DefinePK

Abstract

Self-healing concrete offers a durable solution for addressing cracks by forming calcium carbonate crystals that close micro-cracks autonomously. The research, conducted in five phases, begins by evaluating two super absorbent polymers (SAP) for mechanical recovery, including compressive and flexural strength, alongside crack observation, thermal analysis (TGA, DSC), and microstructural characterization. In the fourth phase, the optimal dosage of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is set at 1% with nano-silica added at 4 wt% of cement, enhancing concrete properties. Flexural behavior under four-point bending is tested for reinforced self-healing versus conventional beams. In the final phase, nano-silica is reduced to 1 wt%, with rice husk ash and sodium bentonite added for cost-efficiency, optimizing PVA at 1.5 wt%..