The effect of the replacement rate of silica fume (SF) on the correlation between the compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of cement mortar was experimentally analyzed. Specimens were fabricated with different replacement rates of SF, the compressive strength and UPV were measured, and isothermal calorimetry and mercury intrusion porosimetry tests were conducted to analyze the effects of replacement on the hydration kinetics and microstructures on these properties. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed to observe SF particles and microstructure. The substitution of SF changed the cement mortar’s hydration kinetics and microstructures, resulting in different strengths and UPVs depending on the replacement rate. The compressive strength and UPV for cement mortars blended with SF also showed a different exponential relationship depending on the SF replacement rate.

The effect of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) on autogenous crack healing in cementitious materials with early-age cracking was investigated. SAP-containing samples exposed to wet/dry cycles showed better autogenous healing than those only exposed to wet conditions, as determined by water flow and compressive strength recovery tests. The water flow rates through cracks (380 ± 40 µm) in cement paste and cement mortar containing 1.0% SAP decreased by around 97.1–100% and 79.7–90.7%, respectively, after 14 cycles of healing compared to 1 cycle. Although the initial compressive strength decreased with SAP addition, it recovered somewhat after a 28-d healing period. Microscopy and spectroscopy results identified CaCO₃ and/or calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) as the main healing products.