THE EFFECTS OF AUTOGENOUS HEALING UPON THE LEAKAGE OF WATER THROUGH CRACKS IN CONCRETE

An investigation is reported which shows that autogenous healing reduces the flow of water through cracks in concrete at rates dependent primarily on the initial effective widths. The mechanism of healing was found to be a combination of mechanical blocking and chemical precipitation of calcium carbonate. The characteristic surface width can be used to estimate the initial width if the crack is nominally parallel-sided or if the variation in width along the flow path is known. The report demonstrates that the BS 5337: 1976 requirements for crack sealing should allow for the natural closure of cracks with time as a consequence of water leakage. (TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Cement and Concrete Association

  Wexham Spring
  Slough SL3 6PL, Buckinghamshire,   England 
• Authors:
  • Clear, C A
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 31 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calcium carbonate; Chemicals; Chemistry; Concrete; Cracking; Health care; Medical treatment; Prevention; Sealing (Technology); Specifications; Standards; Water; Width
• Uncontrolled Terms: Concrete cracking; Healing
• Old TRIS Terms: Autogenous; Sealing
• ITRD Terms: 7165: Chemistry; 4755: Concrete; 5211: Cracking; 9149: Prevention; 187: Specification (standard); 4355: Water
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00451338
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Report/Paper Numbers: Tech Rpt. 559
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1986 12:00AM