Transport and technology

Concrete that heals

Green Ideas editorial team

Tags construction

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Dutch scientist Henk Jonkers has made waves in the construction industry by inventing a concrete that heals itself

The breakthrough could ultimately see buildings made from the material last almost indefinitely, making the industry far more sustainable.

Jonkers’ novel idea was to infuse concrete with bacteria that excrete calcium carbonate – a mineral which is effectively limestone. When the concrete is damaged by being chipped or cracked, water entering the area activates the bacteria which then fill in the gaps with their strong ‘bio-cement’.

Search for ‘Henk Jonkers’ on You Tube to watch a video of his invention in action.