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By: Sneha Gurav, Swaraj Shigvan, Rohit Chavan, Sanjiv Rahate, and Rajesh Parade.
1Student, Civil Engineering Department, VPM’s Maharshi Parshuram College of Engineering (MPCOE), Velneshwar, Maharashtra, India.
2Professor, Civil Engineering Department, VPM’s Maharshi Parshuram College of Engineering (MPCOE), Velneshwar, Maharashtra, India.
Abstract
Concrete is one of the most used building materials due to its cost- effectiveness, ease of availability, and versatility. It is the backbone of modern construction, being widely applied in infrastructure, residential, and commercial projects. However, it is particularly vulnerable to crack formation, which significantly reduces its service life. These cracks compromise structural integrity by allowing water ingress, which leads to the corrosion of reinforcing steel, eventually making the entire structure vulnerable to failure. Additionally, these pathways facilitate the entry of harmful substances, such as chlorides and sulfates, which further deteriorate the concrete matrix and accelerate structural degradation. To address this critical issue, the innovative technique of incorporating bacteria into concrete has been developed. Known as bacterial concrete, this method enhances properties, such as compressive strength, self-healing ability, increased durability, and reduced permeability. The bacteria, typically in liquid or powder form, are specifically selected for their ability to survive in harsh alkaline environments and remain dormant within the concrete matrix. Upon the occurrence of cracks and subsequent water ingress, these bacteria are activated, triggering a biological reaction. The bacteria metabolize nutrients, like calcium lactate and produces calcium carbonate (limestone), which fills the cracks and restores the structure’s integrity. This process, known as Microbiologically Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), not only prevents harmful substances from penetrating the concrete but also delays the onset of steel corrosion, thereby significantly increasing the longevity of the structure. By consuming oxygen during the metabolic process, the bacteria further inhibit the corrosion of steel reinforcement, ensuring safer and more durable construction. Moreover, bacterial concrete reduces maintenance costs and environmental impact by minimizing the need for frequent repairs, making it an economically and ecologically sustainable option. As a groundbreaking advancement in the construction industry, bacterial concrete offers a promising solution to address the durability challenges associated with traditional concrete materials. Its ability to heal cracks autonomously and enhance structural resilience marks a significant step forward in the development of sustainable and high-performance building materials.
Citation:
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