 CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

Emerging Trend: Self-healing Concrete

RELATED STUDIES #1:
Research Title: SELF-HEALING CONCRETE: DEFINITION, MECHANISM AND
APPLICATION IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF STRUCTURES
Date Posted: 2017
Abstract: Concrete is one of the most used building materials. However, it is
one of the major producers of carbon dioxide (CO2) which is directly contributing to
destroying our environment. Not to mention that enormous costs are being spent each
year to maintain concrete constructions. Cracks of various sizes form in all concrete
constructions which need to be sealed manually shortening the life of a particular
construction. On the other hand, Self-healing concrete (SHC) is a revolutionary building
material that has the solution to all these problems and is definitely the building material
of the near future. Therefore, we need to understand its properties and mechanism and
foresee how it impacts the architectural designs of the time to come, which standers are
needed to create useful and aesthetic buildings and constructions.
Link: https://research-journal.org/en/arch-en/self-healing-concrete-definition-mechanism-and-
application-in-different-types-of-structures/#:~:text=A%20self%2Dhealing%20material%20is,back%20to
%20the%20original%20state.&text=As%20for%20the%20artificial%20way,was%20first%20invented
%20in%201994.

RELATED STUDIES #2:

Author: Ben Halverson
Date Posted: January 08, 2019
Over the years, scientists and engineers around the globe have experimented with
various healing agents to perfect self-healing concrete. Some of these healing agents
have been bacteria, sodium silicate, and even fungus.
As you can imagine, self-healing concrete is a total game-changer. It gives us the ability
to construct buildings without worrying about damages or intensive maintenance. Not
only will structures benefit from self-healing concrete, they are a wonderful solution for
sidewalks. Smooth pavement can be laid down in cities and suburbs, without having to
worry about wear and tear.
RELATED STUDIES #3:

Self-healing concrete is a product that will biologically produce limestone to heal

cracks that appear on the surface of concrete structures. Specially selected types of the
bacteria genus Bacillus, along with a calcium-based nutrient known as calcium lactate,
and nitrogen and phosphorus, are added to the ingredients of the concrete when it is
being mixed. These self-healing agents can lie dormant within the concrete for up to
200 years.
However, when a concrete structure is damaged and water starts to seep
through the cracks that appear in the concrete, the spores of the bacteria germinate on
contact with the water and nutrients. Having been activated, the bacteria start to feed on
the calcium lactate. As the bacteria feeds, oxygen is consumed and the soluble calcium
lactate is converted to insoluble limestone. The limestone solidifies on the cracked
surface, thereby sealing it up. It mimics the process by which bone fractures in the
human body are naturally healed by osteoblast cells that mineralize to re-form the bone.
Link: https://www.ingenia.org.uk/getattachment/Ingenia/Issue-46/SelfHealing-
Concrete/Arnold.pdf

 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
EMERGING TREND: The Continuing Growth of Modular Construction
Author: Vanguard Modular
Link: https://vanguardmodular.com/about-modular/
https://www.fool.com/millionacres/real-estate-market/articles/2020-trend-
continued-growth-modular-construction/#:~:text=2020%20Trend%3A%20The
%20Continued%20Growth%20of%20Modular%20Construction&text=Modular
%20construction%20is%20now%20used,as%20%24157%20billion%20by%202023.
Modular construction is a process in which a building is constructed off-site, under
controlled plant conditions, using the same materials and designing to the same codes
and standards as conventionally built facilities – but in about half the time. Just like any
building, the life expectancy of a modular building depends on whether it receives
regular maintenance. Permanent modular buildings don’t have a limited lifespan and
can last as long as traditional construction.

 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING

EMERGING TREND: Nanotechnology in Filtration
 According to the World Health Organization, 1.6 million people die each year
from diarrheal diseases attributable to lack of safe drinking water as well as basic
sanitation. Researchers in India have come up with a solution to this perennial problem
with a water purification system using nanotechnology.
The technology removes microbes, bacteria and other matter from water using
composite nanoparticles, which emit silver ions that destroy contaminants. "Our work
can start saving lives," says Prof Thalappil Pradeep of the Indian Institute of Technology
Madras. "For just $2.50 a year you can deliver microbially safe water for a family."
It is a sign that low-cost water purification may finally be round the corner – and be
commercially scalable.
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/new-water-technologies-save-
planet

 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
Date Posted: October 22, 2020
EMERGING TREND: The Potential Use of Crushed Waste Glass as a Sustainable
Alternative to Natural and Manufactured Sand in Geotechnical Applications
The increasing price and diminishing reserves of construction sand encourage a
need to develop its sustainable and cost-effective replacement, helping the transition
towards a circular economy. Waste glass is a derivative of natural sand and could
potentially show similar geotechnical behavior. Using crushed waste glass (CWG) as an
alternative to traditional sand would potentially offer a double-duty benefit by helping to
address the geo-environmental challenges of natural sand depletion and disposal of
ever-increasing waste glass, together.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095965262034806X

 TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING
EMERGING TREND: Autonomous Cars

An autonomous car is a vehicle capable of sensing its environment and operating

without human involvement. A human passenger is not required to take control of the
vehicle at any time, nor is a human passenger required to be present in the vehicle at
all. An autonomous car can go anywhere a traditional car goes and do everything that
an experienced human driver does.

Link: https://www.synopsys.com/automotive/what-is-autonomous-car.html