SYNERGISTIC ENHANCEMENT OF STRENGTH AND SELF-HEALING IN CEMENTITIOUS SYSTEMS INCORPORATING SAP, MK, NANO-SILICA, AND MICP
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst11795Keywords:
Bio-Concrete, Durability Performance, Metakaolin (MK), Nano-Silica, Rapid Chloride Permeability (RCPT), Self-Healing Concrete, Shrinkage Control, Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP), Thermal ResistanceAbstract
Concrete structures remain inherently susceptible to premature deterioration, driven by autogenous shrinkage, carbonation, and chloride ingress, which collectively undermine durability and service life. In this study, a multifunctional M40-grade cementitious system integrating metakaolin (MK), superabsorbent polymers (SAP), nano-silica (NS), and microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) was developed to achieve simultaneous enhancement of mechanical strength, durability, and autonomous self-healing capability. A factorial design comprising 12 mixes was employed by varying SAP content (0.1-0.4%), MK replacement (5-25%), binder dosage (400-450 kg/m³), and water-to-binder ratio (0.35-0.40). The optimized hybrid composite containing SAP 0.3 % + MK 25 % + NS + MICP exhibited a compressive strength of 52 MPa, split tensile strength of 5.2 MPa, Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) value of 870 C, and carbonation depth of only 2.8 mm, alongside > 90 % autonomous crack closure after 90 days. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed a refined and continuous Calcium–Alumino–Silicate–Hydrate (C–A–S–H) network with minimal porosity, while Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra confirmed a reduced Ca/Si ratio (1.19) and enhanced Si-Al substitution, indicative of advanced gel polymerization and microstructural densification. These results collectively establish that the synergistic coupling of SAP-mediated internal curing, MK-based pozzolanic refinement, NS-induced nano-modification, and MICP-driven biogenic sealing provides a robust, scalable, and sustainable pathway for producing next-generation, self-healing concrete with superior resistance to aggressive environmental exposures.
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