Self-Sealing Concrete for Coastal Infrastructure Durability

This research study suggests an innovative way to use a functional infrastructure material known as “self-sealing concrete” to mitigate rebar corrosion in coastal concrete infrastructure. The developed material can be used on a variety of coastal infrastructure components, including seawalls, piers, concrete bridge decks, and structural and non-structural elements that require active protection against steel corrosion. Superabsorbent polymers, or SAPs, serve as a key component in performing this vital function. When present in concrete, SAPs’ exceptional capacity to absorb and hold huge volumes of water will significantly increase the water tightness of concrete by absorbing water, forming an expansive hydrogel, and sealing capillaries and cracks in the matrix. Because SAPs are economical, non-toxic, and easy to handle, it is anticipated that SAPs will offer a practical solution to the corrosion problem in coastal concrete infrastructure. Instead of using virgin SAPs, the proposed study will seek to use recycled SAPs. 

This research has the potential to revolutionize the design, construction, and maintenance practices of coastal infrastructure by developing self-sealing concrete technologies that are specifically tailored to the demands of corrosive coastal environments. Ultimately, the outcomes of this study are expected to improve the durability of coastal communities to natural disasters.