SELF-HEALING CONCRETE

A Technical Seminar Report on

SELF-HEALING CONCRETE
(BACTERIA CONCRETE)
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree
of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
In
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Submitted by

Ms. Y. Jaya Priya - [Reg. No.: 19AK1A0114]

Under the esteemed guidance of

Mrs. Meenu Sri Priya M. Tech
Assistant Professor

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

ANNAMACHARYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCES
TIRUPATI (AUTONOMOUS)
(Approved by AICTE, New Delhi & Permanent Affiliation to JNTUA, Anantapuramu.
Two B. Tech Programmes (CSE & ECE) are accredited by NBA, New Delhi.
Accredited by NAAC with 'A' Grade, Bangalore. Accredited by Institution of Engineers
(India), KOLKATA.)

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ANNAMACHARYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCES

(AUTONOMOUS)

(Approved by AICTE, New Delhi & Permanent Affiliation to JNTUA, Anantapuramu.

Two B. Tech Programmes (CSE & ECE) are accredited by NBA, New Delhi. Accredited
by NAAC with 'A' Grade, Bangalore. Accredited by Institution of Engineers (India),
KOLKATA. A-grade awarded by AP Knowledge Mission. Recognized under sections2(f)
& 12(B) of UGC Act1956.). Tirupati-517520.
CIVIL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project work entitled, “SELF-HEALING CONCRETE”,
done by Y. JAYA PRIYA (19AK1A0114 is being submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree of BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY in CIVIL
ENGINEERING to the Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Science, Tirupati, is a
record of Bonafede work carried out by them under my guidance and supervision. The results
embodied in this project report have not been submitted to any other university or institute for
the award of any degree or diploma.

Submitted for the Seminar viva-voice Examination held on_________________________

COORDINATOR Head of the Department

Mrs. Meenu Sri Priya M.Tech Mr. A. Anil M. Tech, (Ph. D).
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, Assistant Professor,
CIVIL ENGINEERING, CIVIL ENGINEERING,
AITS TIRUPATI. AITS TIRUPATI.

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Abstract:
A novel technique in remediating cracks and fissures in concrete by utilizing
microbiologically induced calcite (CaCo3) precipitation is discussed. Microbiologically
induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a technique that comes under a broader category of
science called bio mineralization. It is a process by which living organisms form Inorganic
solids. Bacillus Pasterull, a common soil bacterium can induce the precipitation of calcite. As
a microbial sealant, CaCO3 exhibited its positive potential in selectively consolidating
simulated fractures and surface fissures in granites and in the consolidation of sand. MICP is
highly desirable because the calcite precipitation induced as a result of microbial activities, is
pollution free and natural. The technique can be used to improve the compressive strength and
stiffness of cracked concrete specimens. A durability study on concrete beams treated with
bacteria, exposed to alkaline, sulphate and freeze- thaw environments were also studied. The
effect of different concentrations of bacteria on the durability of concrete was also studied. It
was found that all the beams with bacteria performed better than the control bearns (without
bacteria).

The durability performance increased with increase in the concentration of bacteria.

Microbial calcite precipitation was quantified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and
visualized by SEM. The unique imaging and microanalysis capabilities of SEM established the
presence of calcite precipitation Inside cracks, bacterial Impressions and a new calcite layer on
the surface of concrete. This calcite layer Improves the impermeability of the specimen, thus
increasing its resistance to alkaline, sulphate and freeze-thaw attack.

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CONTENTS

S. No Contents Page No.

1. Introduction 5-6
2. History of bacteria concrete 7
3. Types of bacteria used in bacteria concrete 7-8
4. Literature review 8-9
5. Preparation of bacteria 9-10
6. Methodology 10-11
7. Mechanism of bacteria 12
8. Mechanism of bacteria concrete 13-14
9. Chemical reactions 15
10. Tests and results of bacteria concrete 15-19
11. Advantages 19
12. Applications 19-20
13. Conclusion 21
14. Reference 22

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Introduction:
Humans have the ability to precipitate minerals in the form of bones and teeth
continuously. This ability is not only confined to human beings, even Bacillus Pasterull, a
common soil bacterium, can continuously precipitate calcite. This phenomenon is called
microbiologically induced calcite precipitation. Under favorable conditions Bacillus Pasterull
when used in concrete can continuously precipitate a new highly Impermeable calcite layer
over the surface of the already existing concrete layer. Calcite has a coarse crystalline structure
that readily adheres to surfaces in the form of scales. In addition to the ability to continuously
grow upon itself it is highly insoluble in water. Due to its Inherent ability to precipitate calcite
continuously bacterial concrete can be called as a "Smart Blo Material". Cracks in concrete
significantly Influence the durability characteristics of the structure.

