Spreading salt onto sidewalks or roads when the temperature goes below zero is an effective way to stop roads from getting too icy, but the problem is salty “de-icers” cause roadways to crack. Adding bacteria, however, may keep that from happening. In search of concrete that doesn’t crack, scientists at Philadelphia’s Drexel University started mixing a certain strain of bacteria into a commonly-used cement for roads, along with the nutrients required by the bacteria. The result was a series of concrete samples, which were exposed to a road salt solution for a period of 28 days. Apparently, the bacteria-infused concrete converts the salt mixture into calcium carbonate, which prevents it from reacting with a compound typically found in concrete that causes it to crack. In fact, the addition of calcium carbonate might actually strengthen the concrete. Seeing that the production of concrete is one of the world’s largest emitters, creating concrete that doesn’t crack or need replacement so often would be a big plus.
Anti-freeze salts cause roads to crack. Mixing concrete with bacteria might help
More of Today's Solutions
Alabama takes step toward better maternal health with new Medicaid access bill
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a unanimous vote on April 8, Alabama lawmakers passed legislation that could significantly improve maternal health outcomes ...
Read MoreJust one week of cold water swimming may strengthen your cells, study shows
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you’ve ever braved a plunge into cold water, you’re familiar with the jolt it gives your senses. ...
Read MoreBritish 13-year-old finds hoard of Bronze Age artifacts with her metal detector
Thirteen year old Milly Hardwich was using her metal detector for the first time in Royston, England when she came upon something unexpected. Milly ...
Read MoreThis MIT team designed a desert shelter for humans and animals
We have often written about animal agencies at The Optimist Daily and sharing our space on the planet with our furry or winged neighbors. ...
Read More
