Self Healing Concrete PDF
Self Healing Concrete PDF
Self Healing Concrete PDF
INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
Concrete is exposed to external factors such as extreme heat, cold, stress,
during service. Concrete shrinks and expands with variations in moisture and
temperature. Cracks can occur when changes to accommodate these factors are
not implemented in the design and development. Other factors that can affect
concrete and its lifespan include shrinkage, design flaws or poor quality of
construction materials. Due to these factors in addition to several more it is
inevitable that reinforced concrete eventually develop cracks. When cracks
originate in concrete structures, a sequence of serious events begins to occur
within those structures. Not only do these cracks affect the functionality of the
structure, but they also affect the durability and strength of the structure. In
order to enhance concrete resistance to these defects and degradations, the
innovation of self-healing concrete is promising.
Self-healing concrete can be defined as concrete that possesses selfhealing agents, which will automatically heal concrete structures, when cracks
occur during their life cycle. Self-healing agents may be transferred through
strong core microcapsules, hollow reinforced fibers and even by forms of
organic matter. All of these methods are currently undergoing testing and
analysis in order to test their durability and longevity. Recent studies in the
literature have demonstrated the ability of self-healing processes to be effective
in enhancing the overall life of concrete.
1.2 CONCRETE:
Concrete is a composite material composed of coarse granular material
(the aggregate or filler) embedded in a hard matrix of material (the cement or
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binder) that fills the space between the aggregate particles and glues them
together. We can also consider concrete as a composite material that consists
essentially of a binding medium within which are embedded particles or
fragments of aggregates. The simplest representation of concrete is:
Concrete = Filler + Binder.
According to the type of binder used, there are many different kinds of concrete.
For instance, Portland cement concrete, asphalt concrete, and epoxy concrete. In
concrete construction, the Portland cement concrete is utilized the most. Thus,
in our course, the term concrete usually refers to Portland cement concrete. For
this kind of concrete, the composition can be presented as follows
Cement +
(+ Admixture)
+ Water
Cement paste
+
mortar
Fine aggregate
concrete
Coarse aggregate
Here we should indicate that admixtures are almost always used in modern
practice and thus become an essential component of modern concrete.
Admixtures are defined as materials other than aggregate (fine and coarse),
water, fibre and cement, which are added into concrete batch immediately
before or during mixing. The widespread use of admixture is mainly due to the
many benefits made possible by their application. For instance, chemical
admixtures can modify the setting and hardening characteristic of cement paste
by influencing the rate of cement hydration. Water-reducing admixture can
plasticize fresh concrete mixtures by reducing surface tension of water, airentraining admixtures can improve the durability of concrete, and mineral
If the shrinkage of concrete could take place without restraint, the concrete
would not crack. The combination of shrinkage and restraint cause tensile
stresses to develop in the concrete, leading to cracking. The larger shrinkage at
the surface causes cracks to develop that may, with time, penetrate deeper into
the concrete.
5. Concrete Crazing:
Crazing is the development of a network of fine random cracks or
fissures on the surface of concrete caused by shrinkage of the surface layer.
These cracks are rarely more than 3mm deep, and are more noticeable on over
floated or steel-troweled surfaces. The irregular hexagonal areas enclosed by the
cracks are typically no more than 40mm wide and may be as small as 10mm in
unusual instances. Often they are not readily visible until the surface has been
wetted and it is beginning to dry. They do not affect the structural integrity of
concrete and rarely do they affect durability. However crazed surfaces can be
unsightly.
6. Thermal Cracking:
Temperature difference within a concrete structure may be caused by
portions of the structure losing heat of hydration at different rates or by the
weather conditions cooling or heating one portion of the structure to a different
degree or at a different rate than another portion of the structure. These
temperature differences result in differential volume change, leading to cracks.
This is normally associated with mass concrete including large and thicker
sections ( 500mm) of column, piers, beams, footings and slabs.
7. Cracking due to Chemical Reaction:
Deleterious chemical reactions may cause cracking of concrete. These
reactions may be due to materials used to make the concrete or materials that
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come into contact with the concrete after it has hardened. Concrete may crack
with time as the result of slowly developing expansive reactions between
aggregate containing active silica and alkalis derived from cement hydration,
admixtures or external sources (e.g. curing water, ground water, alkaline
solutions stored or used in the finished structure).The alkali silica reaction
results in the formation of a swelling gel, which tends to draw water from other
portions of the concrete. These causes local expansion and accompanying
tensile stresses and may eventually result in the complete deterioration of the
structure.
8. Steel Corrosion induced Cracking:
Corrosion of the steel produces iron oxides and hydroxides, which have a
volume much greater than the volume of the original metallic iron. This
increase in volume causes high radial bursting stresses around reinforcing bars
and results in local radial cracks. These splitting cracks can propagate along the
bar, resulting in the formation of longitudinal cracks or spalling of the concrete.
