Development of ultra-high performance concretes with self-healing micro/nano-additions

Abstract

UHPC are developed in present paper incorporating an innovative self-healing system based on two micro/nano-additions: silica microcapsules containing epoxy sealing compound (CAP) and amine functionalised silica nanoparticles. Although CAP are well integrated within the cementitious matrix, their inclusion promotes a reduction in the mechanical performance so CAP could act as weak points. However, the inclusion of these additions refines pore distribution thus increasing the expected durability in aggressive media. An effective autonomous self-healing capacity is assessed/confirmed which is unexpectedly higher in the concretes with the lower healing additions content studied. This capacity depends on the crack width and the healing period considered.