Concrete is the most produced material in the entire world and contributes to more than 8 per cent of global CO2 emissions. Introduced as a new form of concrete in 2006 by Professor Henk Jonkers, a microbiologist at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, self-healing concrete ‘heals’ or ‘repairs’ damaged surface cracks on occurrence. It contains microcapsules and fibres that release healing agents like bacteria and fungi into the concrete mix. When cracks forms on the surface of the concrete, these agents come in contact with oxygen and water and release calcium carbonate to fill the cracks automatically, this heals the concrete and restores its structural integrity and durability for years.

Self-healing concrete’s primary application is structures that are not easily accessible for repair and maintenance, like heavy bridges, underground tunnels, marine structures, etc. It also has strong application in marine and offshore construction that is prone to water seeping in, affecting the reinforcement and leading to structural failure.

Much research is underway to increase the effectiveness of self-healing concrete. Professors from IIT Roorkee and some NITs, including others, have published papers on this subject...

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