Bacteria-Induced Self-Healing Concrete: A Critical Review for the Construction Industries

Document Type

Book Chapter

Source of Publication

Innovative Technologies for Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure

Publication Date

9-1-2025

Abstract

Self-healing concrete is an innovative material that autonomously repairs cracks and damage, increasing the durability and longevity of structures. This innovative construction material employs various mechanisms to initiate and facilitate healing, reducing maintenance costs and increasing infrastructure sustainability. One key approach involves incorporating encapsulated healing agents within the concrete matrix. Microcapsules contain materials such as bacteria, minerals, or polymers. These capsules rupture when cracks form in the concrete, releasing the healing agents into the damaged areas. The development and integration of self-healing concrete represent a significant stride towards sustainable and resilient infrastructure. As the construction industry continues to embrace innovative solutions, self-healing concrete stands out as a promising advancement, offering a proactive and efficient means of maintaining the integrity of our built environment. This review paper explores the intriguing domain of Self-Healing concrete, and examines how it can transform infrastructure resilience. The study delves into the methods and materials utilized in self-healing concrete technology, examining its capability to heal the cracks autonomously, and other damages brought on by environmental stresses. It explores various methods, including bacteria-based systems and encapsulated healing agents, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing the durability and lifespan of concrete structures. This review highlights the role of self-healing concrete in enhancing the mechanical and durability properties of structures with the help of MICP (Mechanically Induced Calcite Precipitation) technology using ureolytic and non-ureolytic bacteria.

ISBN

[9783031928000, 9783031928017]

Publisher

Springer Nature Switzerland

First Page

135

Last Page

155

Disciplines

Engineering | Life Sciences

Keywords

Bacillus cohnii, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, MICP (Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation)

Scopus ID

105023629985

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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