Experimental investigation on the strength and durability aspect of bacterial self-healing concrete with GGBS and dolomite powder

Abstract

Because of its strength and long-term durability, concrete is one of the most important construction materials. Because of the brittleness that happens when concrete structures are strained, their ductility and cracking decrease. On a daily basis, a range of enhancements are being produced based on continuing research throughout the world to solve the inadequacies of cement-concrete construction. Current concrete technology research is aimed at overcoming the challenges of developing special concrete structures while considering the faster construction, high strength, and durability of concrete made from industrial waste materials such as fly ash, ground-granulated blasting slag (GGBS), silica fume, metakaolin, and dolomite powder, among others. In recent years, the application of these biomineralization principles to concrete has resulted in the creation of a unique material known as “bacterial concrete.” Using bacteria as a model, this experiment was carried out and the findings were presented. In a model laboratory, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sphaericus, and Bacillus pasteurising, among other bacteria, are cultured for this technique. When microorganisms are used, calcium carbonate precipitates in concrete. This precipitation will occur naturally as a consequence of biological activity and will be pollution-free. In a number of studies, cement has been partially replaced with GGBS and dolomite powder, ranging from 0% to 50% replacement; specimens have been cast with bacteria and specimens have been cast without bacteria in various trials. When comparing specimens that contain and do not contain microorganisms, the compressive strength of the samples is evaluated. According to the findings, adding bacteria to concrete enhances the mix's compressive strength. Bacterial concrete has been shown to have long-term durability (RCPT, Mercury Porosity, Acidity). As seen above, this bacterial concrete calcite manufacturing technology is not only ecologically benign but also cost-effective.