Experimental study on acoustic emission characteristics of sap mortar self-healing process

Self-healing properties of super absorbent polymer (SAP) concrete can reduce the harmful effects of concrete cracking in structures. This study examines the self-healing process of mortars with different SAP content under dry and wet conditions through acoustic emission testing (AE) and elastic wave velocity testing. Findings indicate that the SAP mortar healing process has three stages: rapid water absorption, smooth water absorption, and drying. In a dry environment, increasing SAP content enhances AE activity, indicating internal crack self-healing via further hydration of unhydrated cement particles. In a wet environment, AE activity increases with increasing SAP content during the second healing cycle, indicating self-healing of the mortar matrix. These results suggest the use of SAP concrete could potentially mitigate future structural damage.