Feasibility study on the use of microalgae as an external crack healing agent for cement mortar rehabilitation
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2-2024
Abstract
As conventional concrete repairs have shortcomings and impact the environment, multiple attempts exist to find alternative sustainable measures to address this issue. Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) using microalgae is one of the proven methods that can heal microcracks. In this study, the method used in repairing micro-cracks is by spraying microalgae species, namely, Arthrospira platensis and Synechococcus elongatus, cultured in a high calcium-based medium onto the surface of the cement mortar. The crack healing was evaluated for 14 days after the cracks were induced by applying 65-70% of the maximum threshold load. The results show that the microalgal-treated specimens exhibited a higher strength recovery, crack closure, and less water absorption than the control specimen. It is also observed that over 75-80% (0.26 mm, approx.) of the cracks can be healed within the span of 14 days sustainably using microalgae.
Keywords
MICP, Arthrospira platensis, Synechococcus elongatus, bio-coating, blue-green microalgae, crack restoration
Divisions
sch_civ,ocean
Funders
Universiti Malaya's Impact Oriented Interdisciplinary Research Grant [IRG016C-2019]
Publication Title
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE CEMENT-BASED MATERIALS
Volume
13
Issue
1
Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Publisher Location
2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OR14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND