Annales de Chimie: Science des Materiaux
Vol. 43, No. 2, April, 2019, pp. 75-79
Journal homepage: http://iieta.org/journals/acsm
Assessment of Various Self Healing Materials to Enhance the Durability of Concrete Structures
Chereddy Sonali Sri Durga*, Nerella Ruben
Department of Civil Engineering, Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology & Research, Vadlamudi, Andhra Pradesh,
India
https://doi.org/10.18280/acsm.430202 ABSTRACT
Received: 16 January 2019 Concrete is a human-made construction material which is assembled by cement, coarse
Accepted: 26 March 2019 aggregate, fine aggregate and water. Concrete is susceptible to cracking, as small cracks have
no effect but large cracks cause disintegration of concrete structures. These cracks will allow
Keywords: chemicals and gases to enter disturbing the lifespan of structures. Reconstruction and
bio-concrete, concrete properties, maintenance of concrete structures are most difficult and expensive because of labour cost,
cracking, eco-friendly, mechanisms, self energy and cost required to produce cement are high. Self healing materials are used to heal
healing the cracks of concrete structures. These materials are eco-friendly can heal the cracks by
producing precipitated crystals like calcium carbonate. The inner portion of cracks can also
be sealed by these self healing materials. The main aim of this paper is to represent the
mechanisms of various materials, i.e. biological agent, chemical agent, supplementary
cementitious materials, crystalline admixtures and super absorbent polymers used for self
healing are detailed. The way of application of self healing material to concrete is briefed.
Through this study the rate of self healing, mechanical properties and durability properties of
concrete are computed. The micro structural behaviour of hydrated products is analyzed.
1. INTRODUCTION cementitious materials like fly ash to heal the cracks on the
surface of concrete structures. The mechanisms of various self
Concrete is one of the multifaceted construction material healing materials are shown in Figure 1.
used widely in the world. It is a material which comprises of This paper reviews a path of dealing with cracks on the
cement paste and aggregates. Durability, strength, adaptability, surface of concrete structures. The mechanisms of various self
fire resistance, affordability, thermal mass, availability and healing materials used for healing the cracks are discussed.
simple formation are some of the properties of concrete. The tests used to evaluate the mechanical and durability
Concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension. To properties are examined. The micro structural behaviour of
strengthen the tensile zone of concrete, it is reinforced with healing products is explained.
steel bars. No matter what is the design and how the structure
is constructed, concrete is prone to cracking which influences
the durability of concrete structures.
Cracks are formed in concrete due to the temperature
differences, excess water in the mix, shrinkage, fatigue loads
and settlement of structures. The durability of concrete is
impaired by the cracks since they provide an accessible path
for the transportation of gases and liquids to enter into concrete.
If the micro cracks grow and reach the reinforcement, not only
the concrete itself may be attacked but also the reinforcement
will be corroded. Therefore it is essential to control the crack
width as soon as possible. Hence the repair and maintenance
of concrete structures are complicated and expensive, this Figure 1. Self healing process [1]
drawback focus on the development of self healing concrete.
Self healing materials are the artificially made substances
which heal the cracks on the surface of concrete structures. 2. MECHANISMS OF VARIOUS SELF HEALING
This motivation comes from the biological systems which can MATERIALS
heal after being wounded. Healing is of two types, i.e.
autogenous healing and autonomous healing. Autogenous 2.1 Biological agent
healing is the one which does not require an external agent for
the healing of cracks, heals by the chemical reactions of A biological agent can be defined as a substance that is a
cementitious materials. Autonomous healing is the one which naturally available living organism that heals the cracks on the
consists of external agents such as biological agents like surface of the concrete. The biological agent can be classified
bacteria, chemical agents like calcium lactate, supplementary into 3 types, i.e. bacteria, virus and fungi.
