Abstract

As conventional concrete repairs have shortcomings and impact the environment, multiple attempts exist to find alternative sustainable measures to address this issue. Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) using microalgae is one of the proven methods that can heal microcracks. In this study, the method used in repairing micro-cracks is by spraying microalgae species, namely, Arthrospira platensis and Synechococcus elongatus, cultured in a high calcium-based medium onto the surface of the cement mortar. The crack healing was evaluated for 14 days after the cracks were induced by applying 65–70% of the maximum threshold load. The results show that the microalgal-treated specimens exhibited a higher strength recovery, crack closure, and less water absorption than the control specimen. It is also observed that over 75–80% (0.26 mm, approx.) of the cracks can be healed within the span of 14 days sustainably using microalgae.

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