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Microbial Concrete: A way to Enhance the Durability of Building Structures

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Authors
Achal, V.
Mukherjee, Abhijit
Reddy, S.
Date
2010
Type
Conference Paper

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Achal, V. and Mukherjee, A. and Reddy, S. 2010. Microbial Concrete: A way to Enhance the Durability of Building Structures, in Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies, Jun 28-30 2010. Ancona, Italy: Coventry University and University of Wisconsin and Institution of Civil Engineers.
Source Title
Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
Source Conference
Second International Conference on Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
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Department of Civil Engineering
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Abstract

Natural processes, such as weathering, faults, land subsidence, earthquakes, and human activities create fractures and fissures in concrete structures which can reduce the service life of the structures. A novel strategy to restore or remediate such structures is biomineralization of calcium carbonate using microbes such as Bacillus species. In the present study, Bacillus sp. CT-5, isolated from cement, was used to study compressive strength and water absorption tests. The results showed 36% increase in compressive strength of cement mortar with the addition of bacterial cells. Calcite deposition on treated cubes absorbed nearly six times less water than the control cubes. The current work demonstrates that production of “microbial concrete” by Bacillus sp. on constructed facilities enhanced the durability of building materials.