Monday, November 22, 2010

New Way to Fix Concrete Cracks?

I ran across this article today...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40201539/ns/technology_and_science-green_innovation/ It states that a certain bacteria can "fix" concrete cracks by emitting a glue like substance. Apparently, the bacteria has been trained to "swim" down concrete cracks in buildings. Once the bacteria has reached the bottom of the crack, it emits calcium carbonate and some sort of bacterial glue. The bacteria is found in soil particles and has been nicknamed "bacteriafacillia."

The researchers have found that this new method of healing concrete cracks is really useful in earthquake prone zones where there is no other alternative to fix buildings with too many cracks in the concrete.

The bacteria will only emit the glue like substance when it comes in contact with concrete. When the bacteria has reached the end of the crack, it releases three types of substances.
"This clumping activates the concrete repair process and the cells differentiate into three types: cells which produce calcium carbonate crystals, cells which become filamentous —acting as reinforcing fibers — and thirdly cells that produce a glue that acts as a binding agent and fills the gap."

What are your thoughts on the this chemical bacteria? If it does seem to work, this agent could help all types of building structures. Prolonging the life of concrete will help many buildings last long and therefor avoid being torn down. It would also alleviate costly demolition expenses. It seems like a win/win situation - - if it works!

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