Self-sealing concrete mixed with ultra-high absorbent polymer

Abstract

One of the most undesirable properties of concrete is that the concrete cracks due to many reasons including shrinkage and applied loads. Normal concrete has the tendency to seal these cracks on its own utilizing the un-hydrated cement particles and the deposited fine particles. This tendency has a very limited success to deal with live expanding cracks. This study helps the concrete to seal these cracks by using the Ultra-High Absorbent Polymer (UHAP). This polymer absorbs large quantity of water to form gel-like material. The moisture content of that polymer can reach up 99%. The volume of the polymer increases with the increase in the amount of water absorbed. The gel has the tendency to fill out any surrounding void in the concrete mass including the cracks when subjected to moisture. This phenomenon helps in preventing water leaks and water flow though the concrete mass. At the same time the gel releases water slowly with time in a process considered helpful for the internal curing of the new concrete. This study will explore the ability of the UHAP to stop the water flow through an artificially created crack in the concrete samples subjected to constant (constant head). Several cubes of 5 cm side length were prepared.