A broad crack may also form at a plane of bars parallel to a concrete surface
resulting in delamination, a well-known problem in bridge decks. Cracks
provide easy access for oxygen, moisture and chlorides and then minor splitting
cracks can create a condition in which corrosion and cracking are accelerated.
CHAPTER 2
SELF HEALING CONCRETE
2.1 GENERAL:
Self-healing materials are a class of smart materials that have the
structurally incorporated ability to repair damage caused by mechanical usage
over time. The inspiration comes from biological systems, which have the
ability to heal after being wounded. Cracks and other types of damage on a
microscopic
level
has
been
shown
to
cement
particles
and
carbonation
of
dissolved
calcium
bonding, ionomersand
chemical
bonds
(Diels-Alder
chemistry). Microencapsulation is the most common method to develop selfhealing coatings. The capsule approach originally described by White et al.,
using microencapsulated dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) monomer and Grubbs
catalyst to self-heal epoxy polymer was later adapted to epoxy adhesive films
that are commonly used in the aerospace and automotive industries for bonding
metallic
and
composite
substrates. Recently,
microencapsulated
liquid
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CHAPTER 3
SELF-HEALING CONCRETE METHODS
The healing agents described in previous chapter require a method to
encapsulate them in the cementitious matrix until they are required for
healing.There are various self-healing methods for concrete that have been
instituted throughout modern practices. The most common methods of selfhealing in concrete consist of Autogenous healing, Hollow Fiber Glass Systems,
Autonomic Healing of Polymer Composites, Microencapsulation of SelfHealing Agents, Autonomous healing by bacteria,chemical encapsulation,
chemicals in glass tubing, mineral admixtures, intrinsic healing with selfcontrolled tight crack width and bacterial encapsulation.In the following
sections, a detailed and thorough overview is provided concerning these
processes and methods.
1926. Already at that time a distinction was made between self-sealing and selfhealing.
The three main processes of autogenous healing according to Joseph are
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(Fiber-Reinforced
Polymers)
have
great
performance
used in the past for healing agents are ethyl cyanoacrylate, methyl methacrylate,
and cyanoacrylate.
Glass fibers, which contain specific healing agents, can represent two different
methods. One method can serve as a one-part adhesive, such as cyanoacrylate.
The system can also serve as a two-part epoxy system, containing both a resin
and a hardener. Both of these methods will be located perpendicular to one
another; however, one is implemented within the matrix itself and one within
the fibers.It has been shown in previous studies that these hollow fibers are
multifunctional; since the fibers themselves store a liquid healing agent while
simultaneously provide structural reinforcement.
These hollow fiber systems offer a flexibility to place healing plies in different
locations within the laminate in order to tailor the repair to the likely damage.
This is an excellent process for the self-healing of concrete process. However, if
these self-healing hollow glass fibers are not located in an area where the crack
occurs, the self-healing agent will not be utilized. Although an excellent
method, more research and analysis must be completed before implementation
into the market place.
3.3 AUTONOMIC HEALING OF POLYMER COMPOSITES:
As previously discussed and addressed with Hollow Glass Fiber Healing,
it was founded that cracks can develop deep within polymer structures, causing
mechanical degradation at times. Despite the bases for the cracks, the
composition of the polymer structure can be significantly compromised. Beyond
the Hollow Glass Fiber method, an additional process exists in which a
structural polymeric material has the capability to automatically heal cracks
within concrete structures. Just like the Hollow Glass Fiber Self-Healing
method, a microencapsulated healing agent is released into the crack plane once
the damage occurs. Once the healing agent comes into contact with the
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linked
polymer
network
causes
reaction
that
polymerizes
Materials and components such as these presented should increase the reliability
and service life of thermosetting polymers (Brown et al. 2003). However, the
amount utilized when placing DCDP microcapsules within concrete structures
is unclear. In addition, there are many questions that must and should be
answered in order to effectively utilize this unique and rare self-healing
property in the commercial market. For example, the reproduction potential in
mass quantity is speculative.
3.4 MICRO-ENCAPSULATION PROCESSES:
The in-situ process is an extremely important component due to the fact
that this was the process selected for the preparation of the microcapsules. An
essential part of the microcapsule is the core shell itself. The method utilized to
generate the microcapsules core can be by liquid or gaseous phase, liquid or
slurry, multiple wall capsule, etc. Within the in-situ process, an emulsification
process produces a spherical core solid wall. The second integral section of the
microcapsule is the shell wall itself. In order to establish to proper wall
application, the type of materials for the given product desired must be selected.
The material utilized must be appropriate to assist the microcapsules in
enduring its required environment.
