The application of bacteria as a main factor in self-healing concrete technology

Abstract

Concrete is the most commonly used building material as well as one of the main construction material, the cracks in concrete create problems. Cracks in concrete occur due to various mechanisms such as shrinkage, freeze–thaw reactions, and mechanical compressive and tensile forces. Concrete structures are often reinforced with steel. In order for the reinforcement to take over tensile forces, concrete has to crack. Through such cracks, water and compounds that are harmful to concrete can enter. Therefore, a novel technique has been developed by using a selective microbial plugging process. The technology of Self-healing concrete based on calcium carbonate precipitation induced through bacterial activity has been investigated in recent years by teams around the world. One such thought has led to the development of a very special concrete known as Bacterial Concrete where bacteria is induced in the mortars and concrete to heal up the faults. Self-healing approaches are promising techniques for the remediation of micro-cracks in concrete. The autogenous self-healing techniques show better results in healing of micro cracks on the surface of the concrete. Bacterial concrete refers to a new generation of concrete in which selective cementation by microbiologically-induced CaCO3 precipitation has been introduced for remediation of micro cracks. In several follow up studies there is a possibility is to use viable bacteria is sustainable and concrete embedded self-healing agent was explored.