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Jing Xu et al. [2] have prepared specimens using cracking, the samples are immersed in calcium lactate (79 g/L),
sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria and ceramsite particles. calcium gluconate (20 g/L) and urea (10 g/L) solutions for
Mechanical properties and self healing rate were evaluated. healing. Airflow measurements are used to evaluate the
The ceramsite particles were used as a protective carrier for effective crack width opening at a period of 1, 3, 6 and 11
bacteria which were loaded with only nutrients, only spores, months. The samples immersed in calcium gluconate and
both spores and nutrients. To increase the load carrying calcium lactate solutions show more rate of healing on the
capacity of ceramsite particles, the preliminary treatments large cracks, as there is no effect on the fresh crack samples
such as alkali erosion and sintering are performed. The immersed in the urea solution because urea itself can’t provide
ceramsite particles are treated with a NaOH solution and with calcium for the healing of cracks.
a sintering temperature ranging from 400 ºC to 1000 ºC. The Luthfi M.Mauludin et al. [4] has developed a model with
increase in weight ratio with respect to different NaOH mortar, aggregate particles, capsule core, capsule shell and
concentrations is shown in Figure 2. The maximum heating bond between them to analyze the 2D fracture process utilizing
temperature is 750 ºC. The increase in weight ratio with finite element package ABAQUS. A capsule made up of
different sintering temperatures is shown in Figure 3. There is polymethyl methacrylate of 2 mm diameter with a shell
an increase of 20 % compressive strength and the water thickness of diameter/27 was used. The volume fraction of
absorption decreases to 30 %. The maximum crack width capsules varies from 1.57 % to 9.42 %. The models have
healed was 0.3mm and the percentage of self healing rate is meshed with various sizes of 0.5mm, 0.75 mm, 1mm. As the
86 %. volume fraction of the capsule increases, the dissipating
energy increases but there is a decrease in tensile strength. It
was reported that there is no effect on strength when the
volume fraction of capsules is less than 2 %.
Maria Araujo et al. [5] have prepared samples with
polymethyl methacrylate and glass capsules. The polymethyl
methacrylate capsules are made with an outer diameter 6.5 mm,
wall thickness 0.7mm and length 50mm whereas glass
capsules are made of outer diameter 5 mm, wall thickness
0.8mm and length 50mm. The beam samples are subjected to
cracking by 3 points bending test after 14 days of curing. The
cracks widths measured for 6 different cracks in glass capsules,
PMMA capsules and control concrete samples are shown in
Figure 4. X-ray (µCT) was used to represent the circulation of
Figure 2. Loading content by alkali erosion at different capsules in the concrete matrix and leakage of liquid after
concentrations of NaOH solution [2] crack formation. The glass capsules show more healing rate
because of their extra distribution compared to PMMA
capsules.
Figure 3. Loading content by heat treatment with different
sintering temperatures [2]
Figure 4. Average crack width measured at the crack mouth
2.2 Chemical agent
for each beam [5]
A chemical agent can be defined as the agent that produces
chemical reactions when applied or mixed to other substance Philip Van den Heede et al. [6] has prepared cylindrical
samples using borosilicate glass capsules with a four polymer
by contact with air, water and soil. The chemical agents can be
based healing agents. The glass capsule is made of outer
in various forms, i.e. solid, liquid and gas. The chemical agents
diameter 3.35 mm, inner diameter 3 mm and length 35 mm.
can be used as a curing solution or can be mixed with concrete
The four polymer based healing agents are high viscosity
by encapsulation process to heal the cracks on the surface of
polyurethane precursor, low viscosity polyurethane precursor,
the concrete. The capsules encapsulated can be analyzed by
experimental work and software also. low viscosity polyurethane precursor with accelerator and
benzoyl peroxide, two component acrylate end-capped
Jean Ducasse-Lapeyrusse et al. [3] has cast the disk-shaped
precursor with cross linker. The cylindrical samples are
mortar specimens of 150mm diameter and 50mm thick. A
subjected to cracking and are sprayed with 0.1 mol/L silver
central hole of 55mm diameter is used to insert the expansive
nitrate solution to assess the chloride ingress. By the chloride
core which is used to generate realistic cracks of controlled
dimensions. Small (< 150 mm) and large (> 150 mm) cracks migration test, the self healing efficiency can be estimated. It
are formed after 28 days of curing. Instantaneously after was concluded that a low viscosity polyurethane precursor
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shows a 100 % self healing efficiency with a minor possibility continuously, as there is an accelerated rate of healing during
of early setting inside the capsule. the earlier 2 days of water exposure. The equivalent crack
width was calculated with formulae by using the flow rate.
