Bacterial Concrete: Bio-Concrete

Bacterial Concrete: Bio-Concrete

Cracks in concrete are inevitable. Microcracks present in concrete allow liquids to seep through causing corrosion and deterioration of concrete. Therefore, researchers are studying the development of self-healing concrete using biomaterials. One example is the Bio-concrete, developed by Dutch Researcher and microbiologist Hendrik Jonkers.

How does the self-healing concrete work?

Bacteria with calcium nutrient source (bacteria from genus Bacillus) in a microcapsule is added into concrete during mixing. Any microcracking that occurs will be sealed by the calcium carbonate precipitated by the bacteria. The bacteria also consume oxygen which prevents the internal corrosion of reinforced concrete. The strength and durability of bio-concrete is being tested under various conditions in Breda, the Netherlands since there is evidence that this biotechnological method based on calcite precipitation can reduce maintenance and increase the durability of concrete.