Self-repairing of concrete cracks by using bacteria and basalt fiber

Abstract

Concrete is a most extensively used material in construction; however, cracks in concrete are unavoidable. There is a new technology that can heal the cracks by precipitated calcium carbonate called as microbial self-healing concrete which reduces the coefficient of permeability. The self-healing/self-repairing concrete with the addition of fibers can be used in construction industries to enhance the strength and durability of concrete. Fibers may reduce the crack width by bridging action and bacteria develop a filling material in that bridge portion. This improves the durability and strength of bacterial concrete. In the present study, four different mixes are prepared, namely normal concrete, bacterial concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, and bacterial concrete, with the addition of fibers. The healing/repairing efficiency of concrete is measured in terms of electrical resistivity and compressive strength of concrete on pre-cracked samples and healed samples. Further, the results are correlated with the scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis. The results and analysis that carried out show substantial enhancement in the durability and strength of concrete with the addition of fibers in bacterial concrete.