Application of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique in concrete crack repair: A review

Concrete cracking is regarded as one of the foremost factors posing a long-term safety threat to the durability of structures. Recently, microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been gradually applied in the field of concrete crack repair, which aims to achieve the repair of concrete cracks using biomineralization. In this paper, we review the research status of MICP technology in the field of concrete crack repair from both experimental and numerical simulation perspectives. First, we introduce the mechanism of microbial mineralization and compare the advantages and disadvantages of different MICP types. The engineering applications of MICP in the field of concrete crack repair are described in terms of the self-healing of microbial concrete and the repair of existing concrete cracks by MICP, respectively. We conclude by highlighting the lack of existing studies, as well as the technical challenges faced by the MICP technique in the repair of concrete cracks in complex engineering conditions.