Why could self-healing concrete reduce the need for cement used in repairs?

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Civil engineering — civil engineering Barge in a lock on the Grand Canal d'Alsace at Marckolsheim, Alsace, France.

Self-healing concrete reduces the need for cement in repairs by autonomously addressing structural damage, thereby extending the service life of infrastructure and decreasing the frequency of maintenance.

In traditional modern concrete, cracks often lead to progressive deterioration, necessitating frequent repairs that require additional cement. Conversely, self-healing materials—such as those inspired by ancient Roman techniques—contain reservoirs of minerals like calcium. When cracks form, water enters the structure and dissolves these minerals, which then recrystallize to fill and seal the damage.1

By effectively "healing" itself, this technology prevents minor cracks from becoming major structural failures. This durability is significant because the production of cement is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 8 percent of total output. By increasing the longevity of buildings, bridges, and seawalls, self-healing concrete offers a more sustainable approach to construction, reducing the long-term demand for new cement-based materials.1