Future of Infrastructure

As many of us know, modern infrastructure, such as roads, has been a staple of human society since the Industrial Revolution. Roads have not only increased the safety of travel but also boosted economic growth and social connectivity. However, in recent years it has become evident that some 39% of American roads are in either poor or mediocre condition, leading many to strive for a solution. The main issue of our roads is the immeasurable amounts of cracks, which can develop into large or even lethal potholes. Countries like Germany have spent a great deal of their annual budget on simple maintenance of infrastructure, so to combat this issue, scientists have proposed bioengineering solutions to enhance infrastructure durability.

The solution is to simply coat thin fibers with bacteria, like Bacillus pasteurii, which are then integrated into the concrete used for infrastructure like homes and mainly roads. This approach falls under the immensely growing field of bio-concrete, which combines microbiology with material science used in infrastructure. The bacteria is not there for show, however, since they can fascinatingly produce limestone when put into contact with water or air. The damaged roads that were once riddled with cracks now allow water to seep through and therefore enable the bacteria to produce limestone, almost like a human’s ability to heal.

Not only would these repairs aid in the decrease of spending on infrastructure maintenance, but also decrease the environmental impact of CO2 emissions of companies repairing roads. Traditional road maintenance usually requires large machinery, long labor hours, and thus these emissions add up exponentially. Reducing the need for traditional strategies would help address the growing demand for greener infrastructure solutions. Regardless of planning many people want to see if this innovation is feasible in real-life aspects. In the Netherlands, scientists have already begun construction of lifelike prototypes of bacterial concrete in infrastructure application, like roads and bridges. Additionally, the UK has had researchers from the University of Bath that constructed concrete beams infused with the “self-healing” bacteria and further tested their ability to recover from damages.

Not only do these studies prove promising results but also prove that the results are efficient with the cracks only requiring a few days of recovery once water is introduced to the Bacillus pasteurii. This prospect also provides real-life economic impact such that start-up companies are able to commercialize this technology. Basilisk Concrete is an example of one of these many companies that offers “self-healing” mixtures already prepped for construction on roads, tunnels, and walls. Their application proves that this plan is not simply a theoretical concept but a market-ready solution ready to revolutionize our world. Like all new breakthrough inventions in science, technology, engineering, etc. there are side effects or drawbacks associated with this bioengineered technology. The cost of bacteria infused concrete is greatly increased from the status quo price of your traditional concrete mixture per cubic meter. On the other hand, the cost savings in the long-term greatly outweighs any extra cost associated with the initial purchase of the bacteria infused concrete mixture when first constructed. For example, an article from John Osborne, a renowned publisher in the institution of mechanical engineers, claims that “self-healing” concrete is estimated to decrease or save up to 50% of concrete’s lifetime cost by eliminating the need to repair and maintain roads.

Additionally, the public perception of driving on roads built upon a living organism's capability to produce limestone, might hinder the policymakers’ decisions. Building on that, the policymakers’ decisions and follow through may be slow to update building codes and zoning to allow this new bioengineered technology. Additionally, some citizens might be skeptical or fearful of the idea considering the lack of trust many have in modern research capabilities. Once again, John Osborne brings up an excellent point that bio-based innovations in infrastructure are extremely novel, therefore standards will take time to develop and may delay implementation.

Not only does this solution pose an intelligent strategy to efficiently cut back on losses, but also a surge ahead in gains and a shift in mindset of the future. Instead of solving problems with a simple reaction we now will be able to take steps to face these issues with proaction. This strategy once again not only stretches the lifespan of our roads but also a step forward in sustainability in engineering. If implemented, the self-healing bacterium proposed could be the push that the research community so desires to explore solutions rooted in biology. Lastly, the grim future of climate change and heavy urbanization, may not be all that is left if we work with the environment around us rather than against it. By working with the environment, not against it, we may find ourselves finding solutions to Earth’s biggest problems on the microscopic level.

Thomas Bezza - Representative