Understanding the efficiency of autogenous and autonomous self-healing of conventional concrete mixtures through mechanical and microscopical analysis
Diego Jesus De Souza, Leandro Sanchez
Abstract
Among the ways to counter the effects of concrete cracking, self-healing appears to be very promising. This research aims to appraise the effect of autogenous and autonomous self-healing on the condition recovery of mechanically loaded concrete specimens proportioned with distinct raw materials. A commercially available crystalline admixture (CA), different types of SCMs, and chemically modified versions of CA were combined with cement to proportion distinct mixtures. Ninety-six specimens from each mixture were manufactured and cured for 28 and 180 days at 20 °C and 100 % RH, after which they were pre-loaded using up to 90 % of their corresponding compressive strength and restored at the same curing conditions for 90 days. Non-destructive, microscopic, and mechanical test procedures were conducted on the samples after the secondary curing; results indicate that SCMs enhanced the natural healing. However, mixtures to which CA was added demonstrated the highest healing ratios, indicating promising recovery of mechanical properties.