Abstract—Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is a new generation of cement-based material because of its higher compressive and tensile strength, increased durability, and higher resistance to environmental degradation. However, UHPC undergoes microcracking when subjected to mechanical and thermal loading, which can jeopardize the long-term performance of the structure, decrease service life, and cause expensive maintenance. Traditional solutions to enhance UHPC durability are centered on material densification and fiber strengthening, while these treatments cannot comprehensively respond to the problem of microcrack growth or recover the degradation in functionality that has occurred due to cracking.The latest developments in nanotechnology have brought into light the multifaceted applications of functional nanomaterials like Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) in enhancing UHPC's mechanical and functional properties. GNPs provide unparalleled mechanical reinforcement, electrical conductivity, and self-sensing, which can be exploited for smart structural health monitoring. Yet, there exists one very significant limitation: it is extremely difficult to ensure uniform dispersion of GNPs within the cement matrix because of their nature to agglomerate, which drastically limits their efficiency and composite performance.This study presents a new strategy based on self-dispersion bio-polymer capsules containing GNPs that are also carriers of healing agents. Such capsules are designed to break under the formation of microcracks, releasing the GNPs and the healing agents directly into the plane of the crack. Such dual functionality enables self-healing autonomously, where the emitted healing agents chemically close the microcracks, and restoration of the conductive network, restoring the material's self-sensing capability. Essentially, the UHPC matrix acquires a multifunctional ability to simultaneously maintain structural integrity as well as sense its own health.The research entails synthesis and characterization of the bio-polymer capsules, mix design optimization of the UHPC to incorporate these capsules efficiently, and experimental analysis of post-crack recovery in mechanical performance and electrical conductivity. The findings reveal substantial enhancement in crack healing efficiency and recovery of functional properties, pointing towards the potential of this method for creating freely autonomous, long-lasting, and intelligent concrete structures.

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1. Massion C. Graphene nanoplatelets reinforced cement as a solution to subsurface issues. Construction and Building Materials. 2022.

2. Alateah AH. Graphene concrete: Recent advances in production and properties. Journal of Building Engineering. 2023.

3. Liu L. Cracks repairing and resistance to water penetration using microcapsules. Materials. 2025.

4. Jiang L. State-of-the-art review of microcapsule self-repairing concrete. Polymers. 2024.

5. Nan Y. Functionalized graphene oxide/sodium alginate beads for adsorption. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2023.
6. Lv S, Ma Y, Qiu C, Sun T, Liu J, Zhou Q. Effect of graphene oxide nanosheets on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cement composites. Construction and Building Materials. 2013;49:121-127.
7. Pan Z, He L, Qiu L, Korayem AH, Li G, Zhu JW, et al. Mechanical properties and microstructure of a graphene oxide–cement composite. Cement and Concrete Composites. 2015;58:140-147.
8. De Belie N, Gruyaert E, Al-Tabbaa A, Antonaci P, Baera C, Bajare D, et al. A review of self-healing concrete for damage management of structures. Advanced Materials Interfaces. 2018;5(17):1800074.
9. Li V, Herbert E. Robust self-healing concrete for sustainable infrastructure. Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology. 2012;10(6):207-218.
10. Van Tittelboom K, De Belie N. Self-healing in cementitious materials—A review. Materials. 2013;6(6):2182-2217.

Abstract—Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is a new generation of cement-based material because of its higher compressive and tensile strength, increased durability, and higher resistance to environmental degradation. However, UHPC undergoes microcracking when subjected to mechanical and thermal loading, which can jeopardize the long-term performance of the structure, decrease service life, and cause expensive maintenance. Traditional solutions to enhance UHPC durability are centered on material densification and fiber strengthening, while these treatments cannot comprehensively respond to the problem of microcrack growth or recover the degradation in functionality that has occurred due to cracking.The latest developments in nanotechnology have brought into light the multifaceted applications of functional nanomaterials like Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) in enhancing UHPC's mechanical and functional properties. GNPs provide unparalleled mechanical reinforcement, electrical conductivity, and self-sensing, which can be exploited for smart structural health monitoring. Yet, there exists one very significant limitation: it is extremely difficult to ensure uniform dispersion of GNPs within the cement matrix because of their nature to agglomerate, which drastically limits their efficiency and composite performance.This study presents a new strategy based on self-dispersion bio-polymer capsules containing GNPs that are also carriers of healing agents. Such capsules are designed to break under the formation of microcracks, releasing the GNPs and the healing agents directly into the plane of the crack. Such dual functionality enables self-healing autonomously, where the emitted healing agents chemically close the microcracks, and restoration of the conductive network, restoring the material's self-sensing capability. Essentially, the UHPC matrix acquires a multifunctional ability to simultaneously maintain structural integrity as well as sense its own health.The research entails synthesis and characterization of the bio-polymer capsules, mix design optimization of the UHPC to incorporate these capsules efficiently, and experimental analysis of post-crack recovery in mechanical performance and electrical conductivity. The findings reveal substantial enhancement in crack healing efficiency and recovery of functional properties, pointing towards the potential of this method for creating freely autonomous, long-lasting, and intelligent concrete structures.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Massion C. Graphene nanoplatelets reinforced cement as a solution to subsurface issues. Construction and Building Materials. 2022.

2. Alateah AH. Graphene concrete: Recent advances in production and properties. Journal of Building Engineering. 2023.

3. Liu L. Cracks repairing and resistance to water penetration using microcapsules. Materials. 2025.

4. Jiang L. State-of-the-art review of microcapsule self-repairing concrete. Polymers. 2024.

5. Nan Y. Functionalized graphene oxide/sodium alginate beads for adsorption. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2023.
6. Lv S, Ma Y, Qiu C, Sun T, Liu J, Zhou Q. Effect of graphene oxide nanosheets on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cement composites. Construction and Building Materials. 2013;49:121-127.
7. Pan Z, He L, Qiu L, Korayem AH, Li G, Zhu JW, et al. Mechanical properties and microstructure of a graphene oxide–cement composite. Cement and Concrete Composites. 2015;58:140-147.
8. De Belie N, Gruyaert E, Al-Tabbaa A, Antonaci P, Baera C, Bajare D, et al. A review of self-healing concrete for damage management of structures. Advanced Materials Interfaces. 2018;5(17):1800074.
9. Li V, Herbert E. Robust self-healing concrete for sustainable infrastructure. Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology. 2012;10(6):207-218.
10. Van Tittelboom K, De Belie N. Self-healing in cementitious materials—A review. Materials. 2013;6(6):2182-2217.