Bacteria-based self-healing agent for masonry repair
applicability to cement-lime mortars
Maria B. Gaggero (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
Paul A. Korswagen (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
Rita Esposito (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
Jan G. Rots (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
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Abstract
In the pursuit of introducing bacteria-based self-healing mortar for masonry repair, this study examined the potential of incorporating a poly-lactic acid (PLA) agent—already established in concrete repair—into cement-lime mortars, typical of historical constructions. Testing prisms constructed with varying lime/cement ratios revealed decreased flexural and compressive strength in high-cement-concentration mortars upon the addition of the agent; for mortars with high lime concentration, however, the agent led to an increase in both strengths. Furthermore, the agent's potential to self-repair was confirmed by allowing the remaining portions of tested samples to heal under humid conditions. Irrespective of mortar composition, cracks were resealed thus confirming the aesthetic, and potentially watertightness, restoration.