Advancements and Applications of Self-Healing Concrete for Sustainable Infrastructure

¹ New Horizon College of Engineering, Bangalore, India.
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Narasaraopeta Engineering College, Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh - 522601, India
³ Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, MLR Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
⁴ Department of AI & ML Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bachupally, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
⁵ Department of Information Technology, Narasaraopeta Engineering College, Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh - 522601, India
⁶ Lloyd Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201316, India.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 3 March 2026

Abstract

Self-healing concrete is an innovative material capable of autonomously repairing cracks, thereby enhancing durability, reducing maintenance, and supporting sustainable construction. This paper reviews three primary self-healing mechanisms: autogenous hydration, biogenic healing, and chemical encapsulation, and examines their applications in transportation, marine, seismic, and underground infrastructure. The study highlights the material’s potential to lower carbon emissions, conserve resources, and align with circular economy principles by incorporating industrial by-products. However, challenges such as high initial costs, technical limitations in healing efficiency, and the absence of standardized regulations hinder widespread adoption. Addressing these barriers through further research and development is crucial for realizing the transformative potential of self-healing concrete in building resilient and sustainable infrastructure.