Thesis
Evaluation of advanced vascular delivery methods to transport bio-functional agents in cracked concrete
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010650
Abstract
This research proposes an innovative solution to address the challenge of aging infrastructure in the United States, particularly deteriorating concrete structures. Inspired by natural vascular networks, our approach aims to develop a microbial vascular self-healing concrete delivery system.The focus lies in creating a robust method to transport biological healing agents into cracked concrete networks. We explore the use of 2% sodium alginate hydrogel, which expands within cracks when exposed to water-based fluid. In conjuction with an engineered micro-drilling technique, these hydrogels establish connections within cracks, facilitating the transportation of Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) bacteria. Our experiments with 2% sodium alginate demonstrate effective distribution of bacteria throughout mortar samples, covering over 95% of the area. Further analysis using techniques like thermogravimetric analysis and X-Ray Diffraction confirms the presence of calcium carbonate precipitation, indicating microbial influence on mineral formation within the concrete structure. This research contributes to advancing sustainable infrastructure maintenance practices, offering a novel approach to addressing the challenges posed by aging concrete structures both in the United States and globally.
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Details
- Title
- Evaluation of advanced vascular delivery methods to transport bio-functional agents in cracked concrete
- Creators
- Ethan Yen
- Contributors
- Yaghoob Amir Farnam (Advisor)Geetika Mishra (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xx, 76 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Civil/Architectural/Environmental Engineering (1970-2026); College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021889313704721