Feasible use of ureolytic bacteria in lightweight foamed concrete to enhance its strength

AbstractThis study investigates the feasibility of utilizing ureolytic-type bacteria in lightweight foamed concrete to enhance its compressive strength. Previous research focused on microorganisms in different types of concrete, but there is a lack of study on microorganism incorporation in low-density foamed concrete. Bacillus megaterium was introduced in the production of microbial-based lightweight foamed concrete, inducing mineral precipitation through microbial activities. Four mix proportions were prepared: a control mix (LFC-CM) and LFCs incorporated with varying concentrations of B. megaterium. All specimens underwent water curing. Results show significant improvements in compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths of microbial-based LFC compared to control samples due to microbial-induced calcite precipitation. This research has implications for sustainable construction materials. The potential future directions include optimizing microbial dosage, exploring different ureolytic bacteria, and investigating the long-term durability and performance of microbial-based lightweight foamed concrete. This study contributes to knowledge on microbial-based construction materials, providing insights for sustainable concrete solutions.Keywords: Bacillus megateriumlightweight foamed concretestrength propertiesmicrobial activitycalcite precipitation AcknowledgementThe authors would like to express their gratitude for the support of the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman UTARRF grant vote 6200/LG3 to this study.Geolocation informationThis study was conducted at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Bandar Sungai Long campus with coordinates 3.039805003901911, 101.79425775434476.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.Data depositionAll data set is stated in the paperAdditional informationFundingThis work was supported by the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman UTARRF grant vote 6200/LG3.