The bacterial remediation technique can be used for repairing structures of historical
importance to preserve the aesthetics value, as conventional technique, such as epoxy Injection
cannot be used to remediate cracks. In those structures. In natural environments, chemical
CaCO3 precipitation (Ca2++ 0032- CaCO3) is accompanied by biological processes, both of
which often occur simultaneously or sequentially. This microbiologically induced calcium
carbonate precipitation (MICCP) comprises of a series of complex bio chemical reactions. As
part of metabolism, B. Pasteur produces urease, which catalyzes urea to produce CO2 and
ammonia, resulting in an increase of pH in the surroundings where ions Ca2+ and CO32-
precipitate as CaCO3. Possible bio chemical reactions in medium to precipitate CaCO3 at the
cell surface that provides a nucleation site can be summarized as follows.

Ca2+ Cell-→Cell-Ca2+...--→. (1)

CL+HCO3- + NH3-→NH4CI+ CO32-→ (2)

Cell-Ca2+ CO32-→Cell-CaCO3--→(3)

Earlier It was reported that sand consolidation by B. Pasteur reduced porosity by up to

50% and permeability by up to 80% in the areas where the cementation took place. Microbial
calcite plugging was selective and its efficiency was affected by the porosity of the medium,
the number of cells present and the total volume of nutrient added. The sand column loaded
with bacteria was so lightly plugged that the column was fractured with a mechanical knife for

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examining. In a study conducted by Zhong and Islam, an average crack width of 2.7 mm and a
mixture of Silica fume (10%) and sand (90%) showed the highest compressive strength in the
microbial remediation of granite. Concrete crack remediation by microorganisms was
significantly different from that of granite remediation, mainly due to the fact that concrete
maintained high levels of pH. An extreme alkaline environment of pH around 12 is the major
hindering factor for growth of B. Pasteur, whose optimum pH for growth is around 9. However,
B. Pasteur has the ability to produce endospores to endure an extreme environment.

What is Self- Healing concrete?

✓ It is a special type of concrete invented by a group of micro biology researches under
the head of HENK JONKERS.

✓ Bio Concrete also known as Bacteria Concrete is popularly known as Self-Healing

Concrete.

✓ It is specially made to increase the life span or the durability of concrete structure by
the self-healing action of that concrete.

Fig: Self-healing Concrete

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History of self-healing concrete:

Types of Bacteria used in self-healing of Concrete:

Various bacteria used in the production of bacterial concrete are:
• Bacillus pasteurizing
• Lysin bacillus sphaericus
• Escherichia coli
• Bacillus subtilis
• Bacillus cohnii
• Bacillus halodurans
• Bacillus pseudofirmus

Fig: Bacillus cohnii

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Literature review:
A review of the literature shows that the ‘encapsulation technique’ provides superior
results, compared with the direct method of application, and shows that the application of
bacteria can improve the strength, resistance, and durability of concrete Known aspects which
determine the efficiency of autonomous bacterial self-healing include encapsulation of
bioactive agents, capsule endurance during concrete mixing, influences on the aggregation of
bioactive agents and ability to screen them, and the reactivation of mechanical and durable
characteristics. Although it is more challenging to repair cracks of more than 0.8 mm, CCP can
cure such cracks.
Lightweight structures in which lightweight aggregates are employed to replace fine
aggregates are ideal settings for bacteria, which boosts the healing capacity, structural
sustainability, and durability. The incorporation in Rice husk ash concrete of bacteria can
enhance the strength of concrete due to the precipitation of calcium carbonate in any age of
concrete. The maximum strength of 24% in the concrete of grade M50 with the highest CCP
can be increased. However, it also reduces porosity and permissibility which results in a
maximum increase in compressive strength of 22% and a fourfold decrease in water absorption,
as compared with normal concrete, by integrating Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria. Fungi is
also be used to encourage calcium minerals to fill cracks in concrete as a self-healing agent by
Luo et al. Similar outcome from another study by Menon et al. Araújo et al. showed the
resistance of polymerated healing agents against decay assessed with the urethane/poly

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(propylene glycol)-based precursor and demonstrated greatest efficiency to resist degradation

in the powerful alkaline setting characteristic for concrete.
A diverse calcium source might be used for CCP with the addition of bacteria to boost the
durability properties of concrete by this quite recent advancement in biotechnology.
Autonomous self-healing by microbe activity is relatively a novel concept that involves CCP
in cracks through direct bioaction of calcium compound mineralization in species such
as Bacillus subtilis, or through the decomposition of urea with ureolytic bacteria viz. Bacillus
sphaericus. CCP by microorganisms is well matched with concrete, but the process is also eco-
friendly and user friendly, as Bacillus sphaericus does not harm humans.

Objectives:

The objectives of the Investigation were:

• To study the effect of different concentrations of bacteria on the durability of concrete.

