Application of Biotechnology-Based Method for Ehancing Concrete Properties

Abstract

Concrete is increasing worldwide as a significant partial of structure because it is robust and cheap. However, porosity is an ordinary phenomenon in concrete that has detrimental effects on concrete properties such as reduction of compressive strength. In this research, a novel biotechnology-based method using a specific strain was applied to improve compressive strength of specimens. For this purpose, the specific strain with the ability of mineral precipitation was isolated from alkaline soil by using an enrichment culture technique. Therefore, identification of calcium carbonate-based mineral precipitations was examined by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry. Bacillus sp. LS1 as an indigenous strain was applied in mortar specimens to determine its effect on compressive strength. Finally, bacterial mortars revealed a significant increasing compressive strength in comparison to control specimens. In conclusion, result of this study is appeared to be promising and overall viewpoint can be demonstrated as an alternative for improving concrete properties.