The in-situ process includes a combination of aqueous and interfacial
polymerization. For the aqueous phase, the core material must be immersible in
water. The walls will form when the dissolved material creates a phase out and
wrap around core particles to make a suitable change.In order for this to occur,
the system of the aqueous solution must be changed by the following factors:
reduction in temperature, addition of chemical precipitating agent, or pH
alteration. The micro-encapsulation process is also successful by utilizing an
interfacial polymerization technique. The formation of a polymer at the
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interface between two liquid (Water and DCDP Interface) phases is known as
interfacial polymerization.
3.5 AUTONOMOUS HEALING BY BACTERIA:
Self-healing concrete is a product that will biologically produce limestone
to heal cracks that appear on the surface of concrete structures. Specially
selected types of the bacteria genus Bacillus, along with a calcium-based
nutrient known as calcium lactate, and nitrogen and phosphorus, are added to
the ingredients of the concrete when it is being mixed. These self-healing agents
can lie dormant within the concrete for up to 200 years. However, when a
concrete structure is damaged and water starts to seep through the cracks that
appear in the concrete, the spores of the bacteria germinate on contact with the
water and nutrients. Having been activated, the bacteria start to feed on the
calcium lactate. As the bacteria feeds oxygen is consumed and the soluble
calcium lactate is converted to insoluble limestone. The limestone solidifies on
the cracked surface, thereby sealing it up. It mimics the process by which bone
fractures in the human body are naturally healed by osteoblast cells that
mineralize to reform the bone. The consumption of oxygen during the bacterial
conversion of calcium lactate to limestone has an additional advantage.Oxygen
is an essential element in the process of corrosion of steel and when the
bacterial activity has consumed it all it increases the durability of steel
reinforced concrete constructions.
The two self-healing agent parts (the bacterial spores and the calcium
lactatebased nutrients) are introduced to the concrete within separate expanded
clay pellets 2-4 mmwide, which ensure that the agents will not be activated
during the cementmixing process. Only when cracks open up the pellets and
incoming water brings the calcium lactate into contact with the bacteria do these
become activated. Testing has shown that when water seeps into the concrete;
the bacteria germinate and multiply quickly. They convert the
nutrients into limestone within seven days in the laboratory. Outside, in lower
temperatures, the process takes several weeks. Refer Figure for self- healing
process.
air to activate their functions. Any cracks that should occur provide the
necessary exposure. When the cracks form, bacteria very close proximity to the
crack, starts precipitating calcite crystals.
Oxygen is an essential element in the process of corrosion of steel and
when the bacterial activity has consumed it all it increases the durability of steel
reinforced concrete constructions. Tests all show that bacteria embedded
concrete has lower water and chloride permeability and higher strength regain
than the surface application of bacteria. The most promising bacteria to use for
self-healing purposes are alkaliphilic (alkali- resistant) spore-forming bacteria.
The bacteria, from the genus Bacillus, subtilus is adopted for present study. It is
of great concern to the construction industry whether or not these bacteria are
smart enough to know when their task is complete because of safety concerns.
Bacillus Subtilus which is a soil bacterium (isolated from JNTUH soil) is
harmless to humans as it is non-pathogenic microorganism.
Chemistry of the Process Microorganisms (cell surface charge is negative) draw
cations including Ca2+ from the environment to deposit on the cell surface. The
following equations summarize the role of bacterial cell as a nucleation site
Ca 2+ + Cell --------> Cell- Ca 2+
Cell- Ca 2+ +CO 32-----> Cell-CaCO 3
The bacteria can thus act as a nucleation site which facilitates in the
precipitation of calcite which can eventually plug the pores and cracks in the
concrete. This microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation
(MICCP) comprises of a series of complex biochemical reactions. As part of
metabolism, B.Subtilus produces urease, which catalyses urea to produce CO 2
and ammonia, resulting in an increase of pH in the surroundings where ions Ca
2+ and CO 32- precipitate as CaCO 3 . These create calcium carbonate crystals
that further expand and grow as the bacteria devour the calcium lactate food.
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The crystals expand until the entire gap is filled. In any place where standard
concrete is currently being used, there is potential for the use of bacterial selfhealing concrete instead. The advantage is that the perpetual and expected
cracking that occurs in every concrete structure due to its brittle nature can be
controlled, reduced, and repaired without a human work crew. Bacterial selfhealing concrete also prevents the exposure of the internal reinforcements. This
form of self-healing concrete was created to continuously heal any damage done
on or in the concrete structure. With this process, money can be saved,
structures will last far longer, and the concrete industry as a whole will be
turning out a far more sustainable product, effectively reducing its CO2
contribution.
