StimuCrete – New Horizons for Concrete Structures Through Stimuli‐Responsive Materials

Abstract

Concrete has traditionally been a construction material whose properties are largely defined by mix design and production processes. However, variations in environmental conditions or raw material properties can significantly affect target parameters, impairing the performance and service life of structures. After mixing, only limited options exist to actively modify material behavior. With increasing automation of manufacturing and processing, the demand for precise and controllable material behavior is rising, bringing the development of adaptive concretes into focus. Within this context, the BMFTR‐funded StimuCrete project investigates the active modification of selected concrete properties. Responsive additives are incorporated into the material and can be activated by external stimuli, enabling controlled property changes. This paper addresses two application areas: the controlled adjustment of fresh concrete rheology and the introduction of self‐healing capabilities to extend structural durability. Stimuli‐responsive concrete systems offer new degrees of freedom in production and open perspectives for maintenance, while raising challenges related to process integration and industrial scalability.