1. Introduction
Concrete stands as one of the fundamental building materials, providing the structural backbone for countless constructions globally [
1,
2]. However, its prolonged usage inevitably leads to the development of a myriad of microscopic cracks [
3,
4]. Left untreated, these cracks have the potential to progressively widen, presenting an escalating threat to the structural integrity of buildings [
5,
6]. The occurrence of cracks in concrete is a natural consequence of environmental factors, load stresses, and various external forces [
7,
8]. Over time, these cracks can compromise the durability and safety of structures, prompting the urgent need to address this issue [
9,
10].
Recognizing the critical importance of tackling concrete cracks, the concept of healing these cracks has emerged as a pivotal area of research and innovation within the construction industry [
11,
12]. Traditionally, repairing concrete cracks involves labor-intensive and time-consuming processes, incurring significant maintenance costs and exposing structures to potential risks associated with delayed repairs [
13,
14]. To overcome this challenge, the development of self-healing concrete has gained increasing significance [
13,
15].
Self-healing concrete is ingeniously designed to autonomously repair cracks, minimizing the need for extensive manual interventions [
16]. The rationale behind the development of this innovative material lies in its potential to revolutionize the construction industry by significantly reducing maintenance costs and enhancing the longevity of structures [
17]. Through the integration of autonomous healing mechanisms within the concrete matrix, the need for extensive human intervention and prolonged repair times can be substantially diminished, thereby contributing to enhanced structural sustainability [
18].
This paper adopts a bibliographic analysis methodology to delve into the most significant technologies associated with self-healing concrete [
19]. It aims to identify key research countries/regions and highlight prominent research institutions in this field [
20]. The overarching goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of self-healing concrete technology, drawing insights from existing literature, and shedding light on the critical advancements that have shaped this domain [
21].
By scrutinizing a vast array of scholarly articles, this analysis seeks to uncover key themes, technologies, and contributors within the self-healing concrete domain [
22]. The geographical distribution of research efforts will be explored, providing insights into countries and regions that have played pivotal roles in advancing self-healing concrete technology [
20]. Furthermore, the examination extends to research institutions that have significantly contributed to the development of self-healing concrete technologies [
23]. Recognizing the roles of these institutions is crucial for understanding the collaborative networks and knowledge-sharing dynamics that drive innovation in this dynamic field [
24].
3. Results
During the keyword analysis (Figure 1), our investigation brought to light a diverse array of terms encompassing various research aspects. Noteworthy among these were terms directly related to the mechanical properties of materials, encompassing factors like strength, flexibility, and resilience. The exploration extended to terms associated with durability, addressing the ability of materials to withstand wear, decay, or environmental stress over time.
Permeability emerged as another significant keyword, shedding light on the materials' capacity to allow substances to pass through, a crucial consideration in various engineering and construction applications. Sustainability, a pivotal concept in contemporary research, was also prominent among the identified keywords, reflecting the growing emphasis on environmentally friendly and resource-efficient materials and practices.
Furthermore, our analysis delved into chemical terms that play a crucial role in the composition and behavior of materials. Notable examples included sodium silicate, a compound with diverse applications in construction materials, and calcium carbonate, a fundamental component in various natural and synthetic materials.
In a broader context, our exploration extended to biological terms, adding an interdisciplinary dimension to the keyword spectrum. One noteworthy term in this category was Bacillus subtilis, a bacterium with potential applications in biotechnology and material sciences. This inclusion of biological terms emphasizes the evolving interdisciplinary nature of research in self-healing concrete, where insights from biology can contribute to innovative solutions in material engineering.
In summary, the keyword analysis uncovered a rich tapestry of terms spanning mechanical, chemical, and biological dimensions, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of self-healing concrete research. This nuanced understanding of diverse research aspects is vital for advancing the field and exploring holistic solutions that integrate insights from various scientific domains.
Figure 1.
VOSviewer’s analysis of keywords.
Figure 1.
VOSviewer’s analysis of keywords.
Figure 2 provides a comprehensive analysis of the geographical distribution of research efforts in the realm of self-healing concrete. It is discerned from the analysis that China and the United States stand as pivotal players, occupying central positions in the landscape of self-healing concrete research. These two nations, with their significant contributions and influential roles, underscore their prominence in driving advancements and innovations in this domain.
Beyond the core contributions from China and the United States, the global research map unfolds with a rich tapestry of involvement from various countries across different continents. Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Malaysia, India, Australia, Iran, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Germany, Canada, Turkey, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, England, Wales, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Brazil, and many others emerge as active participants, each playing a noteworthy role in the collective pursuit of advancing knowledge in self-healing concrete.
This collaborative engagement on a global scale signifies the interdisciplinary and interconnected nature of research in self-healing concrete. Scholars from diverse nations contribute their expertise, share insights, and engage in cooperative efforts to address the challenges and explore the potentials of self-healing concrete technologies. This collaborative spirit not only enhances the robustness of research outcomes but also reflects the collective commitment of the international academic community to push the boundaries of knowledge in this innovative field.
The collaborative environment fostered by scholars from various countries becomes a catalyst for academic research in self-healing concrete. The exchange of ideas, methodologies, and findings across borders contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in developing and implementing self-healing concrete solutions. The shared commitment to advancing this technology for the betterment of the construction industry and sustainable infrastructure underscores the global impact of collaborative efforts in the field.
The analysis depicted in
Figure 2 showcases the global distribution of contributions in self-healing concrete research, with China and the United States at the forefront. The collective involvement of numerous countries reflects the truly international nature of this scientific endeavor, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in pushing the boundaries of knowledge and fostering advancements in the field of self-healing concrete.
Figure 2.
VOSviewer’s analysis of countries/regions.
Figure 2.
VOSviewer’s analysis of countries/regions.
Figure 3 illustrates the primary organizations at the forefront of research in self-healing concrete. Among these, pivotal academic institutions include Ghent University and Delft University of Technology. Additionally, significant contributions and crucial roles are observed from prominent organizations such as Southeast University and Tongji University in China, along with Politecnico di Milano.
These core universities and organizations play a central role in advancing knowledge and innovation in the field of self-healing concrete. The collaborative efforts among these entities signify a global network of expertise, with academic institutions from both Western and Eastern regions actively contributing to the collective pursuit of excellence in self-healing concrete research.
The synergy among these organizations reflects a collaborative spirit that transcends geographical boundaries. Through mutual collaboration and knowledge-sharing, these institutions collectively drive advancements in the understanding and implementation of self-healing concrete technologies. The cross-cultural and interdisciplinary nature of these collaborations enriches the research landscape, contributing to the holistic development of self-healing concrete solutions.
Figure 3.
VOSviewer’s analysis of organizations.
Figure 3.
VOSviewer’s analysis of organizations.