Integrated Experimental and Analytical Assessment of Reinforced Geopolymer and Microbial–Mineral SelfHealing Concrete Beams for Strength, Crack Control, Durability, and Service-Life Enhancement

Abstract

This study presents a comparative experimental and analytical assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) beams manufactured using conventional concrete (CRC), geopolymer concrete (GPC), and microbial–mineral self-healing concrete (SHC). The investigation focuses on flexural response, crack development and closure, stiffness recovery, and implications for durability and service-life performance. The supplied experimental dataset reports first-crack loads of 18.5, 22.3, and 20.1 kN and ultimate loads of 52.0, 61.5, and 55.8 kN for CRC, GPC, and SHC beams, respectively. The corresponding mid-span deflections at ultimate load were 14.8, 12.1, and 13.5 mm. The reported post-healing crack width for the SHC beam was 0.12 mm. The material-property dataset gives compressive strengths of 38.5, 44.8, and 41.2 MPa and elastic moduli of 29.0, 31.5, and 30.2 GPa for CRC, GPC, and SHC, respectively. An analytical framework based on equilibrium, compatibility, modified concrete properties, and a healing-efficiency parameter is used to interpret flexural capacity and serviceability. The results indicate higher reported flexural resistance for GPC and pronounced crack-closure and stiffness-recovery behaviour for SHC. The findings support the potential of combining low-cement/zero-Portland-cement binder technologies with autonomous crack-healing approaches for durable structural concrete; however, long-term durability, statistical repeatability, and the interaction between geopolymer matrices and microbial–mineral healing systems require further structural-scale validation.