Effects of Curing, Drying Shrinkage & Bacterial Action in Self-Healing Mechanism of Concrete – An Analysis

Abstract

Concrete being the most widely used building material in the world falls into the category of those smart materials that have the structurally incorporated ability to repair damages caused by mechanical usage over time and this process of healing is directly related to those biological systems  , which have the ability to heal after being wounded. Cracks and other damages when studied at microscopic level has shown the changes in thermal , electrical and acoustical properties even leading to complete failure of the material as well. For a material to be defined as self healing, it is necessary that the healing process occurs itself without human interventions. Such healing events can be achieved by using polymerization catalysts. The thickness in such cases also plays a vital role, if the wall of the capsule studied is created too thick then it may not fracture, but if they are too thin, they may rupture prematurely. In order for this process to happen at room temperature, and for reactants to remain in monomeric state within the capsule, a catalyst is also imbedded into the thermo sheet. The catalyst is used to lower the energy barrier of the reaction and allows the monomer to polymerize without the addition of heat. The recreativity of the catalyst must be maintained even after it is enclosed, additionally, its monomers must flow at a sufficient rate with lower viscosity to cover the entire crack before it is polymerized. The catalyst must quickly dissolve into the monomer in order to react efficiently preventing the crack from spreadingfurther. The main objective of the study is to know the effects of curing, drying shrinkage and bacterial action in self hilling mechanism of concrete. The major findings and fruitful suggestions have been given in full paper.