Chloride penetration in cracked mortar and the influence of autogenous crack healing

It was shown that cementitious materials, exposed to a simulated marine environment, are able to heal or seal crack widths up to 100 μm. Autogenous healing is obtained by ongoing hydration, calcium carbonate precipitation as well as by formation of a layer of magnesium and sulphate reaction products (brucite) at the surface. Furthermore, the resistance against chloride penetration improves due to the healing process. However, the efficiency depends on the initial crack width.