Self-healing concrete

Common card · No. 345867

Self-healing concrete is concrete able to fix its cracks on its own. It not only seals the cracks but also partially or entirely recovers the mechanical properties of the structural elements. This kind of concrete is also known as self-repairing concrete. Because concrete has a poor tensile strength compared to other building materials, it often develops cracks in the surface. These cracks reduce the durability of the concrete because they facilitate the flow of liquids and gases that may contain harmful compounds. If microcracks expand and reach the reinforcement, not only will the concrete itself be susceptible to attack, so will the reinforcement steel bars. Therefore, it is essential to limit the crack's width and repair it as quickly as feasible. Self-healing concrete would make the material more sustainable, and also contribute to an increase in the service life of concrete structures and make the material more durable and environmentally friendly. Self-healing is an old and well...

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