SELF-HEALING OF CONCRETE USING BIOINFLUENCED TECHNIQUES

Abstract

For the long service life of concrete structures, durability of concrete is very important. But this durability is greatly influenced (reduced) by the small cracks produced in concrete. Water penetrates from these cracks causing degradation of matrix and corrodes the steel embedded in concrete. So it is very important that these cracks should be filled as they appear. A phenomenon that can fill these cracks automatically is called self-healing in concrete. For this purpose, spore forming bacteria with calcium lactate are introduced in concrete which precipitates CaCO3 and heal the cracks. Experiments show that Bacillus Subtilis can be used for this type of precipitation. This study will investigate and quantify best crack healing technique through changing the quantities of bacteria and carrier compound. This study will also investigate the effect of bacteria on compressive strength as well as strength regain of concrete specimen.