Effect of Immobilized Bacteria in Diatomaceous Earth and Reused Concrete Aggregate in Recovering Properties of Self-Healing Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 1
Abstract
The development of microcracks in recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) directly impacts its durability; hence, these cracks need to be treated. The authors propose bacterial self-healing by introducing Bacillus megaterium strains into 50% and 100% RAC mixes to heal cracks in RAC on their own. A protective bacterial carrier is needed to protect the bacteria in the high-pH environment of concrete and in a dense microstructure so that the production capacity of the bacteria is not affected. For this purpose, diatomaceous earth (DE) and reused concrete aggregate (RCA) were investigated in this study as potential carriers for the immobilization of bacterial spores that heal cracks in RAC on their own. Filling of surface cracks, the self-healing ratio within concrete, recovery of compressive strength, and water impermeability were examined to test self-healing, and were compared with those of samples containing directly inserted bacteria. Cracks with a maximum width of 0.47, 0.50, and 0.55 mm were completely filled in the specimens containing directly inserted bacteria, immobilized bacteria in RCA, and immobilized bacteria in DE, respectively. Specimens containing bacteria immobilized in DE and RCA had better self-healing performance in terms of recovery of concrete properties and self-healing ratio within concrete than did specimens containing bacteria directly added. Additionally, specimens containing bacteria immobilized in DE exhibited better self-healing results in precracked specimens up to 56 days of age, whereas self-healing by bacteria immobilized in RCA was found to be more effective in precracked specimens at 120 days of age. Overall, it was concluded that DE and RCA can be used as carriers for bacterial immobilization in self-healing RAC, which would not only maintain the durability of RAC but also increase its service life.
Practical Applications
Biobased self-healing in recycled aggregate concrete offers practical applications in the construction industry. This innovative technology incorporates biobased materials such as bacteria and encapsulated healing agents into the concrete mix, allowing for autonomous healing of cracks and damage. The use of recycled aggregates further enhances the sustainability of the concrete, reducing the environmental impact. The self-healing mechanism operates by activating the bacteria and releasing the healing agents upon crack formation, which then react with the surrounding environment to seal the cracks. This self-healing capability extends the lifespan of concrete structures, reducing the need for costly repairs and maintenance. Additionally, the biobased nature of this approach aligns with sustainable development goals, promoting the use of renewable resources and reducing reliance on traditional repair methods that involve energy-intensive processes and nonrenewable materials. The practical application of biobased self-healing in recycled aggregate concrete demonstrates the potential for more-durable and eco-friendly construction practices.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank University Grant Commission (UGC) for the financial aid in carrying out this research work.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36 • Issue 1 • January 2024
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 21, 2022
Accepted: Jun 8, 2023
Published online: Oct 26, 2023
Published in print: Jan 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Mar 26, 2024
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