Design And Performance Of Bacteria-Based Self-Healing Concrete

Authors: Sandeep Singh, Sougata Chattopadhyay

Abstract: Concrete cracking is one of the major causes of structural deterioration and durability loss in infrastructure systems. Conventional repair techniques are expensive, labor-intensive, and often ineffective in inaccessible locations. This study investigates the development and performance of bacteria-based self-healing concrete utilizing microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP). Bacillus subtilis spores were encapsulated within lightweight aggregates and incorporated into concrete mixtures to promote autonomous crack healing. The experimental program evaluated fresh concrete properties, compressive strength, water absorption, crack-healing efficiency, and durability performance. Results indicated that the bacterial concrete exhibited comparable mechanical properties to conventional concrete while demonstrating significant self-healing capability. Crack widths up to 0.45 mm were effectively sealed within 28 days of water exposure. Water permeability was reduced by approximately 82%, while compressive strength increased by 12% compared with the control mixture. The findings confirm that bacteria-based self-healing concrete represents a sustainable and cost-effective solution for extending infrastructure service life and reducing maintenance requirements.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20637819