Self-Healing Concrete: Concepts, Energy Saving and Sustainability

Bruno Augusto Cabral Roque, Pedro Pinto Ferreira Brasileiro, Yana Batista Brandão, Alessandro Alberto Casazza, Attilio Converti, Mohand Benachour and Leonie Asfora Sarubbo ()
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Bruno Augusto Cabral Roque: Departamento de Engenharia Química, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. dos Economistas s/n, Recife CEP 50740-590, Brazil
Pedro Pinto Ferreira Brasileiro: Departamento de Engenharia Química, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. dos Economistas s/n, Recife CEP 50740-590, Brazil
Yana Batista Brandão: Instituto Avançado de Tecnologia e Inovação, Rua Potyra 31, Recife CEP 50751-310, Brazil
Alessandro Alberto Casazza: Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genoa (UNIGE), 16145 Genova, Italy
Attilio Converti: Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genoa (UNIGE), 16145 Genova, Italy
Mohand Benachour: Departamento de Engenharia Química, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. dos Economistas s/n, Recife CEP 50740-590, Brazil
Leonie Asfora Sarubbo: Departamento de Engenharia Química, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. dos Economistas s/n, Recife CEP 50740-590, Brazil

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: The production of cement accounts for 5 to 7% of carbon dioxide emissions in the world, and its broad-scale use contributes to climate imbalance. As a solution, biotechnology enables the cultivation of bacteria and fungi for the synthesis of calcium carbonate as one of the main constituents of cement. Through biomineralization, which is the initial driving force for the synthesis of compounds compatible with concrete, and crystallization, these compounds can be delivered to cracks in concrete. Microencapsulation is a method that serves as a clock to determine when crystallization is needed, which is assisted by control factors such as pH and aeration. The present review addresses possibilities of working with bioconcrete, describing the composition of Portland cement, analysis methods, deterioration, as well as environmental and energetic benefits of using such an alternative material. A discussion on carbon credits is also offered. The contents of this paper could strengthen the prospects for the use of self-healing concrete as a way to meet the high demand for concrete, contributing to the building of a sustainable society.

Keywords: carbon dioxide; cement; biomineralization; energy saving; microencapsulation; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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