Bioconcretes: evaluation of mixing water

Abstract

Reinforced concrete structures can present cracks at any time during their useful life. These fissures not only make the structure aesthetic but can also affect its strength and durability. The fissure is a pathway that facilitates the entry of harmful substances and can cause pathologies that can affect the useful life of the structures. Due to the above, the use of self-repairing materials is proposed. Bioconcrete is a material that allows self-repair of cracks from the incorporation of bacteria that induce the precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). The bacteria are incorporated through the mixing water. In order to evaluate the feasibility of reducing the content of organic matter in the mixing water, different types of mixing water were evaluated to determine if they meet the requirements established in the IRAM 1601:2012 standard.