Pore structure characterization of bacterial concrete

Abstract

This work describes an experimental investigation on the impact of calcifying bacteria on permeation properties (such as absorptivity and sorptivity) of bacterial concrete. In order to evaluate the improvement of permeation properties owing to biomineralization in bacterial concrete, tests for sorptivity, porosity, water absorption capacity, and ordinary (M20), standard (M40), and high strength (M60 and M80) grade bacteria were then conducted on the concrete samples treated with the bacteria. The findings demonstrate the bacterial concrete's porosity, sorptivity, and absorptivity are significantly less than those of the comparable properties of the reference concrete. The addition of Bacillus subtilis JC3 to the concrete notably improves these properties. The chemical study also revealed that bacterial concrete's cement-phase composition contains a sizable amount of calcium precipitate component. Understanding the processes of water transport within pore structure and the interactions between concrete and water require a thorough understanding of porosity. Because a solid contains interconnected channels (pores) that allow water to pass through and promote its transit, water can pass through solids. Concrete's permeability has a significant impact on how long it will last. As a result, the key variables to research in regard to concrete durability are the permeation qualities rather than the mechanical capabilities. Consequently, a great deal of work needs to go into looking into these qualities in the current study.