Applications of BCCP technology on civil engineering – A review

Abstract

The Bacterial Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (BCCP) technology is a new eco-friendly approach mainly applied for enhancing the properties of building materials (esp. concrete, cement mortar and soil). In this paper, the existing researches related to application of BCCP technology in soil, concrete and cement mortar and their responses were reviewed. The study begins with the note on BCCP method by explaining its general procedure and mechanisms in material stabilization followed by a detailed survey on its effects when applied in building materials like soil, concrete and mortar. Most of the researches prove that this technique have the potential to improve the properties of concrete, cement mortar and soil, by slightly altering the ingredients. In concrete and cement mortar the properties like compressive strength, crack healing capacity, water absorption and durability are studied whereas in soil, shear strength, Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), Split tensile strength (STS), ductility, permeability, viscosity and brittleness are studied. It is stated that this process reduces the toxicity of soil. This work shows that the properties of concrete, mortar and soil mentioned above were enhanced by varying the type and concentration of both cementing materials and bacteria based on the purpose for which the material is used.