Research on Improving Concrete Durability by Biomineralization Technology

How-Ji Chen, Ming-Cheng Chen and Chao-Wei Tang
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How-Ji Chen: Department of Civil Engineering, National Chung-Hsing University, No. 250, Kuo Kuang Road, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
Ming-Cheng Chen: Department of Civil Engineering, National Chung-Hsing University, No. 250, Kuo Kuang Road, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
Chao-Wei Tang: Department of Civil Engineering & Geomatics, Cheng Shiu University, No. 840, Chengching Rd., Niaosong District, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 3, 1-12

Abstract: The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) around aggregates in concrete is a weak area with higher porosity than the matrix; it breaks easily under stress and is not conducive to the durability of concrete. However, the ITZ in concrete is full of calcium hydroxide crystals, which can provide the calcium source required for biomineralization. In view of this, this study aims to use the biological activity (i.e., biomineralization technology) existing in nature to enhance the ITZ in concrete and repair concrete cracks to improve the strength and durability of concrete. In this study, the bacterial strain Sporosarcina pasteurii , which is environmentally friendly, was selected. In addition, lightweight aggregate was used as a bacterial carrier. The bacteria were first sporulated. To protect the strains, the biological species were fixed in porous lightweight aggregates. These lightweight aggregates were then used as concrete aggregates. The planned tests included concrete engineering properties (i.e., compressive strength, chloride ion penetration, and water permeability tests) and residual strength after crack repair. The test results show that the use of lightweight aggregate as a carrier and the implantation of Sporosarcina pasteurii can induce biomineralization, strengthen the ITZ, and repair small internal cracks in concrete, thereby improving the strength and durability of the concrete.

Keywords: biomineralization; durability; self-healing concrete; crack repair (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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