Addition of sodium alginate capsules containing Lysinibacillus sphaericus for self-healing of cracks in mortars

The biomineralization technique of crack remediation in construction mortar can be achieved through the incorporation calcifying bacteria within matrix. However, thermal and autogenous shrinkage associated with hydration cement detrimental to survival bacterial spores. Encapsulation spores a matrix such as superabsorbent hydrogels, specifically sodium alginate, provide protection from conditions while also serving water reservoir for metabolic activity cells. This paper investigated addition alginate capsules prepared spherification mortars, aiming preserve optimize rheological, physical mechanical properties, release when cracks occur. Mortar formulations containing Lysinibacillus sphaericus were calculated order maintain granulometric distribution standard formulation, thus obtaining products excellent allowing up 1% capsules. Multivariate analysis variance was applied at each age, showing that kept same properties original formula. After cracking, it possible observe action released bacteria, formation crystalline structures cracks. simple cheap process, proved not only they do affect concrete but are effective both protecting during mixing hardening releasing after cracking.