Summary/Summary Reader Response Draft #3: Concrete that grows

The concept of living concrete and environmental benefits has been elaborated by Corless. (2020) in the article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand”. Conventional concrete is known to contribute a great amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission to the environment, while living concrete containing bacteria aids in the reduction of CO2 emission. Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed components such as sand, hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis. In the process of designing living concrete, researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold containing cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to adapt in extreme environmental conditions. Furthermore, carbon dioxide is converted to sugars during the process of photosynthesis. Regeneration of cyanobacteria can be obtained from a source, while achieving the original properties as the source with the extension of hydrogel scaffold. Creation of living concrete will give rise to advantages to the environment. However, certain trade-offs will be recognised such as concrete is only able to obtain its maximum strength when it is dried completely, it is more costly than conventional concrete, and it is not suitable to grow in any atmosphere and media. 

Firstly,living concrete has lower compressive strength than conventional concrete. This leads to the presence of bacteria being compromised during the drying process as it requires humidity to function. In order to maintain the structure of the concrete, mixing the bacteria with gelatine is required. In addition, Timmer (2020) discussed that an ambient humidity of 50% and above is necessary to demonstrate moisture for the gelatine to absorb adequate water to support the bacterial life for at least a week. Therefore, maximum strength is not achievable where bacteria exist in the concrete.

Secondly, an additional factor to consider would be the cost of living concrete as it is more expensive in comparison to conventional concrete.With a combination of biological and chemical properties, living concrete is ahead in technology advancement as compared to conventional concrete.This leads to more case studies behind the project. It can be beneficial to the environment, but on the other hand, high cost production would be a major consideration. With a cost factor in mind, small medium enterprise and private companies would make careful considerations when choosing concrete. Hence, there might be more supply than demand within the industry. 

Lastly, the growth of bacteria is not well supported in the atmosphere. Different types of nutrients and metabolic products are used to grow calcifying micro-organisms as they can influence survival, biofilm and crystal formation. Additional work should be done in the retention and metabolic product of the building material. As countries have different ambient temperatures, researchers need to conduct various case studies for individual countries and customise a suitable living concrete accordingly. 

However, a main advantage of living concrete is being able to heal by itself. All concrete is known to crack eventually, which is mainly caused by wear and tear. Typically, if the cracks are not fixed immediately, at times, it will lead to high permeability where water is able to flow through those cracks. In such cases, steel reinforcements are stored in the concrete. After a period of time, steel will corrode, and eventually result in structure collapse. With the invention of living concrete, it can heal by itself with the use of bacteria as it is more active in moist conditions. Hence, in the scenario where water flows into the concrete, bacteria are able to mend the cracks. The article ‘The ‘living concrete’ that can heal by itself’ by Andrew S. (2016) mentioned that bacteria and calcium lactate will be mixed into capsules where the capsule will be added into the wet concrete mix. In the event where cracks occur, water will flow through it, and the capsules will be open when it gets in contact with water which will eventually close up the cracks. 

In conclusion, further research in living concrete needs to be done to achieve similar properties as conventional concrete. Additionally, profits are maximised with high sales and low material cost.  Hence, it is ideal to weigh a balance between cost and the properties to ensure maximum profits and benefits. In addition, due to the varying ambient temperatures in different countries, further studies need to be done to ensure uniformity between temperature and the growth of bacteria to produce a suitable living concrete.

Reference

Corless, V. (2020, January 16). Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand. Advanced Science News. https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/scientists-create-living-concrete-from-bacteria-and-sand/

Shantilal Vekariya, M & Pitroda, J. (2013, September 9). International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology, 4(9).

http://www.ijettjournal.org/volume-4/issue-9/IJETT-V4I9P181.pdf

Stewart, A  (2016, March 7). The “living concrete” that can heal itself. CNN. ‌https://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/14/tech/bioconcrete-delft-jonkers/index.html

Timmer , J. (2020, January 18). "Living concrete" is an interesting first step. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/01/living-concrete-is-an-interesting-first-step/ 

Summary/Summary Reader Response Draft #2: Concrete that grows

The concept of living concrete and environmental benefits has been elaborated by Corless, V. (2020) in an article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand”. Conventional concrete is known to contribute a great amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission to the environment, while living concrete containing bacteria aids in the reduction of CO2 emission. Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed components such as sand, hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis. In the process of designing living concrete, researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold containing cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to adapt in extreme environmental conditions. Furthermore, carbon dioxide is converted to sugars during the process of photosynthesis. Regeneration of cyanobacteria can be obtained from a source, while achieving the original properties as the source with the extension of hydrogel scaffold. Creation of living concrete will give rise to advantages to the environment. However, certain trade-offs will be recognised such as concrete is only able to obtain its maximum strength when it is dried completely and it is more costly than conventional concrete.

