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

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.