Self-healing concrete
Self-healing concrete is capable of repairing itself back to the original state.
The origins of self-healing concrete probably stretch back to Roman times, when the Empire started using a slightly different version of concrete to build underwater structures. This material supposedly provided improved durability, high strength, and the ability to fend off deteriorating chemical reactions. Researchers from the University of Utah are said to have stumbled upon the material's secret. The reason this concrete provided high durability is due to the presence of lime and volcanic ash in its make-up. Moreover, the mixture contained a rare mineral called aluminum tobermorite, which undergoes crystallisation after coming into contact with sea water.
New self-healing concrete types are being developed all over the globe. A key example involves using limestone-producing bacteria. A specific group of alkali-resistant spore-forming bacteria related to the genus Bacillus is used for this purpose.
Bacterial concrete refers to a new generation concrete in which selective cementation by microbiologically-induced CaCO3 precipitation serves the remediation of micro-cracks. Self-healing concrete contains the bacteria genus Bacillus that is active through contact with moisture or water and then uses the calcium lactate as a food source producing limestone. As a result, these limestones fill the cracks leading to the self-repair of the damage. This bacteria can survive the alkaline nature of concrete and lies dormant within the concrete for up to 200 years.
It offers durability, leak prevention and extends the service life of concrete structures. The oxygen is consumed by the bacteria to convert calcium into limestone, which closes the crack and helps in the prevention of the corrosion of steel reinforcement due to water seeping in through cracks. This improves the durability of steel-reinforced concrete construction.
The global self-healing concrete market is segmented based on type, end-users and region:
- Based on type, the market is divided into intrinsic healing, capsule-based healing, and vascular healing.
- Based on end-user, it is divided into residential and commercial, industrial, and civil infrastructure.
- Based on the region, it is analysed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
The global self-healing concrete market size was valued at $216,720.0 thousand in 2017 and is projected to reach $1,375,088.0 thousand by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 26.4% from 2018 to 2025. In 2017, Europe dominated the global market, in terms of revenue, accounting for the highest share of the global market.
In 2017, Asia-Pacific registered the highest growth rate in the self-healing concrete market and is expected to continue this trend. In particular, economic development in countries such as China and India may drive the most lucrative markets in the future.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.