Do you know what cement is? It's a powdery kind of material that's used to build stuff like buildings and sidewalks. But have you heard of something called engineered cementitious composite?
It's a special kind of cement that's made in a way that makes it stronger and more flexible than regular cement. Sort of like how your muscles become stronger and more flexible when you exercise them.
This special cement is made by mixing regular cement with other materials like tiny fibers and polymers (which are kind of like little building blocks for materials). These fibers and polymers make the cement strong and able to bend without breaking.
So why is this engineered cementitious composite so special? Well, it's great for building stuff in places where there might be earthquakes, because it can bend and flex without breaking apart. Plus, because it's so strong, we can use less of it to build things, which can save money and be better for the environment!
So the next time you see a building or a bridge or a road, remember that there might be some special, extra-strong cement in there helping to hold it all together.