First UK Commercial Deployment of Microcapsule-Based Self-Healing Reinforced Concrete
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33, Issue 6
Abstract
Consolidating previous research on the development of novel microcapsules for self-healing in cementitious systems, this work forms a base for developing an implementation strategy and guidance for microcapsule-based self-healing technology. The study presents details of the first commercial deployment of this technology, as a ready-mix self-healing additive for commercial application. This involved the on-site construction of two slabs in a new development at the University of Cambridge. This paper describes the optimization of the mix, the structural concept and design, and processing and casting procedures. Prior to application, the compliance and compatibility of the healing additive with the concrete according to specifications and requirements of the design were investigated, validating the use of the developed system. These were complemented by large-scale laboratory testing of the healing efficiency under damage scenarios identified as critical for the on-site application. The performance of the site installation was monitored over 12 months through a combination of nondestructive testing methods. Results are presented with durability indicators confirming the in situ enhanced performance of the proposed self-healing system.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The financial support from EPSRC for the Resilient Materials for Life (RM4L) Programme Grant (EP/P02081X/1) is gratefully acknowledged. The authors also are particularly grateful to Paul Astle of Ramboll, Cambridge; Tom Fenner of SDC; Andy Dunlop from AECOM; Simon Smith from Smith and Wallwork; and Rachel Williams from Cambridge University Building Projects for their part in supporting and facilitating this commercial deployment.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33 • Issue 6 • June 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 25, 2019
Accepted: Oct 6, 2020
Published online: Mar 17, 2021
Published in print: Jun 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Aug 17, 2021
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