Started 01/01/2022, 6 months

The BIOSELANTE project aims at developing a methodology to apply biocementation for sealing cracks in concrete water storage tanks considering water pressure and different crack widths. This is a novel application of the technique, as cracks in vertical surfaces must be treated and the repaired joint must be impervious even under high water pressures. This project intends to fulfill the following tasks: 1) Develop a methodology to apply the treatment in vertical surfaces; and 2) Develop a methodology to ensure complete seal of the crack to prevent water leakage under high pressures, adaptable to large crack widths by filling them with sand or sand and clay mixtures.

MSc Thesis:

Lucca Bonetti (2022) - Biocimentação como técnica para selagem de fissuras em reservatórios de água em betão. MSc Thesis, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal

Cardoso, R, Bonetti, L., Pinto, M., Flores-Colen, I. and Covas, I. (2024). Use of biocementation to seal joints in concrete water reservoirs. Construction and Building Materials, 412, 134854