Abstract
Abstract Bacterial solutions have been studied to promote self-healing of cementitious matrices, however, the concentration of this solutions varied between studies. Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate the self-healing potential of different concentrations of Bacillus subtilis AP91 encapsulated in expanded perlite (EP). Visual examination and capillary absorption of water was measured over time. Test samples were also subjected to strength resistance tests. The physiochemical properties of EP and his distribution on the matrix was evaluated. There was no observable trend in the effect of solution concentration on the width of crack healed. However, concentration affected the quantity and length of the fissures healed. Capillary absorption decreased as fissures were healed while no significant changes were measured in strength resistance regardless of the concentration. Results indicated that EP provided suitable encapsulation to the bacterial solution and there is an adequate distribution of the capsules in the cementitious matrix.
Highlights
Worldwide, concrete is the material most used material [1] due to several advantages [2]–[4]
The fact that there was little variance from 7 days to 56 days could be attributed to the type of cement used, which contained an elevated percentage of clinker [56] and resulted in considerable strength from an early age
These results indicated that bacterial addition had no impact in the uncracked specimens despite the possibility of naturally occurring micro-fissures being formed in the cementitious matrices
Summary
Concrete is the material most used material [1] due to several advantages [2]–[4]. It has been noted that Portland cement production accounts for 9.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions [5]. Besides these environmental considerations, additional costs are accrued when dealing with interventions in reinforced concrete. Costs with repair, maintenance and reconstruction of structures is higher than new ones [6]. Concrete structures tend to deteriorate ahead of their expected life cycle [3]. One-third of the budget of large construction projects in the Netherlands is designated for interventions while in Great Britain, 45% of all activities are repair and maintenance [7]. The demolition/construction cycle of a project results in severe environmental costs [9] which are believed to be associated with repair work [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
