Determination of the Optimal Parameters for Self-Healing Efficiency of Encapsulated Bacteria in Concrete in a Simulated Subtropical Climate

Project Details
STATE

LA

SOURCE

TRID

START DATE

08/01/20

END DATE

02/01/22

RESEARCHERS

Momen Mousa

SPONSORS

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

KEYWORDS

bacteria, Concrete, Durability, encapsulation, Repairing

Project description

The main objective of this research study is to optimize self-healing mechanisms of encapsulated bacteria in concrete, and to evaluate whether a higher bacteria cell concentration, better nutrient selection, or an alternative encapsulation method is needed. These parameters will be first tested in mortar beams with respect to self-healing efficiency, and depending on the results, further testing will be carried out in concrete specimens. The efficiency of the proposed bio-concrete will be tested to evaluate the bacteria’s effect on concrete’s intrinsic properties such as compressive strength and static modulus of elasticity, and monitor the self-healing efficiency through crack repair throughout 28 wet-dry cycles (consisting of 8 hours of water immersion and 16 hours of drying). If successful, this project will move to implementation through field-testing in Region 6, where it will help to preserve and enhance the performance of the concrete transportation infrastructure.
TOP