[2][3] As long as a cementitious material is designed/developed based on micromechanics and fracture mechanics theory to feature large tensile ductility, it can be called an ECC.
Therefore, ECC is not a fixed material design, but a broad range of topics under different stages of research, development, and implementations.
The development of an individual mix design of ECC requires special efforts by systematically engineering of the material at nano-, micro-, macro- and composite scales.
Traditional concrete's lack of durability and failure under strain, both stemming from brittle behavior, have been a pushing factor in the development of ECC.
This microcracking behavior leads to superior corrosion resistance (the cracks are so small and numerous that it is difficult for aggressive media to penetrate and attack the reinforcing steel) as well as to self-healing.