Self-Healing Concrete: A ground-breaking new technology

26 May 2023 CW Team

Concrete is the most produced material in the entire world and contributes to more than 8 per cent of global CO2 emissions. Introduced as a new form of concrete in 2006 by Professor Henk Jonkers, a microbiologist at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, self-healing concrete ‘heals’ or ‘repairs’ damaged surface cracks on occurrence. It contains microcapsules and fibres that release healing agents like bacteria and fungi into the concrete mix. When cracks forms on the surface of the concrete, these agents come in contact with oxygen and water and release calcium carbonate to fill the cracks automatically, this heals the concrete and restores its structural integrity and durability for years.

Self-healing concrete’s primary application is structures that are not easily accessible for repair and maintenance, like heavy bridges, underground tunnels, marine structures, etc. It also has strong application in marine and offshore construction that is prone to water seeping in, affecting the reinforcement and leading to structural failure.

Much research is underway to increase the effectiveness of self-healing concrete. Professors from IIT Roorkee and some NITs, including others, have published papers on this subject...

To read the full story, CLICK HERE.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..