There is research going on in this direction from various technical institutions. Gathering such information helps in drawing a clear methodology for research.
Self-healing concrete is a product that will biologically produce limestone to heal cracks that appear on the surface of concrete structures. Specially selected types of the bacteria genus Bacillus, along with a calcium-based nutrient known as calcium lactate, and nitrogen and phosphorus, are added to the ingredients of
the concrete when it is being mixed. These selfhealing agents can lie dormant within the concrete for up to 200 years.
However, when a concrete structure is damaged and water starts to seep through the cracks that appear in the concrete, the spores of the bacteria germinate on contact with the water and nutrients. Having been activated, the bacteria start to feed on the calcium lactate. As the bacteria feeds oxygen is consumed and the soluble calcium lactate is converted to insoluble limestone. The limestone solidifies on the cracked surface, thereby sealing it up. It mimics the process by which bone fractures in the
human body are naturally healed by osteoblastcells that mineralise to re-form the bone.
Self-healing concrete is a product that will biologically produce limestone to heal cracks that appear on the surface of concrete structures. Specially selected types of the bacteria genus Bacillus, along with a calcium-based nutrient known as calcium lactate, and nitrogen and phosphorus, are added to the ingredients of
the concrete when it is being mixed. These selfhealing agents can lie dormant within the concrete for up to 200 years.
However, when a concrete structure is damaged and water starts to seep through the cracks that appear in the concrete, the spores of the bacteria germinate on contact with the water and nutrients. Having been activated, the bacteria start to feed on the calcium lactate. As the bacteria feeds oxygen is consumed and the soluble calcium lactate is converted to insoluble limestone. The limestone solidifies on the cracked surface, thereby sealing it up. It mimics the process by which bone fractures in the
human body are naturally healed by osteoblastcells that mineralise to re-form the bone.
Fully agreed with Dr. Eswari,
In addition to that, it is necessary to shift towards cost effective techniques for the production of bacterial concrete. Utilization of cost effective/ cheap source of growth medium (for bacteria), alternatives of constructional materials (such as industry wastes or municipal solid waste, plastic aggregates, and more) can help to make bacterial concrete more economical and also manage solid waste problem.
Though much work is currently going on this direction and published but still there is need to investigate it more form different point of views.
Herewith, I attached an article entitled "A Review of Self-healing Concrete Research Development" for more information about this area of science.
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