Bio-Concrete and Beyond: Advancements in Self-Healing Techniques for Durable Infrastructure

• Hussein Zeaiter

  Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Beirut P.O. Box 11-5020, Lebanon

• Ali Jahami

  School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon

• Jamal Khatib

  Faculty of Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK

Concrete is widely used in construction due to its durability and strength. However, structures made of concrete may weaken over time due to a variety of reasons, such as cracks, chemical attack, and environmental factors. This necessitates the development of new techniques to improve the lifespan and sustainability of concrete structures. Bio-concrete and self-healing techniques have emerged as viable approaches to address the challenges of concrete degradation. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancements made in bio-concrete and self-healing technologies for concrete. The review begins by discussing the fundamental principles of bio-concrete, which is defined as the incorporation of bacteria or other microorganisms into the concrete matrix. These bacteria are capable of producing calcite precipitation, thereby sealing cracks and enhancing the concrete’s self-healing properties. Moreover, the review explores the mechanical and chemical characterization techniques used to assess the performance of bio-concrete as a self-healing concrete. It analyzes the results of various experimental studies and field applications that offer insights into the performance and effectiveness of these technologies under diverse environmental conditions. Overall, this literature review aims to consolidate the current knowledge and advancements in bio-concrete and self-healing technologies. The findings from this review can serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of concrete infrastructure. This contribution ultimately promotes the development of more sustainable and durable concrete materials.

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