Properties of Self-Healing Concrete

BSc Final Year Project

Authors

Muhammad Musaab 14-CE-133

Supervisor

Dr. Ayub Elahi

Professor

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND
TECHNOLOGY TAXILA
JUNE,2018
 Properties of Self-Healing Concrete

Author

Muhammad Musaab 14-CE-133

A Project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

B.Sc. Civil Engineering

Project Supervisor:

Dr. Ayub Elahi

Professor, Civil Engineering Department

External Examiner Signature:___________________________________________

Project Supervisor Signature: ___________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
TAXILA

June 2018

ii
 Abstract

Properties of Self-Healing Concrete

Muhammad Musaab 14-CE-133

Project Supervisor: Dr. Ayub Elahi

Professor, Department of Civil Engineering

Formation of cracks in concrete is a common phenomenon that allows many chemicals,

water to seep inside leading to decrease in durability, including progressive drop in

concrete strength. The maintenance and repair of structural concrete is very complex

phenomenon. Self-healing concrete, using bacteria at the time of mixing, is an

impressive solution to overcome these kinds of adverse effects. It is an economical way

is to prepare concrete of better quality. The study was carried out to investigate the

concrete performance by adding bacteria “Bacillus subtilis”. This Self-Healing concrete

is also known as as Bio-concrete. Bacteria was induced directly in the concrete mix

along with calcium lactate i.e., an organic precursor producing calcium carbonate

crystals that block cracks and pores in the concrete. Samples were made with different

quantities of bacteria and results showed significant increase in compressive strength

of concrete and decrease in permeability. The concrete micro-structure was observed

under SEM which also confirmed the experimental results obtained.

Keywords: Concrete, Bacteria Subtilis, Calcium lactate, Workability, Compressive

strength, Self-healing concrete, SEM, Permeability

Recommendations: Further studies must be made to observe self-helaing concrete

resistance against chlorides, acidic and sulphate penetration.

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 UNDERTAKING

I certify that research work titled “Properties of Self-Healing Concrete” is my own

work. The work has not been presented elsewhere for assessment. Where material has

been used from other sources it has been properly acknowledged / referred.

Muhammad Musaab

14-CE-133

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to the

successful completion of this project. We would like to thank the following people;

We own sincere gratitude to our supervisor, Prof. Dr. Ayub Elahi, who graciously

entrusted us with this project, supported and guided us in completing this research work.

Special thanks with deepest sense of respect to Assistant Prof. Dr. Muhammad Faraz

Bhatti, ASAB, NUST, for his support, advice and encouragement throughout this

project.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract ....................................................................................... ………...iii

Acknowledgement ........................................................................................ v

List of Figures............................................................................................ viii

List of Tables ............................................................................................... ix

Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................. 1

1.1 Problem Statement ............................................................................ 1

1.2 Objectives ......................................................................................... 3

1.3 Organization of the Project ................................................................ 3

Chapter 2: Material Selection……………………………………... ................ 5

2.1 Selection of Material ......................................................................... 5

2.2 Why Bacteria Subtilis? ...................................................................... 5

2.3 Preparation of Bacteria Culture .......................................................... 6

2.4 How Bacteria is added? ..................................................................... 7

2.5 Mix Design ....................................................................................... 7

2.6 Preparation of cubes .......................................................................... 7

2.7 Quantity of Bacteria and Calcium Lactate .........................................8

Chapter 3: Experimental Work and Testing…………………………………. .9

3.1 Workability ....................................................................................... 9

3.2 Surface Cracks Healing ..................................................................... 9

3.3 Compressive Strength ........................................................................ 9

3.4 SEM Analysis ................................................................................. 10

Chapter 4: Results and Discussion……….…………………………………. 11

4.1 Slump Test ...................................................................................... 11

4.2 Compressive Strength ...................................................................... 11

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 4.3 Concrete 1:2:4 vs Concrete 1:1.5:3 (with 30 ml bacteria) ................ 12

