Concrete is everywhere in modern construction. Yet its major drawback is in being brittle. Its low bendability and energy absorption can result in catastrophic failure under severe loading conditions. It also has a poor ability to control the opening of cracks and the penetration of water and other chemicals leading to steel corrosion, a major problem in reinforced concrete structures around the world. But a solution is at hand. Through proper material design guided by mechanics theory, such materials can be made bendable and energy-absorbent by incorporating short fibres. Thus loaded, many harmless fine cracks will form instead of a few dangerously big cracks, significantly improving structural durability. The talk will explain the fundamental principles behind the design of these bendable materials, citing applications from around the world. Ongoing R & D at HKUST on these composites will be highlighted.
