Enhancing Concrete Strength and Durability with Bacterial Self-healing Mechanisms

Enhancing Concrete Strength and Durability with Bacterial Self-healing Mechanisms

Authors- P. Prabhu, R. Gokulraj, D. Prakash, K. Santhosh kumar

Abstract-Self-healing, also known as bacterial concrete concrete, presents a promising solution to enhance the durability and sustainability of infrastructure. This project aims to explore the mechanisms behind bacterial concrete’s self-healing properties, evaluate its performance under various environmental conditions, and assess its potential for widespread implementation in construction projects. When cracks appear, the bacteria Bacillus Megaterium come into contact with water and nutrients. Concrete is the most widely used construction material, but its susceptibility to cracks significantly reduces its durability and structural performance. To address this challenge, bacterial self-healing mechanisms have emerged as an innovative and sustainable solution for enhancing concrete’s strength and longevity. This method involves incorporating specific types of bacteria, such as Bacillus species, into the concrete mix along with a suitable nutrient source like calcium lactate. When cracks form and moisture infiltrates the concrete, dormant bacterial spores germinate and activate, precipitating calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) crystals that seal the cracks. They then undergo metabolic processes that result in the precipitation of calcium carbonate, a key component of cement. The concrete cubes was tested using 150mm x 150mm x 150mm cubes for compressive strength.

DOI: /10.61463/ijset.vol.13.issue2.209