Two researchers from Delft Technical University in Holland have developed a self-healing cement that can stop microcracks from forming in concrete. The material incorporates alkaphilic bacterial spores (which thrive in the alkaline environment of concrete) plus a feeder material. When water infiltrates concrete, the spores are activated and convert the feed into limestone, sealing the crack and preventing larger cracks from forming.
Microbiologist Henk Jonkers and concrete-development specialist Eric Schlangen have been working on the project since 2006. Basements, tunnels, and transportation infrastructure are among the proposed wet environments that could benefit from the innovation, which may be commercialized in four to five years. Scientists from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology are now cooperating in the project.
(http://www.citg.tudelft.nl//index.php?id=17205)
Dutch microbiologist Henk Jonkers explains "bioconcrete" technology:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PyBR3PDPa-c
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
VAST Enterprises wins "Design for Sustainability"
VAST Enterprises, LLC announced that it won the "Design for Sustainability" Award from the Plastics Environmental Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers. VAST received the honor as part of the 2010 Environmental Stewardship Awards competition.
| Aug 11, 2010
Recycled Pavers Elevate Rooftop Patio
The new three-story building at 3015 16th Street in Minot, N.D., houses the headquarters of building owner Investors Real Estate Trust (IRET), as well as ground-floor retail space and 71 rental apartments. The 215,000-sf mixed-use building occupies most of the small site, while parking takes up the remainder.
| Aug 11, 2010
AIA Course: Historic Masonry — Restoration and Renovation
Historic restoration and preservation efforts are accelerating throughout the U.S., thanks in part to available tax credits, awards programs, and green building trends. While these projects entail many different building components and systems, façade restoration—as the public face of these older structures—is a key focus. Earn 1.0 AIA learning unit by taking this free course from Building Design+Construction.
| Aug 11, 2010
AIA Course: Enclosure strategies for better buildings
Sustainability and energy efficiency depend not only on the overall design but also on the building's enclosure system. Whether it's via better air-infiltration control, thermal insulation, and moisture control, or more advanced strategies such as active façades with automated shading and venting or novel enclosure types such as double walls, Building Teams are delivering more efficient, better performing, and healthier building enclosures.
