC layered beams; Basalt beams; Ductility enhancement; Sustainable beam design