Biotechnologies and Biomimetics for Civil Engineering (eBook)

Fernando Pacheco-Torgal is an investigator in the C-TAC Research Centre at the University of Minho. Authored more than 250 publications, 97 in CrossRef, 88 papers in peer reviewed journals, 71 publications referenced in ISI Web of Knowledge-WoK, 41 papers published in ISI-A1 journals, 29 chapters in international books. First author of 15 papers in ISI-A1 journals with a special mention. Six papers in the Top 25 Hottest articles of Science Direct, seven papers in the Top 5% most cited and two papers in the Top 10 most cited articles between 3428 published since 2008. Citations received in ISI WoK-474 (h-index=12), citations received in Scopus-604 (h-index=14) and citations in Scholar Google-1291 (h-index=19). H-index prediction for the year 2017 using Körding´s algorithm (WoK h-index=17, Scopus h-index=21). Awarded with the Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing by the Editor-in-Chief of the ISI journal Construction and Building Materials in 19 of June of 2014. Invited reviewer for 48 international journals. Since 2009 he was invited to review 131 SCI papers. Grant assessor for the Australian Research Council, the Foundation for Polish Science and the British Research Council. Lead Editor of 10 international books with more than 300 contributors from 44 countries. Some of these books are available in the libraries of Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of California-Berkeley, Princeton University, Cornell University, University of New York, University of Washington, Tsinghua University, ETH Zürich, Tech Univ. of München and Tech Univ. of Berlin.

Foreword 7
Contents 9
1 Introduction to Biotechnologies and Biomimetics for Civil Engineering 11
Abstract 11
1.1…Sustainable Development Challenges 11
1.2…Civil Engineering: The Rebirth of an Obsolete Curriculum Through Biotechnologies and Biomimetics 15
1.3…Book Outline 22
References 24
2 Basics of Construction Microbial Biotechnology 30
Abstract 30
2.1…Introduction 31
2.2…Microorganisms in Construction Microbial Biotechnology 37
2.3…Application of Microbial Biopolymers in Construction Industry and Geotechnical Engineering 40
2.4…Construction Bioplastics 43
2.5…Biocements and Biogrouts 46
2.5.1 Calcium- and Urea-Dependent Biocementation 46
2.5.2 Biocementation Based on Production of Carbonates by Heterotrophic Bacteria During Aerobic or Anoxic Oxidation of Organics 49
2.5.3 Biogas Production in Situ for Mitigation of Soil Liquefaction 50
2.5.4 Calcium- and Magnesium-Based Biocementation 52
2.5.5 Calcium-Phosphate Biocementation 52
2.5.6 Calcium Bicarbonate Biocementation 54
2.5.7 Iron-Based Bioclogging and Biocementation 54
2.5.8 Eco-Efficient Biocement 55
2.6…Bioremediation and Biodecontamination of Construction Site Through Biocementation 57
2.7…Conclusions 58
References 58
3 General Aspects of Biomimetic Materials 66
Abstract 66
3.1…Introduction 66
3.2…General Aspects of Biomaterials 68
3.2.1 Key Structural Features of Biomaterials 68
3.2.2 Synthesis of Biomaterials 70
3.3…Development of Biomimetic Materials 71
3.3.1 Mechanical Properties 71
3.3.2 Optical Properties 74
3.3.3 Superhydrophobicity and Self-Cleaning Properties 76
3.3.4 Anti-biocolonization Properties 80
3.3.5 Adhesive Properties 82
3.4…Conclusions 83
References 84
4 Can Biomimicry Be a Useful Tool for Design for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation? 89
Abstract 89
4.1…Introduction: Climate Change and the Built Environment 89
4.2…Biomimicry and Climate Change 90
4.3…Biomimicry for Mitigating GHG Emissions from the Built Environment 92
4.3.1 Biomimicry for Energy Efficiency 93
4.3.2 Biomimetic Energy Generation 101
4.3.3 Biomimetic Sequestering and Storage of Carbon 103
4.4…Biomimetic Strategies for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Built Environment 107
4.4.1 Responding to Direct Impacts of Climate Change 108
4.4.2 Systemic Improvement of the Built Environment 110
4.4.2.1 Mimicking How Ecosystems Work: Process Strategies 111
4.4.2.2 Mimicking What Ecosystems Do: Ecosystem Functions 112
