Self-Healing Concrete in Action

A team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts have developed a new way for concrete to heal itself. They are using an enzyme found in red blood cells to create self-healing concrete that is four times more durable than traditional concrete, extending the life of concrete-based structures and eliminating the need for expensive repairs or replacements. Watch the enzymes in action in this lab demo of self-healing concrete. Learn More about our self-healing concrete research here:
www.wpi.edu/news/wpi-research...
How could self healing concrete be used?
Concrete is the most widely used man-made building material in the world: it is a critical component in everything from bridges to high-rise buildings, family homes, sidewalks, and parking garages. But concrete is brittle and prone to cracking from exposure to water, thermal changes, stress, road salt, flaws in design, and other factors that can lead to a loss of structural integrity and the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Why is self-healing concrete important?
Tiny cracks in concrete are a fairly significant problem in the construction industry. “Healing traditional concrete that’s already in use is critically beneficial, too, and will help reduce the need to produce and ship additional concrete, which will lower CO2 and have a huge environmental impact.
What problem does self healing concrete solve?
Researchers have long sought to develop processes to spur concrete to heal itself and keep small cracks from growing into larger cracks or holes to help the material retain its strength, water tightness, and durability.
How long can self-healing concrete last?
WPI researchers predict their self-healing concrete could extend the life of a structure from 20 years, for example, to 80 years.

[@AlphatecEngineering]

concrete repair has a new meaning today!

[@theearling729]

Awesome!

[@lessshgooo6949]

Someone's taking the fattest rip known to man during this whole skit

[@LostAfterMe]

That would be me sir… if by “rip”, you my O ring that is. I’m sorry you can hear me tinkling in the background but the 💩 is too fat to even flush. I’m going to have to find a stick or something and chop it up. Could really use some MJ now to help with the bloody pain and relax. This was extremely stressful, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

[@kezleven8755]

This is the Romans technique right ?

[@Edwin-pq6dg]

There's only one problem !!! It's not patented in the UK .

[@syafina99]

How to incorporate the bacteria into the concrete mixer

[@shanainemosende1574]

What type of bacteria did you use?

[@madbrokendream7653]

Some form of bacillus something bacteria or something else. You could search for article on research literature database using keyword like 'Bio-concrete', 'bacteria AND concrete', and its synonyms.

[@scotth9212]

​@@madbrokendream7653oooor just make it the real roman way and watch it stand for 1500+years....formula has been discovered

[@raulbustos7919]

I thought this was the Roman concrete, is self healing too

[@issacjohnson1997]

Bacillus pseudofirmus bacteria

[@18Bees]

Sporecrete the self healing concrete?

[@elvisrivas4814]

a ma zing

[@objective_subject]

BACILLUS PASTEURI

[@grill6411]

so you can grow concrete

[@pandzban4533]

It is not a new concept. Teutonic Order monks used to add blood to masonry mortar 600 years ago!

[@MindForgedManacle]

That was not remotely the same, wasn't for the same reason and didn't do anything to the concrete to make it self repair.

[@madbrokendream7653]

Adding blood into concrete is an early form of 'foamed concrete' where the blood forms air bubble within the concrete as it forms. Making have less bulk density. Not sure about the porosity but modern foamed concrete nowadays has advantage in weight and still have strong compressive strength rivalling normal concrete. I think i read about the blood concrete in foamed concrete's wikipedia entry

[@paulsmith5035]

One would think iron oxides from the blood would weaken the concrete like rusting reinforcement. I heard of mixing rice water to rammed earth could bind it as a building material for foundations & walls.

[@sircrab6962]

Also the romans did self healing bricks over 2000 years ago.

[@squiddlyyee4750]

sounds like a bong

[@lenoseth]

😂😂😂