Bio-augmented Concrete

Research Statement on the broad area of study
Concrete as we know is the most popular material in the construction industry. When it comes to infrastructure, organisations look at using concrete structures due to the sought-after properties it provides such as, mouldability giving flexible design, high compressive strength, good inherent fire resistances and low cost. However, concrete comes with many problems like any other material used on this earth. The significant problem faced is microcracking in concrete which is caused by physical, thermal, structural or chemical causes. Therefore, these microcracks cause for billions to be spent on repairs and maintenance of concrete structures in the UK alone. As well as the replacement of concrete causes significant damage to the environment with OPC contributing to 7% of global CO2 alone.

Therefore, the phenomenon of self-healing concrete has been studied and looked into for years now with autogenous healing being the natural healing found in concrete. However, the newfound popularity is with autonomous healing with this type of healing creating excitement in the industry of civil engineering and material science. As researchers show promising results with the use of bacteria to heal concrete crack widths of up 1.20mm. There are many different mechanisms of autonomous healing with researchers seeing the use of fibres, superabsorbent polymers, minerals, encapsulation using porous materials and vascular approaches of healing. However, the current research of self-healing is providing models of self-healing which aren't able to be scaled up. Therefore, not providing a business case for self-healing concrete to solve the current problems aforementioned on concrete. Therefore, this proposed research will look at the use of recycled waste material to formulate self-healing capsules. This research will aim to provide an alternative solution to the existing models currently out there for self-healing concrete. The use of renewable waste material being used as encapsulation material will aid in reducing the cost of self-healing concrete so that it is able to be mass produce without deterring organisations away from it due to pricing.

This research not only provides a solution in terms of costing as self-healing concrete is seen to be very expensive, which isn't favourable for construction organisations looking to keep costs low. As they won't see a benefit from switching from the relatively cheap concrete to a more expensive self-healing material. My dissertation has been on self-healing concrete with the use of waste material although the experimental work was cut short we were able to produce a very promising product being able to heal cracks. Therefore, this research will further optimise this product to be able to be used as a possible construction material.

Overall, the use of self-healing concrete is a material for the future and has great potential to explore. The use of waste material to add value and bring a product in which is effective as well as saving the industry money. It will also help reduce the impact the construction industry has on the environment. Lastly, when we think of sustainable development or sustainability we look at the 3P's being planet, people and profit. The use of waste material provides a circular economy as well as self-healing bringing about greater longevity for structures. Which, results in reduced costs of maintenance and repair. Therefore, in the long-term organisations will see a profit without requiring repairs. Also, the use of this material will prevent repairs being conducted in dangerous areas therefore keeping people safe.