3.5.3 CONCLUSION:
Use of bacteria as self-healing agents helps in healing the cracks that are
caused in the structure due to many reasons.The calcite material secreted by
bacteria when exposed to the environment fills the cracks developed.With this
not only cracks are healed but life of concrete is also enhanced. The action of
bacteria is automatic so there is no need of tension as cracks are healed itself.
The overall conclusion of this work is that the proposed two component biochemical healing agent, composed of bacterial spores and a suitable organic biocement precursor compound, using porous expanded clay particles as a
reservoir is a promising bio-based and thus sustainable alternative to strictly
chemical or cement-based healing agents, particularly in situations where
concrete parts of a construction are not accessible for manual inspection or
repair.
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CHAPTER 4
SCOPE OF SELF HEALING CONCRETE
When the strength of regular and self-healing concrete are tested in a lab,
the advantage of this new concrete is apparent. Traditional concrete, when put
under a stress load of .01 percent, cannot hold a load and fractures under the
force exerted on it. However, self-healing concrete can recover nearly all of its
strength when placed under a stress load of 3 percent. This amount of strain is
strong enough to not only destroy a structure made of original concrete, but
could also severely deform metal.The fact that this new concrete can heal itself
will allow it to last much longer than regular concrete, and even reinforced
concrete. The increased strength of self-healing concrete allows it to have a
much longer lifespan than traditional concrete.
4.1 SELF-HEALING CONCRETE COST EFFECTIVE:
Self-healing concrete is estimated to be about three times the price of
traditional concrete, in the end it will cost much less. With traditional concrete,
the amount of repairs required will practically pay for the self-healing concrete.
Take the Grove Street Bridge for example. The Grove Street Bridge passes over
in Ypsilanti, Mich. It was built with traditional concrete and has an average of
$350,000 a year in maintenance and repair costs. If the same bridge was built
from self-healing concrete, it is estimated to have a 50% less life-cycle cost over
a 60 year lifespan. The savings would add up to about $11 million over the
entire lifespan of the bridge, which could justify an original cost that is so much
greater than that of traditional concrete.
4.2 REDUCTION IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
The concrete industry is responsible for close to 10% of the CO2
emissions in the United States. The production of concrete requires a large
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amount of energy. The materials have to be mined out of the earth, transported
to concrete plants, and then the concrete must be created. With self-healing
concrete reducing the amount of repairs large concrete structures need,
significantly less amounts of concrete will be needed. When less concrete is
needed and produced, the amounts of CO2 released into the atmosphere will be
reduced significantly.
4.3 OTHER ADVANTAGES:
1. Incorporation of the healing agent will be relatively cheap well as easy when
the aggregate is immobilized in porous light weight aggregate prior to addition
to the concrete mixture.
2. Oxygen is an agent that can induced corrosion, as bacteria feeds on oxygen
tendency for the corrosion of reinforcement can be reduced.
3. Self healing bacteria can be used in places were humans find it difficult to
reach for the maintenance of the structures. Hence it reduces the risking of
human in dangerous life and also increases durability of the structures.
4.4 SELF-HEALING CONCRETE AND THE CODE OF ETHICS:
Self-healing concrete fits into the first fundamental canon of the code of
ethics for the National Society of Professional Engineers because it abides by
the rules of protecting the publics safety, health, and welfare. The first concern
of all engineers should be to ensure the safety of the public, because their job is
to make life easier. Self-healing concrete fits perfectly into this because the
whole idea of this new invention is to create a stronger type of concrete. If
concrete is made stronger, it will be more difficult to damage, therefore, making
it safer for the public to use.
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4.5 DISADVANTAGES:
1. If the volume of self healing agents (bacteria and calcium lactate ) mixed
become greater than 20%, the strength of concrete is reduced.
2. Preparation of self healing concrete needs bacteria, calcium lactate or other
agents.Preparation of calcium lactate from milk is costlier.Hence the cost of self
healing concrete is double than the conventional concrete.
4.6 APPLICATIONS:
In regions that are high in corrosive chemicals, concrete structures are
likely to develop more cracks than in the typical environment. These corrosive
chemicals can be as mild as the salt used on roads to melt ice in the winter or as
harsh as acid rain. The self-healing technology can work to slow this process by
healing the microcracks before they have a chance to worsen, thus significantly
increasing the lifespan of otherwise unsafe structures.
Self-healing concrete would also be particularly effective in regions that
are prone to earthquakes. If the concrete structures in earthquake zones were
constructed out of self-healing concrete, the structures that only suffered from
microcracks after an earthquake could be left to heal themselves and the
structures would not require demolition and reconstruction. This healing
technology would create structures that are better equipped to withstand minor
earthquakes without the need for external crack repair, making them more
sustainable.
Self healing bacterial concrete can be used in sectors such as tunnel
linning, structural basement walls, highway bridges concrete floors and marine
structures.
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CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
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REFERENCES