4.4 Surface Cracks Healing ................................................................... 13

4.5 SEM for internal cracks repair ......................................................... 16

Chapter 5: Advantages and Disadvantages……….……………………… …17

5.1 Advantages ..................................................................................... 17

5.2 Disadvantages ................................................................................. 17

5.3 Application of Self-Healing concrete .............................................. 17

Cost Comparison……………………………………………………………. 19

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………... 20

References……………………………………………………………………21

Abbreviation………………………………………………………………….22

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Page Number

Fig 1.1: Microscopic view of Bacteria Subtilis ............................................. 2

Fig 2.1: Bacteria grown on agar plate ........................................................... 6

Fig 2.2: Culture grown in nutrient broth ....................................................... 6

Fig 2.3: Stored in refrigerator ....................................................................... 7

Fig 4.1: Cracks condition after 3 days of curing .......................................... 13

Fig 4.2: Cracks condition after 7 days of curing. ......................................... 14

Fig 4.3: Cracks condition after 14 days of curing ........................................ 15

Fig 4.4: Cracks condition after 28 days of curing ........................................ 15

Fig:4.5: First day examination of crack ....................................................... 16

Fig 4.6: Examination after 28th day ............................................................ 16

viii
 LIST OF TABLES

Page Number

Table 4.1: Slump values with different quantities of bacteria ...................... 11

Table 4.2: Compressive strength of different sample mixes ........................ 12

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 ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviations should be placed at the end. Sample is given below:

NUST: National University of Sciences and Technology

UET: University of Engineering & Technology

ASAB: Atta Ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences

SEM: Scanning Electron Microscope

Prof.: Professor

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 CHAPTER 1

Introduction

1.1 Problem Statement

Crack formation is very common phenomenon in concrete structure which allows the

water and different type of chemical into the concrete through the cracks and decreases

their durability, strength and which also affect the reinforcement when it comes in

contact with water, CO 2 and other chemicals. For repairing the cracks developed in the

concrete, it requires regular maintenance and special type of treatment which will be

very expensive. So, to overcome from this problem autonomous self-healing

mechanism is introduced in the concrete which helps to repair the cracks by producing

calcium carbonate crystals which block the micro cracks and pores in the concrete. The

selection of the bacteria was according to their survival in the alkaline environment

such as Bacteria Subtilis. Hence improving the durability, life and strength of concrete

structures.

1.1.1 General

Concrete is the most common material used in construction. Cracks formation is one of

the most common phenomena in concrete.

Many research works are being carried out in the world for the modification of concrete

to make it more durable, strong, user friendly and environmental friendly. Many

different materials are combined with concrete like carbon fibers, fly ash, blast furnace

slag etc. to check properties to check concrete performance.

The world is getting advanced in the field of construction. Researches are being made

to improve the concrete behavior by the addition of micro-organisms.

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The Bio-concrete i.e. Self-healing concrete can be produced by adding bacteria in

concrete along with its nutrient to keep it alive for production of calcite to fill crack

after precipitation. Bacteria subtilis was added in concrete along with calcium lactate

to repair cracks. The focus is not only to keep bacteria alive but also to generate much

calcite to fill the cracks.

1.1.1.1 Bacteria

Bacillus subtilis, also known as the hay bacillus or grass bacillus, is a Gram-positive,

catalase-positive bacterium, found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants and

humans. A member of the genus Bacillus, B. subtilis is rod-shaped, and can form a

tough, protective endospore, allowing it to tolerate extreme environmental conditions.

B. subtilis has historically been classified as an obligate aerobe, though evidence exists

that it is a facultative anaerobe. B. subtilis is considered the best studied Gram-positive

bacterium and a model organism to study bacterial chromosome replication and cell

differentiation. It is one of the bacterial champions in secreted enzyme production and

used on an industrial scale by biotechnology companies.

Fig 1.1: Microscopic view of Bacteria Subtilis

1.1.1.2 Self-Healing

The auto-repair of cracks will not only improve the concrete’s life, but it will also make

the concrete much durable.

2
1.1.1.3 Working Process

In bio-concrete when water seeps through the cracks, the bacteria get activated from its

stage of dormancy and the bacteria starts to feed on calcium lactate and in turn produces

calcium carbonate through its metabolic activities which acts as a healing material.