• To study the efficiency of bacteria when suspended in different mediums (water,

phosphate-buffer and urea-CaC12) on the durability of concrete.

Preparation of Bacteria concrete:

Bacterial concrete can be prepared in two ways,

• By direct application

• By encapsulation in lightweight concrete

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In the direct application method, bacterial spores and calcium lactate is added into
concrete directly when mixing of concrete is done. The use of this bacteria and calcium lactate
doesn’t change the normal properties of concrete. When cracks are occurred in the structure
due to obvious reasons. The bacteria are exposed to climatic changes. When water comes in
contact with this bacterium, they germinate and feed on calcium lactate and produces
limestone. Thus, sealing the cracks. By encapsulation method the bacteria and its food i.e.,
calcium lactate, are placed inside treated clay pellets and concrete is prepared. About 6% of the
clay pellets are added for making bacterial concrete. When concrete structures are made with
bacterial concrete, when the crack occurs in the structure and clay pellets are broken and the
bacteria germinate and eat down the calcium lactate and produce limestone, which hardens and
thus sealing the crack. Minor cracks about 0.5mm width can be treated by using bacterial
concrete. Among these two-methods encapsulation method is commonly used, even though it’s
costlier than direct application.

Methodology:

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1.Purchasing of bacteria:
The Bacteria of concentration of 105 cells/ml will be used. The viability of the bacteria
was checked in the micro biology department Sastra Deemed University, Thanjavur.
2.Accuracy And precision with Serial Dilution of Bacteria:
Obtained Bacteria will be serially diluted with water to the required concentration of
105 Cells/ml, Under the Guidance of Microbiology department.
3. Casting:
Casting will be done on M20 Grade concrete and the cubes and cylinders were cast with
and without bacteria. For bacterial Concrete specimen the concentration 105 Cells/ml will be
added. The total amount of 12 cubes and 6 cylinders will be casted. And 6 Cubes and 3 cylinder
will be casted for concentrated and other 6 cubes and 3 cylinders will be casted for bacterial
concrete.
4.Curing:
For potable water the curing is done with 7/14/28 days.
5.Testing:
For Testing UTM should be used for (150*150*150 mm) and for split tensile strength
test (300*150 mm) and the ultrasonic pulse velocity test was conducted on concrete cubes
7th,14 th,28th day.
6. How does bacteria remediate cracks:
The cell surface is negative in charge and it draws cations including Ca²⁺ from the
atmosphere to deposits on the surface and produce the chemical reactions:
i. Ca²⁺+ cell = cell- Ca²⁺
ii. Cell- Ca²⁺ Co₃²⁻=cell- CaCo₃↓
Thus, the calcite is precipitated and eventually plug in the pores of the concrete.
7.Working Process:
Cracks less than 0.2mm can be auto fill by concrete. But if cracks are more than 0.2mm
then concrete itself fail to heal itself thus opening passage to chemicals and other materials .In
bio – concrete if water is in the contact with the concrete through the cracks the bacteria get
activated from its stage

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Mechanism of Bacteria Concrete

Self-healing concrete is a result of biological reaction of non-reacted limestone and a
calcium-based nutrient with the help of bacteria to heal the cracks appeared on the building.
Special type of bacteria’s known as Bacillus are used along with calcium nutrient known
as Calcium Lactate. While preparation of concrete, these products are added in the wet
concrete when the mixing is done. This bacteria’s can be in dormant stage for around 200 years.
When the cracks appear in the concrete, the water seeps in the cracks. The spores of the bacteria
germinate and starts feeding on the calcium lactate consuming oxygen. The soluble calcium
lactate is converted to insoluble limestone. The insoluble limestone starts to harden. Thus
filling the crack, automatically without any external aide. The other advantage of this process
is, as the oxygen is consumed by the bacteria to convert calcium into limestone, it helps in the
prevention of corrosion of steel due to cracks. This improves the durability of steel reinforced
concrete construction.

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Mechanism of Bacteria in Concrete:

When the cracks are formed in the concrete, the moisture will come in contact with the
calcium and bacteria in the concrete. This bacterium reacts with the calcium lactate i.e.,
Nutrient for bacteria, and produces limestone.

Fig: Mechanism of bacterial concrete

Fig: Microscopic view of Bacteria in Concrete.

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Fig: calcite crystals produced by bacteria binding to sand particles

Fig: Before and after healing of bacteria in concrete.

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Chemical Process of Self-Healing Concrete:

When the water comes in contact with the unhydrated calcium in the concrete, calcium
hydroxide is produced by the help of bacteria, which acts as a catalyst. This calcium hydroxide
reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide and forms limestone and water. This extra water
molecule keeps the reaction going. The limestone then hardens itself and seals the cracks in the
concrete.

