How much more does self-healing concrete cost?

Self-healing concrete typically carries a cost premium of 10–15% over conventional concrete, depending on the self-healing mechanism used. Bacterial (bioconcrete) systems — where limestone-producing bacteria are encapsulated in the mix — sit at the higher end due to specialist admixture costs. Crystalline admixture-based systems are more cost-effective and widely available in the UK. The premium is offset by reduced lifecycle maintenance: fewer crack repairs, longer service life, and lower waterproofing costs over 30–50 years. For infrastructure and below-ground structures, the whole-life cost saving can significantly outweigh the initial premium.