Self-Healing Concrete: Annotated Bibliography

Abavisani, I., Rezaifar, O., & Kheyroddin, A. (2023). Efficient approaches to autogenous and autonomous self-healing concrete: a review. Magazine of Concrete Research, 75(20), 10511079.

Providing technical details, the authors note that while concrete and cement-based composites have reigned as the predominant construction materials worldwide due to their exceptional structural performance, low cost, and abundant availability, they inevitably face degradation from internal cracking or external forces over time. This structural deterioration has heightened the need for innovative solutions to maintain safety and enhance durability. In response, researchers have pioneered a diverse array of so-called smart self-healing techniques for cementitious materials.

This study provides a comprehensive review categorizing the latest state-of-the-art self-healing technologies into two main approaches: autogenous self-healing driven by the intrinsic properties of the concrete itself, and autonomous self-healing facilitated by embedding engineered self-mending agents within the concrete matrix. Each category encompasses multiple specific methods utilizing different operating principles and influencing factors. The fundamental mechanisms, advantages, and challenges associated with these various autogenous and autonomous concrete self-healing techniques are critically analyzed. Based on this extensive review, overarching conclusions are presented along with recommendations for future research directions to further advance self-repairing capabilities in next-generation high-performance, resilient concrete infrastructure materials.

Bin Amjad, U., Siddique, M. S., Shahid, T., Ahmed, I., Alogla, S. M., & Ahmad, J. (2023). A study on microbial self-healing concrete using expanded perlite. Bulletin of the Polish Academy of Sciences: Technical Sciences, 71(5), 18.

A specific environmentally related virtue of self-healing concrete was highlighted by the authors. For instance, they note that growing concerns over structural safety and sustainability have spurred research into developing smart self-healing materials and preventative repair strategies. This study investigates the self-healing capabilities of normal-strength concrete by employing the bacteria Sporosarcina...

The efficacy of this bacterial self-healing approach was comparatively evaluated against two alternative techniques: EP-modified concrete and direct introduction of bacteria into the concrete matrix. The bacterial solution embedded in EP was supplemented with calcium lactate as a nutrient source. Experimental findings revealed concrete specimens containing the EP-immobilized bacteria exhibited the most effective crack-healing performance. After a 28-day healing period, crack widths up to 0.78mm were completely...…critical analysis of the viability of self-healing concrete. The authors note that cement concrete structures inevitably develop microscopic cracks over time, posing significant risks to structural integrity, longevity, and environmental sustainability. Pursuing self-healing concrete formulations that can autonomously repair these microcracks offers a promising solution to mitigate issues like accelerated material degradation and frequent maintenance requirements.

Recent research has made advancements in developing intrinsically self-healing concrete through modifying the chemical and physical properties of the concrete mixture itself. These innovative technologies rely on optimizing concrete components, curing methods, and crack geometries to trigger self-mending mechanisms. Studies indicate the efficacy of self-healing is highly dependent on factors such as concrete composition, water presence, and crack width. By carefully adjusting ingredient ratios, types, and proportions, the self-repair capabilities can be enhanced. Maintaining narrow crack widths also proves beneficial. The underlying mechanisms driving self-healing in concrete span mechanical processes like particle accumulation and fiber reinforcement, physical processes involving swelling, porosity, and surface effects, as well as chemical processes like improved hydration, expansive mineral formation, and precipitation reactions. This multifaceted approach taps into the inherent complexity of concrete's self-mending…