Influence of ultraviolet irradiation on the physical and mechanical properties of strain-hardening cement-based composites
In practical engineering applications, architectural structures are inevitably exposed to sunlight radiation. However, the ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is detrimental to building materials, particularly organic materials. Considering the incorporation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers into st...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Case Studies in Construction Materials |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221450952500693X |
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| Summary: | In practical engineering applications, architectural structures are inevitably exposed to sunlight radiation. However, the ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is detrimental to building materials, particularly organic materials. Considering the incorporation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers into strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC), the aging resistance of SHCC to long-term UV irradiation was investigated in this study. The UV exposure was simulated using an ultraviolet accelerated weathering test chamber in the laboratory. The changes in the physical and mechanical properties of both PVA fibers and SHCC specimens after UV irradiation were systematically characterized. After 120 cycles (equivalent to 60 days) of UV irradiation, the surface of the PVA fibers exhibited slightly yellowing, blistering, and localized cracking. The tensile strength of the PVA fibers decreased. Despite the slight degradation of the PVA fibers, the shielding effect of the matrix material on the surface of the SHCC specimens significantly mitigated the impact of UV irradiation on the embedded fibers. Therefore, UV irradiation did not have any noticeable adverse effects on the overall performance of SHCC, demonstrating SHCC’s excellent resistance to UV-induced aging. |
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| ISSN: | 2214-5095 |