Self-Healing Concrete
Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research
What it is
Self-healing concrete is a type of concrete that possesses the ability to repair cracks autonomously. This technology incorporates various mechanisms that allow the concrete to seal cracks, restoring its structural integrity and durability without human intervention. This innovative approach not only reduces maintenance requirements but also promotes the longevity of concrete structures, contributing to a more sustainable construction industry.
Impact on climate action
Self-healing concrete revolutionizes low-carbon construction materials, slashing maintenance needs and extending infrastructure lifespans. Its durability reduces the frequency of repairs and replacements, minimizing resource consumption and emissions. By promoting sustainability in construction, it fosters a greener future, advancing climate action through reduced carbon footprint and resource conservation.
Underlying
Technology
- Bacteria-Based Healing: Some self-healing concrete incorporates bacteria that produce calcium carbonate when exposed to water and oxygen, effectively sealing cracks.
- Capsule-Based Healing: Tiny capsules containing healing agents, such as polymers or epoxy resins, are embedded in the concrete. When a crack forms, these capsules rupture and release the healing agent, sealing the crack.
- Fiber-Reinforced Healing: Adding fibers, such as carbon or steel fibers, to the concrete mix can help bridge cracks and enhance the self-healing process.
- Shape Memory Alloys: Embedding shape memory alloys in concrete can allow for the autonomous closure of cracks when activated by heat or electricity.
TRL : Varied, ranging from 4-5 (lab-scale testing and development) to 6-7 (demonstrated in pilot projects).
Prominent Innovation themes
- Bio-Concrete: This type of self-healing concrete utilizes bacteria that produce limestone to seal cracks, mimicking natural healing processes.
- Microcapsule-Based Healing Systems: Tiny capsules containing healing agents are strategically embedded within the concrete mix. These capsules release the healing agent when cracks occur, effectively sealing them.
- Vascular Networks: Inspired by the vascular systems in plants and animals, researchers are developing concrete with embedded networks of channels that can transport healing agents to cracks.
Other Innovation Subthemes
- Bacteria-Mediated Healing Mechanisms
- Capsule-Based Crack Sealing Technology
- Fiber-Reinforced Self-Repair Systems
- Shape Memory Alloy Integration
- Bio-Concrete Development
- Microcapsule Embedding Techniques
- Vascular Network Implementation
- Autonomous Crack Sealing Methods
- Calcium Carbonate Production by Bacteria
- Polymer-Based Healing Agents
- Epoxy Resin Release Mechanisms
- Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Strategies
- Steel Fiber Reinforcement Techniques
- Shape Memory Alloy Activation Methods
- Bio-Inspired Self-Repair Mechanisms
- Capsule Rupture Triggers
- Vascular Network Design Optimization
- Crack Detection Systems
Related Innovations
- 3D Printing of Buildings and Structures
- Advanced Composites and Nanomaterials for Construction Buildings
- Bio-Based Building Materials
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- Carbon-Negative Building Materials
- Digital Twins for Building Management and Optimization
- Digitalization and Data Analytics for Construction Materials
- Green Building Certifications
- Low-CO2 Cement and Concrete
- Prefabricated and Modular Construction
- Recycled and Upcycled Construction Materials
- Robotic Building Construction
- Sustainable Insulation Materials
Sample Global Startups and Companies
- Biomason (USA):
- Technology Focus: Biomason specializes in biologically engineered solutions for sustainable construction materials. Their innovation in self-healing concrete involves the use of bacteria that produce limestone to repair cracks in concrete structures autonomously.
- Uniqueness: Biomason’s approach to self-healing concrete stands out due to its eco-friendly nature, utilizing natural processes to enhance the durability and lifespan of concrete structures while reducing maintenance needs.
- End-User Segments: Their target segments include construction companies, infrastructure developers, and government agencies looking for innovative solutions to extend the lifespan of concrete infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic areas prone to damage.