Ca(C3H5O2)2 + 7O2 → CaCO3+5CO2+5H20 (1.1)

Where, Ca(C3H5O2) is Calcium lactate; and CaCO 3 is lime.

1.2 Objectives

To produce self-healing concrete with:

• Enhanced compressive strength

• Reduced permeability

1.3 Organization of Project

The research was made under the following scheme:

3
4
 CHAPTER 2

Material Selection

The conventional concrete mix was designed for a targeted strength of 20 MPa.

2.1 Selection of material

Following were the materials selected for experimental work:

• Ordinary Portland Cement

• Crushed aggregate of size 20mm

• Sand

• Water

• Calcium Lactate

• Bacillus Subtilis

2.2 Why Bacteria Subtilis?

The reasons of selecting these bacteria are as follows:

• It can adjust to alkaline atmosphere in concrete for the production of calcium

carbonate.

• It produces copious amount of calcium carbonate without being affected by

calcium ion concentration.

• It can withstand high pressure and it is oxygen brilliant to consume much

oxygen and minimize corrosion of steel.

• It is gram-positive bacteria having an ability to form spores when subjected to

unfavorable conditions. This spore formation provides its protection against

high mechanical pressure and alkaline environment, making it an ideal

selection.

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2.3 Preparation of Bacterial Culture

The bacterial culture Bacillus subtilis was casted on nutrient agar plates. A nutrient

broth was prepared for the further growth of bacteria. L.B (Composition: NaCl, peptone

and yeast extract) was added in distilled water. 200 ml broth was prepared in 500 ml

conical flask. Then a single colony of bacterial culture was picked up from agar plate

and added in the nutrient broth. Then it was set for autoclaving at 121 oC for 15 min.

After that the flask was placed in incubator at 37oC for 24 hours. After that for storage

the flask was placed in refrigerator at 4oC till further use. Contamination was checked

periodically.

Fig 2.1: Bacteria grown on agar plate

Fig 2.2: Culture grown in nutrient broth

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 Fig 2.3: Stored in refrigerator

2.4 How Bacteria is added?

By Direct Application: The bacteria and the chemical precursor (calcium lactate) are

added directly while making concrete.

By Adding Bacterial Broth: The bacterial broth prepared is added along with calcium

lactate while making concrete.

2.5 Mix Design

Suitable materials were mixed to prepare Concrete of mix ratio 1:1.5:3. The water-

cement ratio was kept 0.4.

0ml,15ml,20ml,30ml of Bacteria was added in different cubes.

2.6 Preparation of cubes

Standard size cubes of 152mm*152mm*152mm were casted with different quantities

of Bacteria Subtilis i.e. 0ml,15ml,20ml, 30ml.After 24 hours of casting, samples were

demolded and soaked in water for 24 hours.Then these were covered with hessian

cloth till the age of testing i.e. 7,14 and 28 days.

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2.7 Quantity of bacteria and calcium lactate
Per cubic meter calculation for bacteria and calcium lactate are;

Bacteria: 8l/m3
Calcium Lactate: 20 kg/m3

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 CHAPTER 3

Experimental Work and Testing

Following were the tests conducted.

• Workability

• Surface Cracks healing

• Compressive strength

• SEM Analysis

3.1 Workability

Concrete workability was checked by performing slump test.

3.2 Surface Cracks Healing

The specimens were subjected to compressive test machine under controlled and careful

compressive loading till visible cracks appeared on the surface. The crack widths were

measured at different points on the specimens and the cracks with a width around 1 mm

were selected and marked for further observations of self-healing. The pre-cracked

specimens were continued to cure under controlled curing conditions. After pre-

cracking, crack width was measured on regular intervals of 3,7,14 and 28 days and

difference between the original crack width and that observed on later days was

considered as a measure of self-healing.

3.3 Compressive Strength

The specimens were subjected to compressive test machine under controlled and careful

compressive loading till visible cracks appeared on the surface. The crack widths were

measured at different points on the specimens and the cracks with a width around 1 mm

9
were selected and marked for further observations of self-healing. The pre-cracked

specimens were continued to cure under controlled curing conditions. After pre-

cracking, crack width was measured on regular intervals of 3,7,14 and 28 days and

difference between the original crack width and that observed on later days was

considered as a measure of self-healing.

