From Cracks to Strength: Bio-Concrete Technology and the Future of Reliable Buildings

The pervasive challenge of structural cracking necessitates a paradigm shift from reactive repair to proactive prevention in the construction industry. This study assessed the perceptions of civil engineering academics in Nigeria regarding the potential of bio-concrete to enhance building reliability. Utilizing a survey research design, data were collected from a purposive sample of academics specializing in materials and structures with over five years of experience in bio-concrete. The instrument demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82). Findings revealed a strong consensus on the feasibility of key integration strategies (Mean > 3.50 cut-off), indicating a clear pathway for adoption. However, a significant difference was found between junior and senior academics in their perception of bio-concrete's effectiveness in autonomously sealing cracks (t(63) = 4.66, p = 0.04), highlighting a generational divide in acceptance. The study concludes that while bio-concrete holds immense promise for transforming building durability, its successful integration is contingent on bridging perceptual gaps. It is strongly recommended that professional bodies develop targeted continuous professional development (CPD) programs to address the specific skepticism of senior academics and engineers, leveraging empirical data from pilot projects to build a unified, evidence-based consensus.