- Basilisk (Netherlands):
- Technology Focus: Basilisk specializes in advanced concrete technology, particularly self-healing concrete. Their innovation involves incorporating capsules of healing agents into the concrete mix, which rupture upon crack formation, releasing the healing agents to repair the damage.
- Uniqueness: Basilisk’s approach offers a practical and scalable solution to self-healing concrete, providing an efficient way to repair cracks as they occur without the need for external intervention.
- End-User Segments: Their target segments include construction companies, infrastructure developers, and architects seeking durable and low-maintenance building materials for a wide range of applications, from bridges and roads to residential and commercial buildings.
- Micreos (Netherlands):
- Technology Focus: Micreos focuses on bio-based solutions for various industries, including construction. Their innovation in self-healing concrete may involve the use of bio-based additives or agents derived from natural sources to enhance the self-healing properties of concrete.
- Uniqueness: Micreos’ expertise in bio-based technologies brings a unique perspective to self-healing concrete, potentially offering sustainable alternatives to traditional healing agents and contributing to the overall environmental friendliness of concrete production and maintenance.
- End-User Segments: Their target segments may include construction companies, infrastructure developers, and government agencies prioritizing sustainability and seeking innovative solutions to improve the durability and resilience of concrete infrastructure.
Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft):
- Technology Enhancements: TU Delft researchers are pioneering the development of self-healing concrete by incorporating innovative healing agents and microorganisms into the concrete mix. They are exploring various techniques such as encapsulation, vascular networks, and biological processes to enable autonomous healing of cracks in concrete structures.
- Uniqueness of Research: TU Delft’s approach involves a combination of materials science, microbiology, and civil engineering to create self-healing concrete that can regenerate and repair cracks on its own. By harnessing the self-repair capabilities of living organisms or smart materials, they aim to extend the service life of concrete structures and reduce maintenance costs.
- End-use Applications: The self-healing concrete developed at TU Delft has wide-ranging applications in infrastructure, construction, and building industries. It can be used for bridges, highways, tunnels, and other civil engineering structures to improve durability, safety, and sustainability.
- Ghent University (Belgium):
- Technology Enhancements: Researchers at Ghent University are focusing on enhancing the self-healing properties of concrete through the use of novel healing agents, such as superabsorbent polymers and microcapsules filled with healing agents. They are investigating the kinetics of crack healing and optimizing the composition of self-healing concrete to maximize its effectiveness.
- Uniqueness of Research: Ghent University’s research emphasizes the development of cost-effective and scalable methods for producing self-healing concrete. They are exploring innovative manufacturing techniques and sustainable materials to make self-healing concrete commercially viable for widespread adoption in the construction industry.
- End-use Applications: The self-healing concrete developed at Ghent University can be used in various construction projects, including residential buildings, commercial structures, and infrastructure projects. It offers advantages such as improved durability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced resilience to environmental factors.
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign:
- Technology Enhancements: Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are leveraging advanced materials science and nanotechnology to develop self-healing concrete with enhanced mechanical properties. They are incorporating nanomaterials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes into the concrete matrix to improve its strength, toughness, and self-healing capabilities.
- Uniqueness of Research: The research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign focuses on addressing the challenges associated with the scalability and performance of self-healing concrete. They are investigating novel approaches to enhance the compatibility and dispersibility of nanomaterials in concrete mixtures while maintaining their self-healing properties.
- End-use Applications: The self-healing concrete developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has potential applications in high-performance structures, sustainable infrastructure, and resilient building materials. It can be used in seismic-prone regions, harsh environments, and high-traffic areas to improve the lifespan and reliability of concrete structures.
Commercial Implementation
While self-healing concrete is still largely in the research and development phase, several pilot projects have demonstrated its potential in real-world applications. The technology is expected to gain wider commercial adoption in the coming years, particularly for critical infrastructure projects where durability and longevity are paramount.
