Biological concrete, a viable alternative in modern civil construction: Review

Concrete and/or mortar are the most commonly used construction materials and have a high tendency to form cracks. These cracks lead to a significant reduction in the useful life of the concrete structure and high preventive maintenance costs. Although it is not possible to prevent cracks from forming, there are several types of techniques to heal cracks. It has been shown that some of the current concrete treatment methods, such as the application of chemicals and polymers (epoxy), are a source of health and environmental risks and, more importantly, are only effective in the short term. Therefore, alternative, environmentally friendly and long-lasting methods are being developed with high potential for use and at lower prices than conventional concrete. A microbial self-healing approach is distinguished by its potential for lasting, rapid and active crack repair, while also being capable of maintaining the quality of the environment. Furthermore, the self-healing approach mainly by anaerobic and aerobic bacteria prevails over other treatment techniques due to the efficient binding capacity and compatibility with concrete compositions in the formation of media capable of protecting the concrete structure by forming Calcium as a product of special metabolism. This study provides an overview of microbial approaches to produce calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and application of bioconcretes in civil construction. They discuss everything from conventional concrete, concrete pathologies to forms of remediation in the development of high quality and resistant bioconcrete based on a systematic review. Finally, this review focuses on the use of bioconcrete as a viable and sustainable alternative for modern civil construction that combines the use of alternative materials for self-healing and environmental maintenance.