Self-healing concrete

Self healing concrete is an experimental concrete that can repair cracks on its own, containing dormant bacterial spores that can produce limestone and the nutrients needed for bacterial growth. When corrosive rainwater infiltrates, bacterial spores are activated and partially fill the cracked parts of the concrete. The application of concrete self-healing technology in engineering involves multiple fields, such as roads, bridges, and construction.

The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.

Self healing concrete is an innovative intelligent building material, inspired by the self-healing mechanism of living organisms. This type of concrete contains specific microorganisms, usually bacterial spores, as well as the nutrients they need for growth. These bacterial spores remain dormant in concrete until they are activated by specific triggering conditions, such as water infiltration from cracks. When cracks appear in concrete structures, water enters the interior of the concrete through the cracks, activating dormant bacterial spores. These bacteria begin to grow and consume nutrients pre embedded in the concrete, such as calcium lactate. During the growth process, bacteria produce calcium carbonate (limestone) as a metabolic product, which can fill cracks and achieve self-healing of concrete. This process can not only seal cracks, prevent further infiltration of moisture and air, but also enhance the mechanical properties of concrete and improve its durability. Self-healing concrete.