Firstly, thorough drying of the concrete is required to attain its maximum strength. However, the presence of bacteria will be compromised during the drying process as it requires humidity to function. In order to maintain the structure of the concrete, mixing the bacteria with gelatine is required. In addition, Timmer (2020) discussed that an ambient humidity of 50% and above is necessary to demonstrate moisture for the gelatine to absorb adequate water to support the bacterial life for at least a week. Therefore, maximum strength is not achievable where bacteria exist in the concrete.

Secondly, an additional factor to consider would be the cost of living concrete as it is more expensive in comparison to conventional concrete.With a combination of biological and chemical properties, living concrete is ahead in technology advancement as compared to conventional concrete.This leads to more case studies behind the project. It can be beneficial to the environment, but on the other hand, high cost production would be a major consideration. With a cost factor in mind, small medium enterprise and private companies would make careful considerations when choosing concrete. Hence, there might be more supply than demand within the industry. 

However, a main advantage of living concrete is being able to heal by itself. All concrete is known to crack eventually, which is mainly caused by wear and tear. Typically, if the cracks are not fixed immediately, at times, it will lead to high permeability where water is able to flow through those cracks. In such cases, steel reinforcements are stored in the concrete. After a period of time, steel will corrode, and eventually result in structure collapse. With the invention of living concrete, it can heal by itself with the use of bacteria as it is more active in moist conditions. Hence, in the scenario where water flows into the concrete, bacteria are able to mend the cracks. The article ‘The ‘living concrete’ that can heal by itself’ by Andrew S. (2016) mentioned that bacteria and calcium lactate will be mixed into capsules where the capsule will be added into the wet concrete mix. In the event where cracks occur, water will flow through it, and the capsules will be open when it gets in contact with water which will eventually close up the cracks. 

In conclusion, further research in living concrete needs to be done to achieve similar properties as conventional concrete. Additionally, profits are maximised with high sales and low material cost.  Hence, it is ideal to weigh a balance between cost and the properties to ensure maximum profits and benefits.

Reference

Corless, V. (2020, January 16). Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand. Advanced Science News. https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/scientists-create-living-concrete-from-bacteria-and-sand/

Timmer, J. (2020, January 18). "Living concrete" is an interesting first step. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/01/living-concrete-is-an-interesting-first-step/ 

CNN, A. S., for. (n.d.). The “living concrete” that can heal itself. CNN. ‌https://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/14/tech/bioconcrete-delft-jonkers/index.html

 Shantilal Vekariya, M., & Pitroda. (2013). Bacterial Concrete: New Era For

Construction Industry. International Journal of Engineering Trends and

Technology, 4(9).

http://www.ijettjournal.org/volume-4/issue-9/IJETT-V4I9P181.pdf

‌

 

Summary/Summary Reader Response Draft #1: Concrete that grows

The article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand” by Corless, V. (2020) introduces the usage of bacteria in concrete mixes to make concrete. Many possible methods are being explored by researchers but no results cater to cement’s desirable properties. The articles mentioned that "Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed sand, a hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis." "The researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold that contains Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to survive in extreme environmental conditions. It also can convert CO2 to sugars during photosynthesis. These materials are able to be replicated by a parent “brick”. The bricks are still able to perform the same biological functions as the parent brick by separating and extending with hydrogel scaffold." explained by Corless. The author discussed that a bacterium can do much more than previous findings of being to help the concrete to heal its own cracks.There are many reasons why ‘living concrete’ is the future in the construction industry with the many benefits it has. 

One of the reasons is that it adds nutrients to the concrete that enable it to sustain longer as compared to normal concrete, this value adds to the concrete. Synechococcus is a kind of bacterium that is utilized in living concrete. This bacterium meets the Cyanobacteria requirements. It obtains energy through the photosynthesis process. In the presence of chlorophyll, it absorbs carbon dioxide, sunlight, and certain other nutrients and releases calcium carbonate and oxygen.

