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Journal article
Numerical investigation of repeated crack-healing in cementitious composites with embedded capsule-assisted secondary healing
Cement & concrete composites, v 176, 106859
Feb 2027
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Abstract
Self-healing concrete offers a promising approach to reducing maintenance demands, yet extending effective healing across repeated crack-healing cycles remains a critical challenge. This study numerically investigates a repeated crack-healing strategy in which a repair layer contains a primary healing matrix for first-time recovery and embedded capsules containing healing agents that are released upon re-cracking to enable secondary healing. A direct tension cylinder model is used to evaluate tensile strength recovery provided by the repaired layer. The phase-field method (PFM) examines how test boundary conditions affect crack paths, while cohesive zone modeling (CZM) simulates healing matrix fracture, interfacial delamination, capsule rupture, and fracture of the secondary healed surface. The parametric study considers fracture properties, interfacial bonding, capsule volume fraction, size, spacing, and mono- versus dual-component capsule systems. The results show that capsule rupture depends strongly on the relative fracture properties of the capsule shell and capsule–matrix interface, with strong interfacial bonding promoting extensive rupture during re-fracture. Capsule volume fraction, diameter, and spacing strongly influence second-time recovery by controlling the extent and connectivity of the released healing regions. For dual-component systems, the spatial interaction between complementary healing agents governs the effective healed surface. These results provide mechanics-based guidance for balancing first-time strength recovery with second-time healing capacity in the proposed repeated healing system.
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Details
- Title
- Numerical investigation of repeated crack-healing in cementitious composites with embedded capsule-assisted secondary healing
- Creators
- Hsiao Wei Lee - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsLi Meng - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsMija H. Hubler - University of Colorado BoulderChristopher Sales - Drexel University, C. and J. Nyheim Plasma InstituteYaghoob “Amir” Farnam - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringAhmad Raeisi Najafi (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Publication Details
- Cement & concrete composites, v 176, 106859
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Grants
- D23AC00043-00, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (United States, Arlington) - ARPA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- C. and J. Nyheim Plasma Institute; Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Other Identifier
- 991022238451904721