Self-Healing Concrete in Action

Описание: A team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts have developed a new way for concrete to heal itself. They are using an enzyme found in red blood cells to create self-healing concrete that is four times more durable than traditional concrete, extending the life of concrete-based structures and eliminating the need for expensive repairs or replacements. Watch the enzymes in action in this lab demo of self-healing concrete. Learn More about our self-healing concrete research here:

https://www.wpi.edu/news/wpi-research...

How could self healing concrete be used?
Concrete is the most widely used man-made building material in the world: it is a critical component in everything from bridges to high-rise buildings, family homes, sidewalks, and parking garages. But concrete is brittle and prone to cracking from exposure to water, thermal changes, stress, road salt, flaws in design, and other factors that can lead to a loss of structural integrity and the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Why is self-healing concrete important?
Tiny cracks in concrete are a fairly significant problem in the construction industry. “Healing traditional concrete that’s already in use is critically beneficial, too, and will help reduce the need to produce and ship additional concrete, which will lower CO2 and have a huge environmental impact.

What problem does self healing concrete solve?
Researchers have long sought to develop processes to spur concrete to heal itself and keep small cracks from growing into larger cracks or holes to help the material retain its strength, water tightness, and durability.

How long can self-healing concrete last?
WPI researchers predict their self-healing concrete could extend the life of a structure from 20 years, for example, to 80 years.