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.

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Apr 10th, 10:00 AM Apr 10th, 11:30 AM

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