Objective Geological materials are used in significant quantities for construction purposes, structurally and for cladding, but are subject to damage, deformation and deterioration through natural weathering processes in combination with the stress state induced in service. As a consequence, structural performance can be reduced, durability is compromised and there may be aesthetic or heritage issues with regard to preservation of the original structural form. Currently, such issues are addressed either through initial overdesign, implementation of maintenance programmes, or both. The proposal seeks to explore the potential for providing such materials with the ability to self-heal – to automatically respond to damage or deterioration, instigating a healing process that restores or even enhances the desirable structural or aesthetic properties. Such technology will take inspiration from, and work in parallel with, current research into self-healing in cementitious, polymeric and other engineering materials. Previously, biological methods of treatment of geological materials have been employed, e.g. cementation through bacterial mineralisation of calcite, to enhance structural properties as well as to protect and conserve valuable structures. Similar technologies have been employed in the self-healing of cementitious materials. It is therefore envisaged, for the first time, to introduce the concept of biological self-healing to geological materials, combining the Fellow's expertise in geo-material conservation with that of the Host in self-healing materials and biomineralisation. A major part of this work is to identify and assess suitable healing mechanisms, and methods of triggering them, for the particular environments under consideration. Ultimately it is hoped that the technology would be applicable to both new and existing engineered structures comprising geological materials. Fields of science engineering and technologymaterials engineeringengineering and technologycivil engineeringconstruction engineeringnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2016 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2016 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator CARDIFF UNIVERSITY Net EU contribution € 183 454,80 Address Newport road 30 36 CF24 0DE Cardiff United Kingdom See on map Region Wales East Wales Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
