Biomaterial-Assisted Self-Healing for Crack Reduction in High-Performance Centrifugal Concrete Piles

Cracks in reinforced concrete structures compromise strength and durability, particularly in high-performance centrifugal concrete (HPC) piles, where degradation can become irreversible. Despite their high density and low permeability, HPC piles remain vulnerable to cracking, sulfate attack, and chl...

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Main Authors: Arian Adibinia, Hesam Dehghan Khalili, Mohammad Mehdi Mohebbi, Mohammad Momeni, Pezhman Moradi, Soleiman Ghouhestani, Ali Poorkarimi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Buildings
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1064
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author Arian Adibinia
Hesam Dehghan Khalili
Mohammad Mehdi Mohebbi
Mohammad Momeni
Pezhman Moradi
Soleiman Ghouhestani
Ali Poorkarimi
author_facet Arian Adibinia
Hesam Dehghan Khalili
Mohammad Mehdi Mohebbi
Mohammad Momeni
Pezhman Moradi
Soleiman Ghouhestani
Ali Poorkarimi
author_sort Arian Adibinia
collection DOAJ
description Cracks in reinforced concrete structures compromise strength and durability, particularly in high-performance centrifugal concrete (HPC) piles, where degradation can become irreversible. Despite their high density and low permeability, HPC piles remain vulnerable to cracking, sulfate attack, and chloride penetration, necessitating innovative durability solutions. While self-healing concrete has been widely studied, its application in HPC piles remains unexplored, representing a critical research gap. This study investigates the synergistic use of <i>Bacillus sphaericus</i> bacteria and flax fibers to enhance crack healing, permeability reduction, and mechanical performance in HPC piles. In this research, HPC specimens were fabricated using a specialized centrifugal device and casting process. During the mixing phase, bacteria and flax fibers were incorporated into the concrete. The fresh mix was then spun to form the final specimens. To evaluate bacterial self-healing performance of specimens, controlled random cracks were induced using a compression testing machine. Thereafter, a series of compressive strength tests, 30 min water absorption tests (BS 1881), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and EDS mapping (MAP) were conducted to evaluate self-healing efficiency. Results demonstrated that bacterial activation upon cracking led to calcium carbonate precipitation, effectively sealing cracks, reducing permeability, and enhancing compressive strength. Optimizing bacterial and fiber content further influenced water absorption and mechanical properties in both cubic and centrifugally cast specimens. This study bridges a critical gap by introducing biomaterial-based self-healing in HPC piles, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and long-term strategy for enhancing the durability of deep foundation systems in aggressive environments.
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spelling doaj-art-78fbf786077c4b249a6842fb377ccd552025-08-20T02:15:55ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-03-01157106410.3390/buildings15071064Biomaterial-Assisted Self-Healing for Crack Reduction in High-Performance Centrifugal Concrete PilesArian Adibinia0Hesam Dehghan Khalili1Mohammad Mehdi Mohebbi2Mohammad Momeni3Pezhman Moradi4Soleiman Ghouhestani5Ali Poorkarimi6Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Fasa University, Fasa 7461686131, IranDepartment of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Fasa University, Fasa 7461686131, IranDepartment of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Fasa University, Fasa 7461686131, IranDepartment of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Fasa University, Fasa 7461686131, IranDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USADepartment of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Fasa University, Fasa 7461686131, IranDepartment of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Fasa University, Fasa 7461686131, IranCracks in reinforced concrete structures compromise strength and durability, particularly in high-performance centrifugal concrete (HPC) piles, where degradation can become irreversible. Despite their high density and low permeability, HPC piles remain vulnerable to cracking, sulfate attack, and chloride penetration, necessitating innovative durability solutions. While self-healing concrete has been widely studied, its application in HPC piles remains unexplored, representing a critical research gap. This study investigates the synergistic use of <i>Bacillus sphaericus</i> bacteria and flax fibers to enhance crack healing, permeability reduction, and mechanical performance in HPC piles. In this research, HPC specimens were fabricated using a specialized centrifugal device and casting process. During the mixing phase, bacteria and flax fibers were incorporated into the concrete. The fresh mix was then spun to form the final specimens. To evaluate bacterial self-healing performance of specimens, controlled random cracks were induced using a compression testing machine. Thereafter, a series of compressive strength tests, 30 min water absorption tests (BS 1881), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and EDS mapping (MAP) were conducted to evaluate self-healing efficiency. Results demonstrated that bacterial activation upon cracking led to calcium carbonate precipitation, effectively sealing cracks, reducing permeability, and enhancing compressive strength. Optimizing bacterial and fiber content further influenced water absorption and mechanical properties in both cubic and centrifugally cast specimens. This study bridges a critical gap by introducing biomaterial-based self-healing in HPC piles, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and long-term strategy for enhancing the durability of deep foundation systems in aggressive environments.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1064precast centrifugal pilesself-healingcorrosion controlcrack repair<i>Bacillus sphaericus</i>biomineralization
spellingShingle Arian Adibinia
Hesam Dehghan Khalili
Mohammad Mehdi Mohebbi
Mohammad Momeni
Pezhman Moradi
Soleiman Ghouhestani
Ali Poorkarimi
Biomaterial-Assisted Self-Healing for Crack Reduction in High-Performance Centrifugal Concrete Piles
Buildings
precast centrifugal piles
self-healing
corrosion control
crack repair
<i>Bacillus sphaericus</i>
biomineralization
title Biomaterial-Assisted Self-Healing for Crack Reduction in High-Performance Centrifugal Concrete Piles
title_full Biomaterial-Assisted Self-Healing for Crack Reduction in High-Performance Centrifugal Concrete Piles
title_fullStr Biomaterial-Assisted Self-Healing for Crack Reduction in High-Performance Centrifugal Concrete Piles
title_full_unstemmed Biomaterial-Assisted Self-Healing for Crack Reduction in High-Performance Centrifugal Concrete Piles
title_short Biomaterial-Assisted Self-Healing for Crack Reduction in High-Performance Centrifugal Concrete Piles
title_sort biomaterial assisted self healing for crack reduction in high performance centrifugal concrete piles
topic precast centrifugal piles
self-healing
corrosion control
crack repair
<i>Bacillus sphaericus</i>
biomineralization
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1064
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