Durability of self-healing cementitious systems with encapsulated polyurethane evaluated with a new pre-standard test method

Abstract This work reports on the self-healing capabilities of mortar specimens with polyurethane encapsulated in two types cementitious macro-capsules, by comparison performance using same healing agent glass capsules, as tested an inter-laboratory testing campaign following a pre-standard procedure. was performed twofold objective checking robustness such procedure for varying capsules and effectiveness new type capsule that has never been used before durability tests. The developed framework EU COST Action SARCOS. First, were pre-cracked via three-point bending followed active crack width control technique. Then, effect characterised terms water permeability reduction. offered equivalent or better compared to testing. average sealing efficiency containing ranged from 54 74%, while macro-capsules it equal 56%. It also observed when applying test comparable size geometric arrangement, results obtained different repetitions test. confirmed possibility use valid macro-encapsulation system, offering additional advantages capsules. repeatability corroborated adopted procedure, highlighting its potential further standardisation.