Basilisk Self-Healing Concrete is an advanced bioproduct developed at the renowned Technische Universiteit Delft (Delft University of Technology) in the Netherlands. It utilizes an autonomous repair system that leverages limestone-producing microorganisms (bacteria). This innovative approach ensures that concrete can repair itself without the need for manual maintenance or intervention.
1. Self-Healing Mechanism:
- The technology involves specially selected bacteria and nutrients embedded within the concrete.
- When cracks appear, water and oxygen penetrate the concrete, activating the dormant bacteria.
- These bacteria convert nutrients into calcium carbonate (limestone), effectively sealing the cracks.
- This process can repeat multiple times, maintaining the concrete’s integrity over the long term.
1. Self-Healing Mechanism:
- The technology involves specially selected bacteria and nutrients embedded within the concrete.
- When cracks appear, water and oxygen penetrate the concrete, activating the dormant bacteria.
- These bacteria convert nutrients into calcium carbonate (limestone), effectively sealing the cracks.
- This process can repeat multiple times, maintaining the concrete’s integrity over the long term.
2. Activation Process:
- Bacteria are triggered when they come into contact with water and oxygen, which are present due to pre-existing cracks.
- The bacteria require a certain level of alkalinity, provided by the concrete itself or the Basilisk product.
2. Activation Process:
- Bacteria are triggered when they come into contact with water and oxygen, which are present due to pre-existing cracks.
- The bacteria require a certain level of alkalinity, provided by the concrete itself or the Basilisk product.
3. Repair Process:
- Once activated, the bacteria multiply and spread throughout the crack.
- The bacteria convert the present nutrients into calcium carbonate, sealing the crack. They then reproduce and go dormant until the next cycle begins.
- This autonomous repair increases the durability and lifespan of the concrete structure.
3. Repair Process:
- Once activated, the bacteria multiply and spread throughout the crack.
- The bacteria convert the present nutrients into calcium carbonate, sealing the crack. They then reproduce and go dormant until the next cycle begins.
- This autonomous repair increases the durability and lifespan of the concrete structure.
CNN Interview to Professor
Dr. Henk Jonkers at the Technical University of Delft
Concrete Will Crack!
Concrete Will Crack!
Natural Cracking:
- Concrete is prone to cracking due to various factors like temperature changes, load stress, and structural movements.
- Even with optimal design and application, small cracks (hairline cracks) can develop, impacting the material’s water resistance and freeze-thaw durability.
Impact of Cracks:
- Cracks allow moisture and oxygen to reach the reinforcement within the concrete, causing corrosion and compromising the structure.
- This can lead to significant damage, high maintenance costs, and safety concerns, especially in critical infrastructure like tunnels, bridges, and marine structures.
Cost of Repairs:
- Traditional repair methods are expensive and often cause inconvenience and downtime.
- Basilisk’s self-healing technology offers a cost-effective, long-term solution by continuously repairing cracks as they form.
Structural Safety:
- Maintaining structural integrity is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of concrete structures.
- Self-healing concrete technology mitigates issues related to cracking, reducing maintenance needs and extending the lifespan of the structure.