4.5…Conclusions 116
Acknowledgments 117
References 118
5 Bio-inspired Adaptive Building Skins 122
Abstract 122
5.1…Introduction 122
5.2…Adopting Bio-inspired Adaptation Principles in Building Envelope Design 124
5.2.1 Adaptability 125
5.2.2 Multi-ability 125
5.2.3 Evolvability 126
5.3…Overview and Analysis of Bio-inspired Facades 126
5.3.1 Form 128
5.3.1.1 Form: Material 128
5.3.1.2 Form: Component 128
5.3.1.3 Form: Facade 129
5.3.1.4 Form: Whole Building 129
5.3.2 Function 130
5.3.2.1 Function: Material 130
5.3.2.2 Function: Component 132
5.3.2.3 Function: Façade 134
5.3.2.4 Function: Whole Building 135
5.4…Design Support Tools 135
References 137
6 A Green Building Envelope: A Crucial Contribution to Biophilic Cities 142
Abstract 142
6.1…Introduction 142
6.2…Green Building Envelope Strategy 144
6.3…Air Quality Improvement with Vegetation 148
6.4…Temperature Regulation and Insulating Properties Due to a Vegetation Layer 150
6.5…Utilization of Green Buildings 154
6.5.1 Green Roofs 154
6.5.2 Intensive and Extensive Green Roofs 155
6.5.3 Greening of Outside Walls of Buildings 158
6.5.4 Overview of Vertical Green: Green Facades and Living Walls 159
6.6…Conclusions and Reflection 163
References 165
7 Architectural Bio-Photo Reactors: Harvesting Microalgae on the Surface of Architecture 169
Abstract 169
7.1…Introduction 169
7.1.1 Urban Consumption and Ecological Consciousness 169
7.1.2 City as an Energy Bio-Factory: Cultivating Algae on the Surface of Architecture 170
7.2…An Overview on Microalgae Photo-Bioreactors 172
7.2.1 What Is a Microalgae Photo-Bioreactor? 172
7.2.2 What Is an Architectural Photo-Bioreactor (A-PhBR)? 173
7.3…Building Scenarios of Application for A-PhBR 176
7.4…Molded Translucent Glass Blocks: Photo-Bioreactor in Facades 179
7.4.1 Horizontal Photo-Bioreactor for Roof and Urban Fountains: Covered 182
7.5…Conclusions 185
Acknowledgments 185
References 185
8 Reducing Indoor Air Pollutants Through Biotechnology 186
Abstract 186
8.1…Growing Concerns About Indoor Air Pollution 187
8.2…Current Practice 187
8.3…The History of Bioremediation of Indoor Air 188
8.4…Indoor Air Pollutants 189
8.4.1 Volatile Organic Compounds 189
8.4.2 Carbon Dioxide 190
8.4.3 Other Pollutants 191
8.5…Physiochemical Versus Biological Methods 191
8.6…Hybrid Physiochemical--Biological Systems 193
8.7…Phytoremediation and Horticultural Biotechnology 193
8.8…Health Benefits of Indoor Plants Unrelated to Air Quality 199
8.9…Microbial Systems 200
8.10…Do Biological Air Filtration Methods Lead to Microbial Biopollution? 205
8.11…Commercial Systems 207
8.12…Conclusions 209
References 209
9 Bioinspired Self-cleaning Materials 216
Abstract 216
9.1…Water and Surfaces 216
9.1.1 An Introduction to Self-cleaning 216
9.1.2 Hydrophilicity and Hydrophobicity 218
9.2…The Different Mechanisms of Self-cleaning 223
9.2.1 Self-cleaning on Photoactive Surfaces: TiO2 223
9.2.2 Learning from Carnivorous Plants 224
9.2.3 Hydrophilic and Superoleophobic Plants and Animals 225
9.2.4 The ‘‘lotus effect’’ 226
9.2.5 Gecko 228
9.3…Production Techniques and Applications 230
9.4…Concluding Remarks 233
References 235
10 Bio-inspired Bridge Design 240
Abstract 240
10.1…The Inspiration from Nature 240
10.2…Bio-inspired Form-Finding 242
10.2.1 Stationary Forms 243
10.2.2 Moveable Forms 248
10.3…Future Directions 253
10.4…Summary 255
Acknowledgments 256
References 256
11 Bio-inspired Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring 260
Abstract 260
11.1…Introduction 260
11.2…Bio-Inspired Computational Tools 262
11.3…Creature-like Robotic Sensors 266
11.4…Skin-Inspired Sensors 269
11.5…Summary 274
References 275
12 Bio-inspired, Flexible Structures and Materials 280
Abstract 280
12.1…Introduction 280
12.2…The Design Potential of Elastic Construction Materials 282
12.2.1 Material Overview 282
12.2.2 The Potential of Using Elastic Materials for Compliant Mechanisms 284
12.3…Biomimetic Approach 286
12.3.1 Direct Methods in the Context of Compliant Mechanisms 287
12.3.2 Indirect Biomimetic Approach 289
12.4…Case Study Projects 290
