Acoustic Emission Waveform Characterization of Crack Origin In Self-Healing of Mortar Due to Internal Carbonation

In this study, self-healing of mortar was achieved by “built-in” carbonation of soluble Na2CO3 and Ca(OH)2. The effect of carbonate and calcium ions, available either internally or externally by conditioning the specimens with Ca(OH)2 and Na2CO3 solution, on the formation of calcite in cracks was investigated. The acoustic events were monitored and compared in the loading process before and after healing. Furthermore, a calibration test was carried out to distinguish the characteristic acoustic emission events of the fracture of the matrix and of healing products. It was found that the distribution of acoustic energy with FMA (frequency at maximum amplitude) and the hits with duration show a consistent trend with that of calibration. The change of tensile to shear cracking ratio in reloading illustrates a self-healing effect of cracks. Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction analysis indicates more calcite formed in the crack of self-healing specimens. The pretreated ceramsite-containing specimens exhibit the predominate self-healing effect due to the internally available CO32– and sufficient Ca2+ as compared to the others.