Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world. It can be found in swathes of city pavements, bridges that span vast rivers and the tallest skyscrapers on earth. But it does have a weakness: it's prone to catastrophic cracking that has immense financial and environmental impact. What if we could avoid that problem? Congrui Jin explores how to create a more resilient concrete. [TED-Ed Animation by Aeon Production].

Congrui Jin: What if cracks in concrete could fix themselves?

What if cracks in concrete could fix themselves?

Cracks in concrete, a ubiquitous challenge, cost billions annually. Innovative self-healing concrete could redefine urban resilience.

Innovative concrete with self-healing bacteria could transform infrastructure, drastically cutting repair costs and emissions.

Self-repairing concrete, utilizing bacterial action, promises to extend structures' lifespans and reduce environmental footprint.