Concrete is the most used material in the construction industry, being prone to cracking. Following the action of aggressive external agents, through cracks, access routes to the embedded reinforcement are created. By enclosing in concrete various materials that can induce the self-healing property, by taking actions when the cracks appear, the access of the external aggressive agents to the reinforcement can be stopped, therefore creating more durable materials. The aim of the research is to design a micro concrete with self-healing properties, based on Engineered Cementitious Composites principles from the literature and using local raw materials.

Crystalline admixtures embedded in concrete may react in the presence of water and generate thin crystals able to fill pores, capillaries and micro-cracks. Once the concrete has dried, the crystalline chemicals sit dormant until another dose of water starts the crystallization again. The research aims to analyses the early age self-sealing effect of a crystalline admixture at a dosage rate of 1–3% of the cement mass. Specimens made with two types of gravel were pre-loaded with three-point bending to up to 90% of the ultimate capacity, and conditioned through wet–dry cycles. Micro-crack closure was measured with a microscope after pre-loading, and after 1 day, 4 days, 8 days, 14 days and 20 days of wet–dry exposure. The results show that an admixture content of 3% achieves the best early self-sealing performance. These results are also confirmed by probabilistic analyses, which also emphasize the self-sealing potential of lower ICW contents.

The durability of steel reinforcement in geopolymer composites is significantly influenced by the chemical characteristics of the alkaline medium in which they are embedded. This research offers detailed insights into the corrosion kinetics and mechanisms of geopolymers derived from various fly ash and alkaline activator formulations, considering their inherent microstructural and chemical heterogeneity. This study investigates the effect of the molarity of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and the ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide (Na₂SiO₃/NaOH) on the corrosion behavior of steel reinforcement in geopolymer matrix under the action of chloride ions. Corrosion of steel reinforcement embedded in geopolymer binder prepared by alkaline activation of fly ash with alkaline activator prepared with different Na₂SiO₃/NaOH ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) and different molar concentrations of NaOH solution (6 M, 8 M and 10 M) was analyzed in terms of process kinetics using Open Circuit Potential (OCP) and Linear Polarization (LP) and mechanism by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The study demonstrates that a Na₂SiO₃:NaOH ratio of 1:2 and an 8 M NaOH solution yield the most favorable combination of physical and mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, confirmed by the highest apparent density, lowest water absorption, and significantly reduced corrosion current densities (as low as 0.72 μA/cm²), as well as highlighting porosity and pH as key factors influencing steel protection in geopolymer matrices.

The long-term durability and structural integrity of modern buildings, which are inherently reliant on reinforced concrete, are governed by the rate of corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement. Corrosion kinetics, therefore, is not merely an academic exercise, but rather a critical foundation for predicting and extending a structure’s life span, mitigating safety risks, and ensuring the sustainability of the built environment against a host of environmental and chemical degradation factors. The present study conducts a comparative analysis of the short-term corrosion initiation behavior of steel reinforcement embedded in three distinct types of geopolymer binders, a cementitious paste, and a cementitious composite with natural aggregates. Electrochemical techniques, such as Open Circuit Potential (OCP) and linear polarization tests were used to characterize the behavior of the steel reinforcement embedded in the 4 types of samples. Additionally, these samples containing the reinforcement were further characterized using advanced microstructural techniques, specifically porosimetry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

The aim of this paper is to present the way of reconstruction of historical monuments of Romanesque architecture by reusing and highlighting the original component materials, related to the subassemblies of the construction, respectively the recycling of those components that have lost their historical value. The Romanesque buildings are part of Romanian national cultural heritage and have been through controversial historical periods, and therefore have undergone important modifications or structural losses. The reconstruction or rehabilitation of the Romanesque historical buildings is a way of sustainable development by adapting the buildings to the new conditions of use.

In a time when the attention paid to identifying the possibilities of reducing problems due to urban pollution is increasing, the construction industry has a lot to gain if it aligns itself with the new trends of sustainable development in the field. In this context, the objective of obtaining a concrete with self-healing properties of cracks is more than appropriate, becoming a sustainable alternative for reducing the maintenance costs of transport infrastructure by increasing their operating time and by decreasing the need for the volume of repair and maintenance works, thus indirectly contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution. Preliminary results obtained using a cementitious composite with waterproofing admixture content by mass crystallization are encouraging by identifying the existence of an autonomous healing degree (closure of cracks with average opening 20-40 µm) in a proportion of at least 65% after only 96 hours of exposure in a wet-dry environment, respectively and of at least 96% after 480 hours of conditioning. The degree of novelty and value of this research is mainly due to the approach of this type of composite produced by adapting the general principles to local raw materials, including the use of specific industrial waste and by-products available in Romania (fly ash and limestone slurry).