Conference proceeding
A Hydrogel-Assisted Approach for Efficient Delivery of Repairing Bio-Agents into Sub-Surface Crack Network in Aged Concrete
Bio-Based Building Materials - Proceedings of ICBBM 2025, pp 324-335
2025
Abstract
Concrete, widely used in construction for its strength and affordability, faces susceptibility to cracking under tension, posing a risk to its internal structure. To mitigate this issue, several autogenous healing technologies have been developed, including the use of microencapsulated chemicals, engineered cementitious composites, and bacterial incorporation, all of which are effective for fresh concrete. However, healing sub-surface cracks in aged concrete remains a significant challenge. This study focuses on the development of an advanced delivery system that combines a hydrogel-assisted method with a vascularized approach to transport biological components into sub-surface cracks and facilitate healing through microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP). In the present study, artificial cracks were introduced in cylindrical mortar specimens to simulate subsurface damage. Using micro-drilling, engineered channels - similar to arteries - were created to reach the crack network to create an interconnected vascular network. Two different hydrogels were used for bio-agent delivery in the vasculature network to create a self-repairing paradigm. After evaluating their transport properties, the most suitable hydrogel was selected for delivering a biological solution containing nutrients (yeast extract, urea), bacteria, and calcium acetate into the cracks. A systematic injection of the nutrient-rich biological solution and calcium source was then implemented to enhance microbial carbonate mineralization and promote crack healing. To quantify the calcium carbonate precipitation resulting from microbial activity, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted at 7 days. Results indicated that the hydrogel-assisted approach shows promising potential in effectively delivering biological agents deep within concrete cracks, promoting self-healing through microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation.
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Details
- Title
- A Hydrogel-Assisted Approach for Efficient Delivery of Repairing Bio-Agents into Sub-Surface Crack Network in Aged Concrete
- Creators
- Geetika MishraIrene VerdúNoelle LilanParsa NamakiaraghiMohammad Irfan IqbalMija H. HublerChristopher M. SalesAhmad R. NajafiYaghoob Farnam
- Contributors
- Sofiane Amziane (Editor)Romildo Dias Toledo Filho (Editor)M'hamed Yassin Rajiv da Gloria (Editor)Jonathan Page (Editor)
- Publication Details
- Bio-Based Building Materials - Proceedings of ICBBM 2025, pp 324-335
- Series
- RILEM Bookseries
- Publisher
- Springer Nature ; Cham
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- C. and J. Nyheim Plasma Institute; Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105008696644
- Other Identifier
- 991022057000704721