A Comparative Study of Self-Compacting Concrete and Self-Healing Concrete Using the Same Mix Ratios

Abstract

This work looked into how two types of concrete Self-compacting (SCC) and self-healing (SHC) respond when traditional plasticizers get swapped out for Bacillus bacteria, all using the same mixing recipe. The study is not just about the usual metrics but also dives into compressive and tensile strength alongside a sort of “self-repair” ability. Generally speaking, both concrete mixes performed pretty well in everyday mechanical tests, but the self-healing mix really shines over time. In most cases, when moisture enters the picture, those bacteria trigger a reaction that forms calcite, patching tiny cracks and boosting overall durability even if the repair process sometimes shows up as a bit slower than expected. Interestingly, while SHC’s compressive strength was a touch lower than that of SCC, the trade-off seems fair given its enhanced ability to mend itself over time. It is like, here we have a material that may start a smidge weaker, but then steadily builds up its resilience. This also hints at the bigger picture biotech tweaks in concrete mixtures might not only secure our buildings but could also become a smart choice in environments like healthcare, where reducing maintenance and keeping things safe are huge priorities. All in all, mixing in these bio-based elements could open doors to innovative building designs that better handle environmental stress, pushing us toward longer-lasting construction and even improved infrastructure in places that matter most.