AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON STRENGTH AND FRACTURE PROPERTIES OF SELF HEALING CONCRETE

Cracking in concrete is irresistible when the load applied is more than its limit and the treatment of cracks is very expensive. This phenomenon also affects the reinforcement in the structure by means of carbon dioxide and water through the cracks. One of the ways to arrest this cracking phenomenon is mixing of bacteria into the concrete. In the present study, an attempt is made to arrest the cracks in concrete using bacteria and calcium lactate. The percentages of bacteria selected for the study are 3.5% and 5% by weight of cement. In addition, calcium lactate was used at 5% and 10% replacement of cement by weight. Bacteria produce calcium carbonate crystals which blocks the micro cracks and pores in the concrete after reacting with calcium lactate