Ultrasonic evaluation of self-healing cementitious materials with superabsorbent polymers: Mortar vs. concrete

The inclusion of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) has become increasingly attractive to promote the self-healing ability cementitious materials, thereby reducing costs related manual repairs. To advocate use these additives within large-scale constructions, an assessment is needed ensure safety infrastructures. A non-destructive evaluation method was found in adoption ultrasonic monitoring. Thanks sensitivity ultrasound elastic properties, technique allows determine effectiveness and compare healing capacity between different mixtures. However, most studies concerning assessments evolution were conducted on mortars, lacking large aggregates. Therefore, upgrade commonly used construction material, concrete monitored, its performance compared mortar. Ultrasonic surface wave monitoring shows potential evaluate crack closure either mixture effect SAPs included.