Self-Healing Recycled Aggregate Concrete: A Comprehensive Review of Materials, Mechanisms, and Emerging Technologies
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable and durable construction materials has driven the development of innovative solutions such as self-healing recycled aggregate concrete (SHRAC). This advanced material integrates self-healing mechanisms with recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), addressing both environmental and durability concerns. Conventional concrete structures are prone to cracking, which accelerates deterioration and increases maintenance costs. SH-RAC offers an autonomous crack-repairing capability, significantly enhancing service life. This paper presents a comprehensive review of SH-RAC, focusing on various healing mechanisms including microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), microcapsule-based systems, and chemical healing approaches. The role of recycled aggregates in improving healing efficiency through internal curing and bacterial immobilization is critically examined. Furthermore, recent advancements such as machine learning-based optimization, surface modification of recycled aggregates, and geopolymer-based SH-RAC are discussed. Key challenges, research gaps, and future directions are also highlighted to support large-scale implementation in sustainable infrastructure.