Self Healing Concrete
Self Healing Concrete (SHC) is concrete that can repair itself. This self-healing concrete is one of the latest innovations in the world of infrastructure development. The technology for self-healing concrete that is currently being developed is to add microbes as a reinforcing agent. These microbes have the ability to form minerals in nature, so they can be utilized in self-healing concrete technology. One type of microbe that can be utilized in this technology is calcium carbonate-inducing bacteria through its metabolic activity. These bacteria will produce calcium carbonate which functions as an adhesive. In addition, these bacteria are also able to form spores when added to a cement mixture.
The way this self-healing concrete works is that when a crack occurs in the concrete, water and air will enter the cavity. This way, the bacteria becomes active or awake from its hibernation phase. Bacteria that are already active will then multiply and carry out their metabolic activities. Through these metabolic activities, bacteria will form calcium carbonate deposition from its surroundings. Then it will produce minerals that will fill the cracks in the concrete. If the gap is filled, the bacteria will return to the dormancy phase, and be active again when a new crack occurs.
The development of self-healing concrete technology can have a positive impact on the infrastructure sector. This technology can reduce the impact of global warming because the microbes used in self-healing concrete technology can trap CO2 gas in the atmosphere.
Written by: Abraham Vincent and Pratyaksa
Source: https://kinetika.hmtk.undip.ac.id/self-healing-concrete-beton-yang-mampu-memperbaiki-dirinya-sendiri/