TED-Ed: What if cracks in concrete could fix themselves? - Congrui Jin

Concrete is a widely used construction material but is prone to cracking, leading to costly repairs. The video explores the potential of self-healing concrete, which can repair itself using natural processes and advanced techniques. These include autogenous healing, adhesive-filled fibers, and biological solutions involving bacteria and fungi. While promising, these methods are still under study and not yet widely implemented. The goal is to create more resilient and long-lasting concrete, reducing financial and environmental costs.

What is a major weakness of concrete that leads to high repair costs?

• It is too lightweight.

• It is prone to catastrophic cracking.

• It is not durable in hot climates.

• It is difficult to produce.

What are the main components of concrete?

• Sand, water, and clay

• Cement, aggregates, and water

• Sand, steel, and water

• Limestone, clay, and steel

Why are small cracks in concrete particularly dangerous?

• They are difficult to detect.

• They can lead to water and oxygen corroding steel reinforcements.

• They make the concrete too flexible.

• They cause the concrete to change color.

What is autogenous healing in concrete?

• A process where concrete changes color over time

• A technique to make concrete more flexible

• A natural process where calcium carbonate crystals fill small cracks

• A method of adding extra cement to the mix

How do bacteria and fungi contribute to self-healing concrete?

• They change the color of the concrete.

• They increase the strength of the concrete.

• They produce minerals that help fill cracks.

• They make the concrete more lightweight.