ULTRASONIC MONITORING OF BACTERIAL HEALING OF CONCRETE

Author(s): Nimrat Pal Kaur, Jay Kumar Shah, Subhra Majhi, Asha Ramachandran and Abhijit Mukherjee
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the Final Conference of RILEM 253-MCI Microorganisms-Cementitious Materials Interactions Volume II
Editor(s): Alexandra Bertron and Henk Jonkers
ISBN: 978-2-35158-207-7 (Set)
ISBN: 978-2-35158-210-7 (Volume 2)
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-206-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2018
Pages: 415-424
Total Pages: 308
Language : English

Abstract: Cracking is a prime cause for deterioration of reinforced concrete structures. Cracks, if left untreated can provide pathways for ingress of moisture and other aggressive substances leading to corrosion of the embedded reinforcement and consequently affecting the durability and service life of the structure [1]. An efficient repair method to heal the cracks coupled with a reliable monitoring technique is of paramount importance to ensure proper sealing of cracks. In our recent work, efficiency of wave based ultrasonic technique to monitor healing of cracks in concrete has been established both numerically and experimentally. Healing with cementitious grout was successful for wider cracks whereas it was unable to penetrate the thin cracks. In a previous investigation we had observed that bacterial fluids are able to penetrate deep into the cracks [2]. In this investigation, a bacteria-based repair system has been developed to heal thin cracks. The bacterial fluid is water soluble that leads to calcification as a result of the metabolic activity of the micron size bacteria and can penetrate thin cracks. The cracking and healing is monitored through an ultrasonic pulse transmission technique. The effectiveness of the technique in determining the location and the extent of damage is reported. At the time of healing, the technique has been utilised in controlling and estimating the extent of healing. A feedback loop for healing and monitoring has been demonstrated.

Online publication : 2018
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00