Abstract
This study aimed at developing a bacteria-based method to repair cracks in concrete (crack opening < 1 mm) that would be suitable for full-scale operations and economically viable. CaCO3-producing bacteria were injected into calibrated cracks with bioavailable calcium and nutrients in a suspension thickened with a combination of Welan gum and Attagel® 50. These thickeners have synergistic effects, enhancing viscosity and shear-thinning behavior. These rheology characteristics made injection without drainage possible for crack widths ranging from 150 to 800 µm. Bacterial growth and the associated CaCO3 biomineralization were enhanced in the presence of thickeners.
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