Bio Concrete- The Self-Healing Concrete

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In the present scenario the use of bio concrete proved very fruitful for construction of durable structures and it also improved the properties of concrete and maintenance cost is reduced. Method/Statistical Analysis: In this paper an attempt has been made to use different microorganisms so as to observe the strength gain as a result of sprouting of filler material inside the cement sand matrix pores. The strength of concrete mix is evaluated by conducting compressive strength test, split tensile strength test and flexural strength test. Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)/XRay Diffraction(XRD) analysis is further done to prove involvement of the isolated ureolytic bacteria in calcium carbonate precipitation.Findings: From the tests conducted on various specimens of bio concrete using different bacteria, a clear comparison can be made for strengths of different specimens of bio concrete using different bacteria and convention concrete. The results obtained from the experiment concludes that when water enter in the concrete after the formation of cracks activates the dormant bacteria (inactive) by the process of metabolically mediated calcium carbonate precipitation and it increased the strength of bio concrete as compared to the conventional concrete.Applications/Improvements: Bio concrete is durable and offers better resistance to corrosion and freeze thaw. Crack remediation using bio-concrete is better than epoxy treatments.