PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF MICROBIAL REMEDIATED CONCRETE: AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION

Abstract

Due to its durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness compared to other building materials, concrete is the most widely used engineering material in construction. However, concrete's primary drawback is its low tensile strength, making it susceptible to the formation and propagation of micro-cracks, which weaken structures. These tensile stresses can arise from various factors such as chemical reactions, plastic shrinkage, or tensile loading. The increased tendency for cracking makes concrete more vulnerable to damaging environmental elements, further reducing its strength. These cracks allow harmful substances to infiltrate, potentially leading to chemical degradation of the concrete and corrosion of steel reinforcements. This corrosion exacerbates the damage, diminishing the integrity and rigidity of concrete structures. The deterioration of reinforced concrete results in substantial maintenance expenses for both the concrete and the reinforcement. This study aims to develop self-healing concrete that can independently repair cracks caused by various factors, thus minimizing the need for external detection and repair of internal damage.