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Experimental investigation of bacterial concrete to improve compressive strength: A microbiology and civil engineering approach
Published in Associated Cement Companies Ltd.
2015
Volume: 89
   
Issue: 6
Pages: 24 - 30
Abstract
Microbially induced concrete has emerged as an important area of research for high performance construction. This study examines the compressive strength, water absorption, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) of concrete that are influenced by bacteria isolated from three different places (cement, urea godown and dry activated sludge dumped soil). These isolated bacterial strains were characterized by morphological, biochemical and molecular techniques as Bacillus sp. These bacteria were used in the concentration (106cells/ml) for making bacterial concrete mixtures. The experimental investigation was carried out to evaluate the influence of bacteria for 7, 14 and 28 days study. The compressive strength of concrete showed an increase of about 23.8 %, 23% and 15.3 % as compared to control concrete at 28 days. Similarly, water absorption rate decreased to 3.1 % to 3.8% water by its weight which is less than control 4.2%. The UPV values of the bacterial concrete are comparable to control concrete. The use of bacteria was to precipitate CaCO3 the micro environment. The bacterial degradation locally increases the pH and promotes the microbial deposition of carbonate as calcium carbonate which leads to increase in compressive strength.
About the journal
JournalIndian Concrete Journal
PublisherAssociated Cement Companies Ltd.
ISSN00194565