The potential of biological processes at the biomimicry context for the conception of innovative concretes

• Grant number: 21/07184-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2021
• End date: January 29, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Silvia Lenyra Meirelles Campos Titotto
• Grantee: Mylena Hirota
• Host Institution: Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas (CECS). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 21/14289-9 - CO2 uptake analysis of wastewater-pretreated carbonated recycled concrete aggregates, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Biomimicry assumes that observing and studying nature's processes, shapes, designs, and methods and adapting them to human inventions is a viable solution for solving problems and developing techniques capable of promoting human survival in harmony with nature. This concept is studied at three levels of application: shape - imitation of the natural physical shape; process - inspiration in biological processes; and system - establishing similarities with the ecosystem's principles, trends, and strategies. Considering its perspective, biomimicry demonstrates significant potential in the development of techniques, for the civil engineering industry, that is innovative and less harmful to the environment. This aspect is also demonstrated as relevant when taking into consideration that the aforementioned industry represents a remarkable contribution in energy consumption and emission of polluting gases, a large portion being associated with the production of cement for concrete manufacturing. Taking such fundamentals into account, this document proposes the development of research with the purpose of inspecting the potential of biomimicry in developing technological innovations for concrete manufacturing, based on inspirations restricted to biological manufacturing processes, which include, among others, biomineralization and self-healing mechanisms. In order to carry out the study, it is intended to analyze the modified components, functionalities, mechanical strength, and the contribution to sustainable development that the material offers. In addition, it is within the objectives of this project to analyze the relationship between these elements, in order to identify associations and dependencies between them. (AU)