Performance Evaluation of Bacterial Self-Healing Concrete Subjected to Varied Curing Conditions

Abstract

The current research aimed to study the feasibility for multi-varied curing of bacterial self-healing concrete. The traits of mechanical, self-healing, durability and energy performance were analysed by incorporating Bacillus Pumilus via direct induction. The conventionally practiced water and atmospheric curing are among the four investigated curing conditions. Additionally, the unfavorable conditions of high temperature and pressure were primitively studied to assess their pertinence with microbial survival by means of autoclave curing and the accelerated carbonation curing. The experimental results confirmed the viability of microbes inside autoclaved and carbonated concrete with precipitation of CaCO3 and substantial improvement in mechanical-durability properties. Forensic analysis performed by chemical and micrographic modes characterized the healing depositions as biomineralized calcite crystals. Conclusively, the outcomes of this research provide preemptive insights into high-early strength bacterial self-healing concrete which are likely to benefit the large-scale application of microbial concrete.