STEM与日常科技·英语30篇（5）
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How Bacteria Build Stronger Concrete
细菌如何建造更坚固的混凝土
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Traditional concrete cracks easily under stress, letting water and rust damage steel reinforcements.
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Scientists discovered certain soil bacteria, like Bacillus pasteurii, can produce limestone naturally.
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When mixed into concrete with calcium lactate and oxygen, these microbes ‘breathe’ and mineralize.
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Their metabolic activity forms tiny calcium carbonate crystals inside micro-cracks.
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This self-healing process seals gaps up to 0.5 mm wide within three weeks.
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The repaired concrete regains up to 90% of its original strength without human intervention.
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Unlike polymer additives, bacterial healing works repeatedly as new cracks appear.
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Field trials show bridges and tunnels using this bio-concrete last 20–30% longer.
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It also cuts long-term maintenance costs and reduces CO₂ emissions from repairs.
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Here, microbiology meets civil engineering in a quietly revolutionary way.