CHENNAI: If you are worried about a crack in your building, help is on your way.
Scientists at the Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC) are working on bio-mineralisation, a process by which living organisms can produce minerals as a possible method to promote concrete crack remediation.
This ‘self-healing’ concrete is being developed at the SERC lab in Chennai.
Interestingly, the bacteria would be able to produce the minerals that would help cover the cracks in the building. “There are only a few ongoing research projects happening across the world on the use of micro-organisms in developing self-healing construction materials. SERC is working with cell biologists to develop this concrete. The project is still in the initial stages,” said Nagesh R Iyer, director, SERC.
Nagesh conveyed that SERC is also developing a novel cost-effective method for the production of high performance thin sheeted, fabric-reinforced cement composites. “This method will help produce a new class of high performance oriented fabric cement material, which may open the way for a multitude of new products and applications. It is water as well as fire proof,” Nagesh added.
Surendra P Shah, visiting professor, IIT-M, said that the aim of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for consultants, practising engineers, academicians and researchers belonging to public and private sector institutions and other engineering professionals to familiarise themselves with recent developments in construction materials.