Evaluating the Compressive Strength of Self-Healing Concrete: A Comparative Analysis

Crack creation and progression under tensile stress is a main weakness of concrete. These cracks also make concrete susceptible to deleterious environment due to ingress of unsafe compounds. Crack healing in concrete can be cooperative in mitigation of development and propagation of cracks in concrete. This paper presents the process of crack healing phenomenon in concrete by microbial activity of bacteria, Bacillus subtilis. Bacteria were introduced in concrete by direct incorporation and through light expanded clay aggregate (clay pebbles). Specimens were made for each mix to quantify crack healing and to compare changes in compressive strength of concrete. Results showed that concrete with clay pebbles incorporated of bacteria gives better, effective but uneconomical result than with direct incorporation of bacteria in concrete and also shows that the use of bacteria can boost the strength and durability properties of concrete.