3.4 SEM Analysis

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is one of the most versatile instruments

available for the examination and analysis of microstructural characteristics of solid

objects. The primary reason for the SEM’s usefulness is the high resolution that can be

obtained when bulk objects are examined.

The specimens extracted from the concrete cubes were 25 mm square and had an

approximate thickness of 5 mm.

First, one side of each specimen was polished with120#, 220#, 320#, and 600# silicon

carbide using a rotating grinder and mounted it against a 25 mm diameter glass plate

with epoxy. To make both sides of the specimen parallel to each other, the samples

were cut 2–3 mm thick by using a diamond slicing wheel with a nonaqueous lubricant

(propylene glycol coolant). The specimens were then lapped with a wheel grinder and

polished with 600# silicon carbide. Further polishing was performed with 100,50, and

10-micron aluminum powder on a glass plate. The final stage involved was treating

specimens with 5,3, and 0.25-micron diamond paste using a special polishing

equipment. After each stage of polishing, the specimens were immersed in acetone and

placed in an ultrasonic bath to remove the residual silica film on their surfaces, thus

preparing them for the next stage of polishing.

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 CHAPTER 4

Results and Discussion

Following were the results compiled after experimentation and testing:

4.1 Slump test

The consistency of concrete (1:1.5:3) was measured as follows:

Table 4.1: Slump values with different quantities of bacteria

Quantity of Bacteria Subtilis (ml) Slump Value (mm)

0 79

15 83

20 85

30 88

WORKABILITY
89
88
87
Slump Value (mm)

86
85
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Quantity of bacteria (ml)

4.2 Compressive Strength

The compressive strength was measured after 7,14 and 28 days. The results are

tabulated below:

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 Table 4.2: Compressive strength of different sample mixes

QUANTITY OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

BACTERIA (MPa)
(ml)
7 days 14 days 28 days

MIX NO.1: 0ml 11 12.5 21

MIX NO.2: 15ml 12 14.8 26

MIX NO.3: 20ml 16 19 28

MIX NO.4: 30ml 16.5 25 34

With 30 ml bacteria we observe 61.9048% increase in 28 days compressive strength

as compared to non-bacterial concrete sample.

4.3 Concrete 1:2:4 vs Concrete 1:1.5:3 (with 30 ml bacteria)

The 28 days compressive strength of 1:2:4 concrete was found to be 19 MPa while

1:1.5:3 (with 30 ml bacteria) concrete had 34 MPa compressive strength.

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4.4 Surface Cracks Healing

The pre-cracked specimens were continued to cure under controlled curing conditions.

After pre-cracking, crack width was measured on regular intervals of 3,7,14 and 28

days and difference between the original crack width and that observed on later days

was considered as a measure of self-healing.

4.4.1 After 3rd day

Calcite crystals started appearing on surface.

Fig 4.1: Cracks condition after 3 days of curing

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4.4.2 After 7th Day

The bacterial action produced more calcite to fill the cracks.

Fig 4.2: Cracks condition after 7 days of curing

4.4.3 After 14th Day

The width of cracks started decreasing significantly due to calcite crystals filling the

cracks. The bacterial action was becoming more significant, hence filling the cracks

more.

The calcite crystals were clearly observed as shown in figure;

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 Fig 4.3: Cracks condition after 14 days of curing

4.4.4 After 28th day

Cracks were healed completely.

Fig 4.4: Cracks condition after 28 days of curing

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4.5 SEM for Internal Cracks Repair

Samples were subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis to monitor

microstructural changes due to mineral formation. The crack set under observation was

of 1mm.The micro-structure of concrete was observed as follows:

Fig:4.5: First day examination of crack

After 28 days the same crack was set under observation. Due to calcite formation, the

crack was filled up to 0.7mm.

