科学素养与生活应用·英语30篇（2）

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自修复混凝土如何利用细菌修补裂缝

Self-healing concrete contains special bacteria that remain dormant until water enters a crack.
When moisture arrives, the bacteria activate and produce limestone to fill the gap naturally.
This biological process extends the material’s lifespan without human intervention or extra tools.
Engineers embed nutrient capsules alongside microbes so they survive for decades inside the concrete.
Unlike traditional repairs, this method works underground or inside bridges where access is difficult.
Studies show it reduces maintenance costs by up to thirty percent over twenty years.
The bacteria used are harmless to humans and thrive only in alkaline concrete environments.
Researchers continue optimizing strains to respond faster to different crack widths and temperatures.
Cities like Rotterdam now use this concrete in bike paths and canal walls.
It represents a growing trend where biology and civil engineering combine for sustainable infrastructure.