An Overview of Self-Healing Concrete in Sustainable Construction

Abstract

Self-healing concrete represents an innovative solution in sustainable construction, tackling the issue of concrete cracks, which can compromise structural integrity, repairing cracks automatically, and enhancing durability and sustainability. This concrete incorporates methods like shape memory alloys, SAPs, and embedded healing agents to repair itself. An innovative method incorporates calcium lactate and bacterial spores within expanded clay pellets. When cracks appear, these pellets release their contents, triggering a healing process where bacteria produce limestone to fill the cracks. SAPs are also effective in healing smaller cracks and preventing water ingress, which is crucial for durability. Although there are challenges like reduced strength and higher costs, self-healing concrete offers a promising future in prolonging concrete structures' lifespan, cutting maintenance expenses, and lessening environmental impacts. It needs more research to get past its current problems and fully use its potential in the building industry. This would help the world's efforts to use sustainable and cost-effective building methods, making it an important sustainable material.