In the Netherlands, we invented the self-healing concrete

Self-healing concrete that can "heal" the cracks in itself, is ready for practical testing. This was reported by its developers from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

The experimental material containing limestone producing bacteria that become active when exposed to the substance is corrosive rainwater soaking into it. This amazing material developed microbiologist Henk Jonkers and technology of building materials Eric Shlengen.

According to the inventors, this principle is designed to extend the life of concrete, thus saving on the repair. "For reasons of durability and to improve the service life of buildings is very important to seal hairline cracks appearing in the material," - he said in an interview Jonkers.

Bacterial spores themselves and the nutrients they need, is added in the form of granules in the concrete mix. In this debate on the alert as long as the rainwater is absorbed into the cracks and do not activate them. And that's when bacteria begin to produce limestone, automatically the sealing cracks.

via factroom.ru