HEALING EFFICIENCY OF BACILLUS MEGATERIUM FOR MICROCRACKS IN CONCRETE: A STUDY OF BIOPOLYMER ENCAPSULATION PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Cracks are a primary cause of degradation in concrete structures, typically arising from plastic shrinkage, excessive loading, or environmental exposure. Traditional repair methods, such as epoxy or cement grouting, often involve toxic chemicals and are not economically sustainable. As an alternative, self-healing concrete integrating microbial agents like Bacillus Megaterium offers a sustainable solution for autonomous crack repair. This study explores the encapsulation of bacteria within biopolymer microcapsules using sodium alginate and xanthan gum. The research aims to identify the optimal microcapsule dosage that balances mechanical integrity and healing efficiency. Concrete specimens with 1-5% microcapsule content were tested for compressive strength and crack recovery. Results show that 2% microcapsule addition offers the best balance of strength and healing performance. Analytical tools such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and CT scans were employed to observe healing activity and microstructural changes. Self-healing concrete demonstrates high potential for reducing maintenance needs, enhancing structural longevity, and contributing to environmentally sustainable construction practices.