2.3 Biological agent and chemical agent There is a variation in the measured crack width and
equivalent crack width because of unevenness inside the crack.
Mostafa Seifan et al. [7] has cast cylindrical and beam Nele De Belie et al. [10] stated that the usage of
specimens with Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus licheniformis Supplementary cementitious materials results in the decrease
and iron oxide nanoparticles. The cylindrical specimens are in cement content in preparation of concrete. Material costs
cured for 3, 7 and 28 days for estimating the compressive and atmosphere destruction decreases. These materials require
strength. The beam samples are cured for 3, 7, 14 and 28 days less energy for production and release less amount of carbon
for measuring the drying shrinkage. The microscopic dioxide into the environment. By adding these materials to the
behaviour of healing products can be checked by energy- concrete matrix, there is a continuous ongoing hydration
dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The process and the hydration products such as CSH, ettringite,
compressive strength values for bio based and reference hydrogarnet and hydrotalcite are formed. For the continuous
concrete specimens are shown in Figure 5. There is an increase hydration process, these materials require a minimum amount
in compressive strength and a decrease in the higher rate of of calcium hydroxide content. The rate of healing is slow; to
shrinkage compared to control specimens. accelerate the healing process several ionic solutions are used.
2.5 Crystalline admixtures
Nele De Belie et al. [10] Crystalline admixtures are the one
which is made of active chemicals react chemically with water
and produces hydration products to improve the density of
CSH gel. Crystalline admixtures are also known as
permeability-reducing admixtures. These admixtures can
resist hydrostatic conditions. Tricalcium silicate is the
component of concrete that reacts with crystalline admixtures.
There is an increase in mechanical properties when 3 %, 5 %,
7 % of crystalline admixture are replaced by weight of cement
Figure 5. Comparison of compressive strength of the control and reacts with water.
and the bio-based concrete samples for 3, 7 and 28 days [7]
2.6 Super absorbent polymers
Carlos C.Insaurralde et al. [8] have cast samples using
bacteria and shape memory alloys. A concrete matrix which Super absorbent polymers are the water absorbing polymers
consists of bacteria and shape memory alloys can be indicated consists of hydrogels and cross linkers. It is a polymer which
as a Bacterial and Memory Material Concrete. Non- is nonpolluting, nontoxic, harmless and possesses water
destructive tests such as ultrasonic pulse velocity and electric holding capability and proper water absorption. Super
resistance are used to calculate the self healing rate. From the absorbent polymers are of two types, i.e. natural and synthetic.
ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements, it was seen that the Nele De Belie et al. [10] has mentioned that superabsorbent
quality of control samples is more compared to samples polymers can absorb water more than its own weight and
prepared with bacteria and shape memory alloys. The electric convert into an ordinary gel within a short time. When cracks
resistance is less in the control samples compared with are formed in the concrete matrix, the superabsorbent
samples made of bacteria and shape memory alloys. polymers react with the environment and swell. The swelling
capability depends on the monomer and density of cross linker.
2.4 Supplementary cementitious materials These polymers are multifunctional, acts as an internal curing
agent with a low water-cement ratio to reduce shrinkage
Supplementary cementitious materials are the one which is during hardening and increases freeze-thaw resistance.
having vast amounts of aluminous and siliceous contents but
having little or no cementitious value. These materials are in
fine form when mixed with water they chemically react with 3. TEST METHODS
calcium hydroxide and form compounds carrying
cementitious properties at average temperatures. 3.1 Mechanical properties of concrete
Supplementary cementitious materials are also known as
Mineral admixtures or Pozzolanic materials. These materials The performance of concrete can be assessed by the
are used to increase strength and durability, reduce water mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split
demand, lower the heat of hydration and reduce permeability tensile strength, flexural strength, creep, shrinkage, modulus
in the concrete matrix. of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio. Compressive strength is an
Nanayakkara et al. [9] has prepared rectangular specimens essential property of concrete as concrete is strong in
embedded with steel bars of 6mm diameter using ordinary compression and weak in tension. The effects of various self-
Portland cement and Portland pozzolana cement with a healing materials on the mechanical properties of concrete as
limestone percentage of 5 % and 12 %. The samples are cured listed here.
for 28 days and subjected to cracking using compression load.
