SELF-SEALING CONCRETE FOR COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE DURABILITY

Steel reinforcement in coastal concrete corrodes when saltwater penetrates the structure, compromising integrity and driving up maintenance costs. This research develops a self-sealing concrete using superabsorbent polymers, which absorb water, swell into a gel, and physically block the pores through which corrosive agents travel. The study focuses on using recycled rather than virgin superabsorbent polymers to maximize sustainability, with applications across a range of coastal infrastructure including seawalls, piers, and bridge decks. Results are expected to inform new design and maintenance practices better suited to the demands of corrosive coastal environments.