12.4.1 Flectofinreg 290
12.4.1.1 Biomimetic Approach 290
12.4.1.2 Optimisation of the Basic Flectofinreg Principle 292
12.4.1.3 Architectural Application 294
12.4.2 Textile Hybrid: M1 296
12.4.2.1 Form-Finding and Construction 297
12.4.2.2 Biomimetic Approach 297
12.5…Conclusions 299
References 300
13 Bioinspired Concrete 302
Abstract 302
13.1…Introduction 302
13.2…Overview 304
13.3…Bioinspired Cements 305
13.3.1 Unstable Calcium Carbonate Cement Components 305
13.3.2 Calcium Carbonate Cements 308
13.4…Environmental Challenges with Cements and Concrete 310
13.4.1 Carbon Sequestration in Concrete 310
13.5…Conclusions 312
References 312
14 Production of Bacteria for Structural Concrete 314
Abstract 314
14.1…Introduction 314
14.2…Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation 315
14.3…Why MICP and Microbial Concrete? 317
14.4…Quality Parameters for Concrete Structures 318
14.4.1 Biosandstone 318
14.4.2 Microbial Concrete and Compressive Strength 319
14.4.3 Microbial Concrete and Permeability 322
14.4.4 Microbial Concrete and Corrosion 323
14.5…Cost Analysis of Microbial Concrete? 324
14.6…Conclusions 326
References 326
15 Bacteria for Concrete Surface Treatment 329
Abstract 329
15.1…Introduction 330
15.2…Bacterial Induced Deposition 332
15.2.1 Bacterial Induced/Mediated Deposition 332
15.2.2 Role of Bacteria on Calcium Carbonate Deposition 334
15.3…Concrete Surface Treatment by Biodeposition 338
15.3.1 Bioremediation of Concrete Surface Cracks 338
15.3.2 Influence on CO2, Clminus, H2O Penetrativity of Concrete by Biodeposition 344
15.3.3 Influence on Strength of Concrete by Biodeposition 348
15.3.4 Improvement in the Durability of Concrete or Mortar Surface Treatment by Biodeposition 351
15.4…Bacterial Self-healing Concrete 353
15.5…Conclusions 357
Acknowledgment 358
References 358
16 A Case Study: Bacterial Surface Treatment of Normal and Lightweight Concrete 363
Abstract 363
16.1…Introduction 364
16.2…Experimental Program 365
16.3…Results and Discussion 367
16.3.1 Precipitation of Calcium Carbonate on Concrete 367
16.3.2 Microstructures of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate 369
16.3.3 Effect of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate on Capillary Water Absorption of Concrete 373
16.4…Conclusion 374
Acknowledgments 375
References 375
17 Biotechnological Aspects of Soil Decontamination 377
Abstract 377
17.1…Introduction 377
17.2…Physical Techniques 379
17.2.1 Off-Site Management 379
17.2.2 Isolation and Containment 380
17.2.3 Solidification/Stabilization 380
17.2.4 Vapor Extraction and Air Sparging 381
17.2.5 Vitrification 381
17.2.6 Mechanical Separation 382
17.2.7 Pyrometallurgical Separation 383
17.2.8 Soil Washing 383
17.3…Chemical Techniques 384
17.3.1 Oxidation-Reduction Reaction 384
17.3.2 Immobilization 385
17.3.3 Soil Washing (with Solvents) 385
17.3.4 Soil Flushing 386
17.3.5 Dechlorination 387
17.4…Biological Techniques 387
17.4.1 Biodegradation of Soil Pollutants 388
17.4.2 Bioleaching 388
17.4.3 Biosorption 389
17.4.4 Biodegradable Biosurfactants 389
17.4.5 Bioventing 390
17.4.6 Phytoremediation 390
17.4.6.1 Phytoextraction 391
17.4.6.2 Phytostabilization 396
17.4.6.3 Phytovolatilization 398
17.4.6.4 Rhizofilteration/Phytofilteration 400
17.4.6.5 Phytodegradation 400
17.4.6.6 Rhizodegradation 401
17.4.7 Biochar 401
17.5…Special Techniques 402
17.5.1 Electrokinetic Enhanced Phytoremediation 402
17.6…Conclusion and Future Scope 403
References 404
18 Microbial Fuel Cells for Wastewater Treatment 415
Abstract 415
18.1…Introduction 415
18.2…History of MFCs 417
18.3…Design and Operations of MFCs 418
18.3.1 Two-Chamber MFC Systems 418
18.3.2 Single-Chamber MFC Systems 419
18.3.3 Other MFC Configuration 422
18.4…Materials 422
18.5…Exoelectrogens 424
18.6…Electron Transfer Mechanism of Exoelectrogens 426
18.6.1 Direct or Mediator-Less Electron Transfer 426
18.6.2 Indirect or Mediated Electron Transfer 426
18.7…Microbial Community of Electroactive Biofilms 428
18.8…The MFC’s Full-Scale Applications 431
18.9…The Conclusion and Perspective 435
References 435