Research Progress on Numerical Models for Self-Healing Cementitious Materials

In this paper, research progress on numerical models for self-healing cementitious materials (SHCMs) is discussed. Models developed specifically for SHCMs, as well as other relevant work, are considered. A summary of current self-healing (SH) techniques is provided along with descriptions of the processes that govern their behavior. Models for mechanical self-healing, transport processes in materials with embedded healing systems, fully coupled models, and other modeling techniques used to simulate SH behavior are discussed. The mechanics models discussed include those based on continuum–damage–healing mechanics (CDHM), micromechanics, as well as models that use discrete elements and particle methods. A considerable section is devoted to the simulation of carbonation in concrete since the essential mechanisms that govern this process are applicable to SH systems that employ calcite as a healing material. A number of transport models for simulating early-age self-healing are also considered. This highlights the fact that there are currently very few papers that describe fully coupled models, although a number of approaches that couple some aspects of transport and mechanical healing behavior are discussed. This article closes with a discussion that highlights the fact that many models are presented with limited or no experimental validation.