Evaluation of Low-Cost Engineered Cementitious Composites with Incorporation of Cellulose Nanocrystals

Cellulose nanocrystals are a type of nanomaterial derived from cellulose, which have gained interest due to their effect on concrete materials. This research study aims to investigate the effect of Cellulose nanocrystals on the mechanical properties of cost-effective Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC). To accomplish this goal, four levels of nanocellulose will be evaluated. In addition, two types of Engineered Cementitious Composites mixtures will be assessed; one with sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and without SCBA. A comprehensive experimental program will be conducted to evaluate the compressive, tensile, and flexural performance of the Engineered Cementitious Composites mixtures. Results will provide insights into the effects of nanocellulose on the mechanical behavior of low-cost Engineered Cementitious Composites materials. The scope of this study is to investigate the effect of cellulose nanocrystals on the mechanical properties of cost-effective Engineered Cementitious Composites. The objectives of the proposed research are to synthesize cellulose nanocrystals from rice husk through acid hydrolysis treatment, prepare two sets of mixtures of Engineered Cementitious Composites: one with SCBA as sand replacement and one without SCBA, evaluate the compressive, tensile and flexural performance of Engineered Cementitious Composites mixtures, and evaluate the cracking behavior of Engineered Cementitious Composites materials after uniaxial tensile test.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.sptc.org/cy3-lsu-04

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $80,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348306 (CY3-LSU-04)

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Southern Plains Transportation Center

  University of Oklahoma
  202 W Boyd St, Room 213A
  Norman, OK  United States  73019

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Oklahoma, Norman

  School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
  202 West Boyd Street, Room 334
  Norman, OK  United States  73019
• Project Managers:

  Ghasemi, Hamid

• Performing Organizations:

  Louisiana State University

  3660G Patrick F. Taylor Hall
  Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70803
• Principal Investigators:

  Hassan, Marwa

• Start Date: 20260101
• Expected Completion Date: 20270101
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: UTC

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cellulose; Cement; Composite materials; Cost effectiveness; Cracking; Mechanical properties; Nanostructured materials
• Subject Areas: Materials; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01975683
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Southern Plains Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348306 (CY3-LSU-04)
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jan 5 2026 10:23PM