Ready for a 2-minute primer on a revolutionary technology? Let’s learn about self-healing concrete .
What is Self-Healing Concrete?
Self-healing concrete is a type of concrete that can fix its own cracks. Special bacteria or healing agents are mixed into the concrete and they react with water and air to heal cracks when they form. This is a big deal because normally, cracks in concrete can lead to big problems like weakening structures and costly repairs.
Why is it a Game-Changer?
The average lifespan of a concrete bridge is around 50 years, but with self-healing concrete, we could extend that to 70 years or more. This technology not only saves money in repairs but also makes our infrastructure safer and more durable.
Organizations investing and innovating with self-healing concrete
- Basilisk : They have a unique self-healing agent that can be added to concrete.
- Acciona : A major construction firm, investing in smart concrete technologies.
- Delft University of Technology : Researchers here are pioneers in developing self-healing concrete.
- DARPA : Developing self-healing concrete through its Bio-inspired Restoration of Aged Concrete Edifices (BRACE) program
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers : Actively researching and testing self-healing concrete for military applications