UK Scientists’ self-healing concrete could spell end of pot holes

Scientists at three British universities are working on the development of a special concrete that plugs cracks by use of bacteria, making potholes a thing of the past.

Researchers at the University of Bath, Cardiff University and the University of Cambridge created the concrete blend, filled with bacteria hidden in tiny capsules that react to water seeping into a crack. The bacteria burst out of their cases to produce limestone, which seals the gap before it becomes a pothole.

The scientists believe the technique could greatly increase the life of concrete, and remove the need for repairs. This will save considerable costs and also lower CO2 emissions as replacement cement is not needed (7% of the world’s CO2 emissions come from cement production).