Studies on Biocementation of Mortar and Identification of Causative Bacteria

Abstract

A major challenge for construction industry is the durability of structures. A lot of work is being done to strengthen structures. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP) or biocementation is an innovative technology, which uses ureolytic bacteria to precipitate CaCO3 to strengthen cementitious materials. In this research, the effect of a bio-solution incorporated with soil as microbial source on the mechanical properties of mortar was studied. Cost reduction in the process was done by using natural ingredients. A considerable increment in compressive strength and a decrement in water absorption of the bio-mortar specimens were observed. Two ureolytic bacteria were identified, viz. Bacillus cereus and Enterobacter cloacae. The effect of these identified ureolytic pure cultures on mortar was also studied.