Abstract
Reinforced concrete structures are prone to cracking. The development of cementitious matrices with the capacity for self-healing soon after these cracks appear represents savings with inspections and repairs of the structures. Self-healing can be stimulated with the use of crystalline admixtures. Such materials easily react with water and increase the density of C-S-H (hydrated-calcium-silicate), forming insoluble deposits blocking existing pores and cracks. In this research, self-healing in concrete cracks was evaluated using three different crystalline admixtures, submitted to two and six wetting–drying cycles. The efficiency of self-healing was evaluated by optical microscopy and using the chloride diffusion test, which allowed calculating the predicted useful life of the concretes. The results highlight two important findings: (i) in optical microscopy, crystalline admixtures were not efficient in promoting self-healing on the surface of cracks in any of the studied concretes; (ii) the passage of chlorides by diffusion was lower for concretes with crystalline admixtures compared to the reference, showing better internal healing of these materials and, consequently, greater prediction of the concrete’s useful life.
Highlights
Concrete is a material widely used around the world in various construction techniques
The results highlight two important findings: (i) in optical microscopy, crystalline admixtures were not efficient in promoting self-healing on the surface of cracks in any of the studied concretes; (ii) the passage of chlorides by diffusion was lower for concretes with crystalline admixtures compared to the reference, showing better internal healing of these materials and, greater prediction of the concrete’s useful life
It has been used for many years and has undergone several improvements, this cementitious material is susceptible to different sources of degradation, which can considerably compromise the durability of structures [1]
Summary
Concrete is a material widely used around the world in various construction techniques. To avoid the deterioration of structures due to the combination of cracks and the action of chlorides, new techniques are necessary to ensure the repair of this manifestation of degradation soon after its appearance In this sense, the self-healing of cementitious materials has been the focus of several studies [6,7,8]. After the wetting and drying cycles, the cracked samples were subjected to the natural chloride diffusion test, with no potential difference applied, to simulate a real condition of exposure to the concretes. Through the chloride diffusion test, it was possible to forecast the service life of cracked concretes The work made it possible to conclude the self-healing ability of cracks in concrete with crystalline admixtures and to compare the effects of these materials with the reference concrete
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