Self-Healing Biopolymer Concrete: Integrating Microbial Technology into Sustainable Infrastructure

Abstract

This study aims to develop and evaluate self-healing biopolymer concrete by integrating microbial technology to enhance durability and sustainability in infrastructure systems. A qualitative approach was employed using a case study design combined with an experimental-interpretative framework, selected to enable an in-depth exploration of material behavior and interdisciplinary interactions that cannot be fully captured through quantitative methods alone. The research was conducted in a controlled civil engineering materials laboratory at a university in Indonesia, ensuring stable environmental conditions for observing microbial activity and biopolymer performance. Six informants were purposively selected based on their expertise in structural engineering, microbiology, polymer science, and construction practice, allowing for comprehensive and relevant insights into the research problem. The findings indicate that the integration of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation and biopolymer modification significantly improves crack-healing efficiency, mechanical strength, and durability while reducing permeability and maintenance requirements. These results demonstrate a strong synergy between biological and polymeric components, contributing to sustainable material innovation. The study recommends further large-scale and long-term investigations to validate field applicability and optimize material composition for diverse environmental conditions.