As winter approaches, Canada’s roads, bridges, sidewalks and buildings are facing a familiar problem: cracks caused by large temperature swings. These cracks weaken infrastructure and cost millions to repair every year.

But what if concrete could heal itself like human skin, keeping our structures, roads and bridges strong and saving millions of dollars?

Concrete is the most widely used construction material, known for its durability and low maintenance. Yet it’s still susceptible to cracking.

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Concrete is made by mixing cement, water, aggregate and other chemicals used to enhance its properties. As cement reacts with water, it forms a paste that binds everything together.

During this process, changes in volume, improper placement and finishing, and later environmental factors can create cracks. These cracks allow water, other liquids, gases and harmful chemicals to penetrate the concrete, compromising its strength over time.

This challenge has led researchers to eagerly explore what can be done to heal these cracks. In our research, we are researching how self-healing concrete can make infrastructure more durable.

When our skin is cut, it’s able to heal on its own. Inspired by this, researchers started re-imagining concrete with similar abilities.

Traditional concrete is able to mend small cracks when water triggers leftover cement in a........

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