Fig 4.6: Examination after 28th day

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 CHAPTER 5

Advantages and Disadvantages

5.1 Advantages

The advantages of self-healing concrete are as follows:

• Improvement in compressive strength of concrete

• Reduction in permeability of concrete

• Reduction in corrosion of reinforcement

• The self-healing bacterial concrete helps in reduced maintenance and repair

costs of steel reinforced concrete structures.

• Oxygen is an agent that can induce corrosion, as bacteria feeds on oxygen

tendency for the corrosion of reinforcement can be reduced.

• Self-healing bacteria can be used in places where humans find it difficult to

reach for the maintenance of the structures. Hence it reduces risking of human

life in dangerous areas and increases the durability of the structure

• Formation of crack will be healed in the initial stage itself thereby increasing

the service life of the structure than expected life.

5.2 Disadvantages

Preparation of self-healing concrete needs the requirement of bacteria and calcium

lactate. Preparation of calcium lactate from milk is costlier. Hence preparation of

self-healing concrete costs double than conventional concrete.

5.3 Application of Self-Healing Concrete

• For constructing underground retainers for hazardous waste.

• For high rise building and buildings in seismic zones.

• For Water retaining structures.

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• For Concrete floors, Tunnel linings, basement walls.

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 Cost Comparison
The cost of self-healing concrete is about double that of conventional concrete, which

is presently about Rs.9500 per cubic meter for 1:1.5:3 concrete. At around Rs.17500

per cubic meter, self-healing concrete would only be a viable product for certain civil

engineering structures where the cost of concrete is much higher because of being much

higher quality, for example tunnel linings and marine structures where safety is a big

factor–or in structures where there is limited access available for repair and

maintenance. In these cases, the increase in cost by introducing the self-healing agents

should not be too enormous.

Added to this, if produced on an industrial scale it is thought that the self- healing

concrete could come down in cost considerably. If the life of the structure can be

extended by 30%, the doubling in the cost of the actual concrete would still save a lot

of money in the longer term. Research is currently working on the development of an

improved and more economic version of the bacteria-based healing agent which is

expected to raise concrete costs only by a few rupees.

Example:

Self-healing concrete could save £40bn in maintenance costs. It is estimated that around

£40billion is spent each year in the UK on structural maintenance, and most of these

structures are made of concrete.

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 CONCLUSION

From the above experimentation it is concluded that;

1. Bacterial concrete technology has proved to be better than many conventional

technologies because of its eco- friendly nature, self-healing abilities and

increase in durability of various building materials.

2. Work of various researchers has improved our understanding on the possibilities

and limitations of biotechnological applications on building materials.

3. Enhancement of compressive strength, reduction in permeability, water

absorption, reinforced corrosion has been seen in various cementitious and

stone materials.

4. In bacterial concrete interconnectivity of pores is disturbed due to plugging of

pores with calcite crystals. Since interconnected pores are significant for

permeability, the water permeability is decreased in bacteria treated specimens.

5. Cementation by this method is very easy and convenient for usage. This will

soon provide the basis for high quality structures that will be cost effective and

environmentally safe but, more work is required to improve the feasibility of

this technology from both an economical and practical viewpoint.

6. Eco- friendly nature, self-healing abilities.

7. The compressive strength is 34 MPa, that is maximum, when the addition of

bacillus subtilis bacteria is 30 ml.

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 REFERENCES

[1] Sathish Kumar. R, “Experimental Study on the Properties of Concrete Made with

Alternate Construction Material”, International Journal of Modern Engineering

Research (IJMER), Vol. 2, Issue. 5, Sept.-Oct. 2012, pp-3006-3012.

[2] International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Engineering (IJETE) Volume

2 Issue 4, April 2015, ISSN 2348 – 8050

[3] W. Khaliq, M.B. Ehsan / Construction and Building Materials 102 (2016) 349–357

[4] P.K. Mehta, P.J. Monteiro, Concrete: Microstructure, Properties, and Materials,

McGraw-Hill, New York, 2006.

[5] Engineering materials/self-healing-concrete, Tom Austin-Morgan, available online

at www.materialsforengineering.co.uk/

[6] IS 10262,” Recommended Guideline for Concrete Mix Design”.

[7] IS 456:2000,” Plain and Reinforced Concrete-Code of Practice”.

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