Another reason is that ‘living concrete’ constitutes better properties than ‘non-living concrete’. There has been a lot of biological study on the perimeter of structural concrete. This has largely taken a lot of study attempting to find out how live organisms' shells gain some of their astonishing features. However, it has also featured the notion that living creatures may build structural carbonates, as well as a few efforts to create concrete that self-heals due to the presence of carbonate-producing microbes embedded in it."

However, one disadvantage will be that concrete contains gelatine. Even though this was sufficient to sustain basic structures for long enough for the cyanobacteria to begin building carbonates. The cyanobacteria, on the other hand, simply do not make enough carbonate in a week to give the "concrete" the material toughness we associate with true concrete. To do better, the entire thing must be dried out, in order to eliminate the bacteria in the process.

To sustain the bacteria in the brick, there is a trade-off of the cement’s strength. Bacteria can function in the moist, but the mixture is stronger when it's dried. Currently, this technology is still new. It only can be represented as a possible alternative to cement in construction.

References

Corless, V. (2020, January 20). Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand. Advanced Science News. https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/scientists-create-living-concrete-from-bacteria-and-sand/

Timmer, J. (2020, January 18). “Living concrete” is an interesting first step. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/01/living-concrete-is-an-interesting-first-step/

Living Concrete: Advantages and Problems. (2020, April 19). The Constructor. https://theconstructor.org/concrete/living-concrete-advantages-and-problems-pdf/37822/

Summary Draft #2: Concrete that grows

The article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand”(2020) introduces the usage of bacteria in concrete mixes to make concrete that is able to take in CO2

Many possible methods are being explored by researchers but no results cater to cement’s desirable properties. The articles mentioned that "Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed sand, a hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis."

"The researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold that contains Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to survive in extreme environmental conditions. It also can convert CO2 to sugars during photosynthesis. These materials are able to be replicated by a parent “brick”. The bricks are still able to perform the same biological functions as the parent brick by separating and extending with hydrogel scaffold." as explained by Corless. 

However, to sustain the bacteria in the brick, there is a tradeoff of the cement’s strength. Bacteria can function in the moist, but the mixture is stronger when its dried. Currently, this technology is still new. It only can be represented a possible alternative to cement in construction.

Due to the large production of cement, it's important to come out with 'green' alternative. 

Corless, V. (2020, January 20). Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand. Advanced Science News. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/scientists-create-living-concrete-from-bacteria-and-sand/

Unit 1,Task 5.2 Soul of communication

 

In my personal opinion, I find that with good responsibility, empathy and leadership skills make up a good leader.  In the workplace, leaders are required to have a clear vision. They need to have the skillset as mentioned above to achieve the mission success.

 

Having good responsible means that the leader should be responsible to the team. They are the ones giving and guiding the team with instructions. If a leader were to be irresponsible for the team, no respect would be given to them.

 

Showing empathy means that you understand how the team feels. As a leader to be in the workplace, the leaders need to be understanding. There are many people coming from different background. The leaders can show empathy by showing cares and concerns to the people around them. From there, they will understand their behaviours.    

 

If the leader doesn’t have a follower, it doesn’t reflect them as a good leader. Hence, they are required to have good leadership skills. By possessing good leadership skills, they need to be initiative. The leaders need to outperform the people.

 

I strongly believe with the skillsets as mentioned above, its crucial to differentiate a good leader.  

Summary Draft #1: Concrete that grows

 

The article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand”(2020) introduces the usage of bacteria in concrete mixes to make concrete that is able to take in CO₂. The article states that production of cement is one of the top contributors to CO₂ emissions. 

Many possible methods are being explored by researchers but no results cater to cement’s desirable properties. Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed sand, a hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis.

The researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold that contains Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to survive in extreme environmental conditions. It also can convert CO2 to sugars during photosynthesis. These materials are able to be replicated by a parent “brick”. The bricks are still able to perform the same biological functions as the parent brick by separating and extending with hydrogel scaffold.

However, to sustain the bacteria in the brick, there is a tradeoff of the cement’s strength. Bacteria can function in the moist, but the mixture is stronger when its dried. Currently, this technology is still new. It only can be represented a possible alternative to cement in construction.