Summary Draft #2: The Self Healing Concrete That Can Fix Its Own Cracks

In the article “The Self-healing Concrete…”, Spinks (2015) introduces the self-healing concrete innovation by Hendrik Jonkers and discusses how it can provide benefits towards industry players. She mentions that the eco-innovation can repair cracks up to 0.8mm by producing self-activating limestone, ultimately lowering maintenance expenses.  

Spinks also mention that John Alker, director of the UK Green Building Council asserts that concrete invention will contribute prominently for the construction industry. He believes that eco-innovation will be appreciated when consumers become convinced of the economic and environmental benefits. However, Jonkers claims that adopting his innovation is challenging as consumers find it costly to implement into their projects. Nevertheless, he finds that tropical regions will value green technology and appreciate self-healing concrete. Jonkers explains how Ecuador had benefitted from using self-healing concrete for its canal and irrigation by avoiding maintenance expenses. He then concludes that developing countries are willing to invest in green technology to avoid long-term costs.

 

While Spinks outline the advantages and disadvantages of adopting Jonker's innovation, she fails to highlight how the construction industry can gain long-term profits using the self-healing concrete.

References:

Spinks, R. (2017, February 21). The self-healing concrete that can fix its own cracks. The Guardian.

https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/jun/29/the-self-healing-concrete-that-can-fix-its-own-cracks