Steel straps are provided around the samples to limit the crack 3.1.1 Compressive strength test
width. A constant head of water supply is allowed on the Compressive strength can be defined as the capability of the
cracked specimens for healing. The crack width was measured
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material to resist loads against failure. Jing Xu et al. [5] has Some of the durability tests are carbonation, water
prepared cube samples of 50 ×50 ×50 mm using sporosarcina permeability, sulphate attack, acid attack, rapid chloride
pasteurii bacteria and ceramsite particles which were loaded penetration, sorptivity, accelerated corrosion and alkali-silica
with only nutrients, only spores and both spores and nutrients. reaction. The effects of different self-healing materials on the
The samples are cracked by the compressive load and strength durability properties of concrete as follows
was estimated. After 28 days of healing, again the samples are Maria Araujo et al. [2] have prepared beam samples with
tested for compressive strength. The regain ratio can be glass and polymethyl methacrylate capsules. The samples are
calculated by the compressive strength before healing and subjected to cracking. To find the chloride ingress, the 2 core
after healing. The compressive strength values of the control samples of 150mm diameter with cracks are extracted from the
samples and specimens with ceramsite particles are shown in beams. The samples are immersed in 3 %wt of NaCl solution
Figure 6. There is an increase in 20 % compressive strength for 24 hrs and dried for 6 days. These wet-dry cycles were
for the samples casted using both spores and nutrients continued for 42 days. Except on the top surface, all the
compared to the normal concrete samples. surfaces are covered with water proof aluminum foils so that
the top surface is subjected to chloride ingress. It was
concluded that both the samples with glass and polymethyl
methacrylate capsules offers good resistance against chloride
ingress.
3.3 Microstructure observation
The microscopic study of concrete can be done by various
analysis like scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction,
texture element microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy. The microstructure behavior of discrete
materials is described here
Mostafa seifan et al. [4] has cast samples using Bacillus
sphaericus, Bacillus licheniformis and iron oxide
Figure 6. The regain ratio of the compressive strength by self nanoparticles. The samples are cracked using compressive
healing [5] loading and permit for healing. The micro morphology of
healing products can be assessed using X-ray diffraction and
3.1.2 Bending strength test energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. EDX and XRD analysis
Bending strength is also known as flexural strength of confirmed that the precipitated crystals are calcium carbonate.
concrete. It is defined as the ability of a material to withstand EDX analysis says that the calcium, oxygen and carbon atoms
load against failure in bending. Daquan Sun Bin Li et al. [11] are the components present in the precipitated crystals.
has prepared beam specimens using 3 %wt of melamine urea
formaldehyde microcapsules containing rejuvenator and
asphalt. A four-point bending test was carried on the beam 4. CONCLUSIONS
specimens for cracking. The specimens are cured for healing.
The healing performance of the asphalt concrete depends on Self healing materials are crack resistant, eco-friendly,
the flow velocity of the molecules. It was reported that the increase the lifespan of concrete structures, reduce cement
addition of 3 %wt of melamine urea formaldehyde production, labour costs and maintenance costs of structures.
microcapsules increases the fatigue life of asphalt concrete. These materials produce healing products such as calcium
carbonate and heal the cracks on the surface of the concrete.
3.1.3 Drying shrinkage test By using self healing materials, there is an increase of 20 %
The change in volume of concrete is termed as shrinkage. compressive strength, fatigue life of asphalt concrete has
This volume change is due to loss of water which increases doubled, offers good resistance against chloride ingress, water
tensile stresses and causes cracking. They are various types of absorption decreases to 30 % and the healing ratio of cracks
shrinkage, i.e. drying shrinkage, carbonation shrinkage and reaches to 86 %. By studying the micro structural behaviour,
plastic shrinkage. it was seen that the precipitated crystals are calcium carbonate
Mostafa seifan et al. [4] has cast specimens with dimensions contains oxygen atoms, calcium atoms and carbon atoms.
of 75 × 75 × 285mm with Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus Some issues have to resolve, i.e. the numerical solution to the
licheniformis and iron oxide nanoparticles. The specimens are self healing process, the active period of bacteria, low healing
placed in the lime-saturated solution for 30 min and length was efficiency and additional costs.
measured. Again the length was measured after the specimens
are placed in the lime-saturated solution for 28 days of curing
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