Self-healing concrete for underground construction

Dr Omar Hamza, Associate Professor in Civil Engineering, University of Derby

Recent research into innovative bio-self-healing concrete has largely focused on above-ground structures. However, underground structures, such as tunnels and water tanks, face unique challenges due to their interaction with soil environments, which can also offer a solution. This talk introduces a pioneering approach to enhance the durability of underground cementitious materials by leveraging the self-healing properties of natural soils. It showcases how different soil conditions and cement mixes impact the healing process, highlighting the synergy between these materials and the natural healing abilities of soil microorganisms. It will feature compelling experimental results drawn from the latest research conducted by a cross-disciplinary team of experts in microbiology and civil engineering at the University of Derby.