Compression-bending behavior of corrugated steel-sprayed ECC composite arches

The corrugated steel-sprayed ECC composite (CSSECCC) arch functions as an innovative structural form, offering excellent ductility and high construction efficiency. Four 6 m-span specimens were tested under different loading conditions and ECC fiber types to study their compression–bending behavior, focusing on failure modes, load–displacement curves, composite effect, and other key mechanical behaviors. Under three-point, mid-span, and L/4 span position loading, the failure locations of CSSECCC arches were observed at 7 L/8, L/2, and L/4 positions, respectively, with cracking occurring in the ECC layer. The CSSECCC arch with smaller eccentricity and cross-sectional bending moment exhibited higher ultimate bearing capacity compared to those with larger eccentricity and bending moment. The CSSECCC arch with PE fibers exhibited a 12.9 % higher ultimate bearing capacity than the one with PP fibers. Furthermore, an extensive parametric analysis was conducted based on the developed refined finite element model. The results indicate that increasing the ECC thickness and strength, as well as the corrugation size of the CS, can significantly enhance the compression-bending bearing capacity of CSSECCC arches. Finally, a method for predicting the compression-bending bearing capacity of CSSECCC arches was introduced.