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Towards a Bacteria-Based Agent to Make Concrete Self-Healing

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 November 2012

Renee M. Mors
Affiliation:
Materials & Environment, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
Henk M. Jonkers
Affiliation:
Materials & Environment, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
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Abstract

A bacteria-based healing agent for concrete is currently under development in the Microlab of TU Delft. The agent consists of organic mineral precursor compound and bacteria in a protective reservoir. Cracks in the concrete matrix may be sealed and blocked by calcium carbonate based crystals, formed by bacterial conversion of mineral precursor compound. Given the solubility of the agent components, healing agent material may be prematurely released during the wet mixing stage, potentially influencing cement hydration and functionality of other concrete additions. Several materials have been selected as potential mineral precursor compound, being organic salts and a carbohydrate. Tests on standard mortar specimens show that strength development is not compromised when calcium lactate is added to the standard mixture. Calcium lactate was added to the mortar mixture either pure or in combination with a superplasticizer, either based on sulfonated naphthalene or modified polycarboxylate ether, to determine possible interferential effects.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012 

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References

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