Bacterial Concrete - A Self Healing Concrete

The application of a novel approach in concrete crack remediation by using microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (CaCO₃). A common soil bacterium called ‘Bacillus Pasterii was used to induce CaCO₃ precipitation. As a metabolic by product of Bacillus Pasteurii, inorganic CaCO₃ precipitates outside the cell and can persist in environment for much longer period of time. After application of this type of Biosealent, it is expected to be self – remediating because Bacilus Pasteurii has ability to produce the endospores so as to ensure extreme environmental conditions. Efficiency of Microbiologically Enhanced Crack Remediation (MECR), was evaluated by comparing the compressive strength of treated mortar cubes with that of the control specimens. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) analysis was used to check the involvement of Bacillus Pasteurii in CaCO₃ precipitation. Energy - Dispersive X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to use to quantify CaCO₃ distribution in the regions of treated cubes. Based on observations made in this study, it is clear that MECR increases compressive strength of treated cubes specimens by 12–13 and remarkable potential as sealant for concrete cracks. This technique is highly recommended for monumental & heritage structures.