Enhancing the Self-Healing Properties of M25 Concrete Using Silica Fume and Superabsorbent Polymer: An Experimental Approach
Sreeja Jacob1, Ansil A2, L Aishwarya Suresh3, Sona Rosh S4, Thushar Sagar Ghosh B L5
1Sreeja Jacob, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil, ACE College of Engineering, Trivandrum (Kerala), India.
2Ansil A, Student, Department of Civil, ACE College of Engineering, Trivandrum (Kerala), India.
3L Aishwarya Suresh, Student, Department of Civil, ACE College of Engineering, Trivandrum (Kerala), India.
4Sona Rosh S, Student, Department of Civil, ACE College of Engineering, Trivandrum (Kerala), India.
5Thushar Sagar Ghosh B, Student, Department of Civil, ACE College of Engineering, Trivandrum (Kerala), India.
Manuscript received on 29 March 2025 | First Revised Manuscript received on 31 April 2025 | Second Revised Manuscript received on 22 July 2025 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 August 2025 | Manuscript published on 30 August 2025 | PP: 34-38 | Volume-14 Issue-6, August 2025 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijeat.E464114050625 | DOI: 10.35940/ijeat.E4641.14060825
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Concrete is a widely used construction material, but one of the significant problems is cracking in structures, which may later cause severe damage to the structure. An ultimate solution for this problem is the self-healing of concrete. This study employs an experimental approach to investigate self-healing in M25 grade concrete using silica fume and a superabsorbent polymer. This experimental approach utilised a fixed proportion of silica fume and SAP. The amount of silica fume was 10% of the cement weight, and 0.45% of SAP was added to increase the self-healing efficiency. The strength of the concrete specimen was also tested. It was found that concrete specimens made with silica fume, along with SAP, exhibit greater stability compared to concrete specimens made with silica fume alone. It was observed that crack closure in concrete made with silica fume took 33 days, while concrete specimens made with silica fume along with SAP took 17 days. This study demonstrates the potential of using silica fume and SAP in concrete to enhance the durability and lifespan of structures, thereby promoting sustainability.
Keywords: M25 Concrete, Silica Fume, Super Absorbent Polymer, Self-Healing.
Scope of the Article: Civil Engineering and Applications