• DESHMUKH MEGHA ANANDRAO

ABSTRACT This project belongs to the field of sustainable civil engineering materials, focusing on "Alive Concrete: Self-Healing for a Sustainable Future" through bacteria-based autonomous healing mechanisms. The core research problem is the formation of microcracks in conventional concrete, which allows water ingress, rebar corrosion, and structural degradation, leading to high maintenance costs and reduced service life of infrastructure. To address this, bacterial spores (e.g., Bacillus species) and nutrients are incorporated into concrete mixes; controlled cracks are induced in specimens post-curing, followed by moist healing periods, with evaluation via compressive strength tests, crack width measurements, and water permeability assessments on M20/M25 grade cubes. Preliminary results from similar studies indicate 50-100% crack closure for widths up to 0.5 mm, significant compressive strength recovery (up to 80-90% of original), and improved durability compared to normal concrete, demonstrating effective calcite precipitation by activated bacteria. These findings offer new insights into bio-concrete's potential to extend structure lifespan by decades, reduce repair expenses by 30-50%, and promote eco-friendly construction by minimizing material waste and carbon emissions.

"“Alive Concrete: Self-Healing for a Sustainable Future” ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 7, page no.j62-j104, July-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRTHE2239.pdf

"“Alive Concrete: Self-Healing for a Sustainable Future” ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 7, page no. ppj62-j104, July-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRTHE2239.pdf