Self-Healing Concrete
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
10-4-2018 10:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2018 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Construction Management
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Brian Wasserman
Mentor's Department
Construction Management
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
The production and installation of concrete accounts for 5% of CO2 emissions world-wide. Concrete is the second most consumed substance on the planet behind only water, and research shows production is growing at a steady 2.5% per year. Concrete is used in all aspects of construction, from footings and foundations, to bridges, to roads. The problem with concrete is that although it has a high impact strength, it also has low tensile strength, and because of this is susceptible to cracking. The lifespan of concrete can vary depending on the surrounding climate, but can range anywhere from fifty to one hundred years. This creates a need for it to be demoed and replaced, or repaired. Researchers have found a method for manufacturing concrete that can heal itself without significantly changing its genetic make-up. This entails the addition of different bacteria and nutrients to common mixes. Once concrete begins to crack; water, or other liquids and gases can find their way in, causing damage to the concrete, and corroding the reinforcement. When the bacteria and nutrients are added they react with these harmful substances, and harden. This fills the cracks, and greatly extends the life of the concrete. This revolutionary method has the potential to reduce the steadily growing percentage of concrete production and decrease the carbon footprint of the concrete industry.
Self-Healing Concrete
CSU Ballroom
The production and installation of concrete accounts for 5% of CO2 emissions world-wide. Concrete is the second most consumed substance on the planet behind only water, and research shows production is growing at a steady 2.5% per year. Concrete is used in all aspects of construction, from footings and foundations, to bridges, to roads. The problem with concrete is that although it has a high impact strength, it also has low tensile strength, and because of this is susceptible to cracking. The lifespan of concrete can vary depending on the surrounding climate, but can range anywhere from fifty to one hundred years. This creates a need for it to be demoed and replaced, or repaired. Researchers have found a method for manufacturing concrete that can heal itself without significantly changing its genetic make-up. This entails the addition of different bacteria and nutrients to common mixes. Once concrete begins to crack; water, or other liquids and gases can find their way in, causing damage to the concrete, and corroding the reinforcement. When the bacteria and nutrients are added they react with these harmful substances, and harden. This fills the cracks, and greatly extends the life of the concrete. This revolutionary method has the potential to reduce the steadily growing percentage of concrete production and decrease the carbon footprint of the concrete industry.
Recommended Citation
Hedberg, Taylor. "Self-Healing Concrete." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 10, 2018.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2018/poster-session-A/32
