Bacteria Allows for Self-Repairing Concrete; Extends Life of Concrete
Reported by Buildaroo.com
Scientists at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have developed a self-repairing concrete. This new type of concrete uses bacteria to help repair fractures before they can spread. The new formulation may someday eliminate the time-consuming inspection and patching currently required to maintain safe concrete structures.
Spearheaded by Dr. Henk Jonkers, the new concept in making concrete is based on the way human bones can self-heal hairline fractures. Currently, when a concrete structure cracks, water then seeps into the gaps and causes chemical deterioration that degrades both the concrete and the steel commonly used to reinforce it.
The scientists packed the bacteria and their calcium lactate nutrients into ceramic pellets and added them to wet concrete mix. Once activated, the bacteria consumed the calcium lactate and combined it with oxygen and carbon dioxide to form the limestone calcite.
If the new method works, sealing cracks close to the surface with calcite could prevent water from invading deeply enough to weaken the concrete structure. More testing will need to be done to see if the new formulation will work under real-life conditions.
Although Self-Repairing Concrete is not yet available for general construction, it is exciting news about new technologies that we are looking forward to in the future.
