Recent research and development have led to interesting results in the concrete world. The world’s most common construction material may be on the verge of a revolutionary change: smart concrete that can actually heal itself.

Called self-healing, smart or bio concrete, this newer material has been mainly prototypical or experimental in nature. But smart concrete is poised for wider-spread use and monitoring. While the first test structures to use smart concrete occurred several years ago, current opportunities are being identified and evaluated.

What is Smart Concrete?

Smart/self-healing concrete is designed to self-heal micro-fractures (cracks) to prevent water and environmental intrusion. Water and environmental intrusions can worsen fractures, damaging the underlying steel structures. By healing the micro-fractures as they develop, smart concrete could save up to 50 percent in maintenance costs. It’s projected to also reduce the need to tear out, dispose of and rebuild concrete products.

Current Approaches to Self-Healing Concrete