Smart self-healing concrete infused with nanomaterials for sustainable construction and real-time structural monitoring

ABSTRACT The multi-functional polymeric EcoFlexFiber was used in the present research for its potential to improve concrete's performance in sustainable construction and real-time structural monitoring. A 2% volume fraction of EcoFlexFiber was incorporated into the concrete mixture, consisting of a load-bearing core fibre, a chitosan-based hydrogel sheath, and a polycaprolactone outer layer. This research reported notable enhancements in mechanical and durability properties of concrete. The compressive strength increased from 32.5 MPa at 7 days to 54.8 MPa at 28 days, and flexural strength improved from 3.21 MPa to 5.12 MPa over the same period. Split tensile strength also showed a very significant increase, from 3.20 MPa at 7 days to 5.01 MPa at 28 days. Water absorption tests showed reductions in porosity, both at 7 days by 6.57% and at 28 days by 12.32%, which indicated enhancement in durability against moisture influx. Thermal analysis showed satisfactory heat distribution; the surface achieves 100°C while stabilising at 85% in the core, which speaks of the thermal resistance characteristic of the fibre. These results reinforce the effectiveness of EcoFlexFiber in improving concrete mechanical properties, durability, and thermal performance, thus constituting a potential solution for sustainable and resilient construction.