From the above chemical reaction, it is clear that calcium oxide when reacts with water
releases calcium hydroxide and when calcium hydroxide reacts with carbon dioxide, it will
produce calcium carbonate which is a solid substance that fills the cracks in concrete. The
limestone solidifies on the cracked surface, thereby sealing it up. Tests all show that bacteria
embedded concrete has lower water and chloride permeability by 88%. The crystals expand
until the entire gap is filled. The extra molecule of water again continuous the reaction.

Tests on Bacteria Concrete:

The tests performed to establish the strength properties of bacterial concrete are 1)
Compressive strength 2) Split tensile strength 3) Flexural strength and 4) X-Ray diffraction
test (XRD). Compressive strength of concrete was obtained by testing concrete cubes of
size100 mm × 100 mm ×100 mm. Split tensile strength of concrete was obtained by testing
concrete cylinders of size 100 mm diameter and 200 mm long. Flexural strength of concrete
was obtained by testing concrete beams of size 100 mm × 100 mm ×500 mm. These tests were
performed by using Digital Compression Testing Machine. Concrete cylinders were cured for

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28 days and a thin layers were cut from it and small chips of each concrete is taken and made
very smooth and polished by rubbing with grinding stones, sand paper and they were tested for
X-Ray diffraction at Nano laboratory.

1. Compressive strength test

The test was conducted on concrete cube of size 150 x 150 x 150 mm.3.This test depends
upon many factors such as water cement ratio, cement strength, quality control during
production of concrete.

Convention Bacterial
28 -al concrete concrete of
days N/mm2 105 cells/ml
Age

28.8 35.8
4

Table 1. compressive strength test results for M20 grade concrete

Fig: Diagram of Compressive testing machine

2. Ultrasonic pulse velocity test

This type of test will be conducted on the normal & bacterial concrete specimens
under direct method of testing. The type of ultrasonic pulse velocity was RTUL UX4600
of accuracy 0.1 µs & frequency of 60KHZ. These Test results are a direct indication of
the density and hence the quality of the concrete specimens. High values of pulse
velocities were expected from bacterial concrete specimens due to the filling of micro
cracks in them owing to the calcium precipitation.

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Fig: UPV TEST ON CONCRETE

S.no Pulse velocity by Concrete Quality

cross probing(km/s) Grading
1. Above 4.5 Excellent

2. 3.5 to 4.5 Good

3. 3.0 to 3.5 Medium

4. Below 3.0 Doubtful

Table 2. Specification as per IS 13311 –part 1(1992)

Concrete Type Cross probing

Normal 4.43

105cells/ml 4.97

Table.3 Results of ultrasonic pulse velocity test on concrete

3. Splitting tensile strength test

Splitting tensile strength test in concrete cylinder (height-300 mm, diameter-150
mm) is a method to determine the tensile strength of concrete which is one of its basic
and important properties .Concrete due to its brittle nature is not expected to resist to
direct tension and hence develop cracks when subjected to tensile forces .Thus this test
directly indicate the load at which concrete members tend to crack.

Normal Concrete Bacterial Concrete

Type of of 105 cells/ml
Test
Splitting tensile
strength 2.01 2.966
N/mm2

Table.4 Results of split tensile test of cylinder M20 grade

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Diagram for split tensile test

Results of the tests:

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Fig: Correlation curve between UPSV and compressive strength of bacterial and controlled
concrete specimens of M20 grade

Advantages of Bacteria Concrete

• Self-repairing of cracks without any external aide.

• Significant increase in compressive strength and flexural strength when compared to

normal concrete.

• Resistance towards freeze-thaw attacks.

• Reduction in permeability of concrete.

• Reduces the corrosion of steel due to the cracks formation and improves the durability
of steel reinforced concrete.

• Bacillus bacteria are harmless to human life and hence it can be used effectively.

Application Of Bacteria Concrete

• From enhancement in durability of cementitious materials to improvement in sand
properties, from repair of limestone monuments, sealing of concrete cracks to highly
durable bricks, microbial concrete has been successful in one and all.

• This new technology can provide ways for low cost and durable roads

• High strength buildings with more bearing capacity.

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• Long lasting river bank.

• Erosion prevention of loose sands

• Low-cost durable housing.

Fig: Various applications of Bacteria Concrete

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Conclusion:
• Bacteria concrete technology has proved to be better than many conventional
technologies because of its eco-friendly nature, self- healing abilities and
increases in durability of various building materials.

• Work of various researchers has improved our outstanding on the possibilities and
limitations of biotechnological applications on building materials.

• Enhancement of compressive strength, reduction in permeability, water

absorption, reinforced corrosion has been seen in various cementitious and stone
materials.

• Cementation by this method is very easy and convenient for usage. This will soon
provide the basis for high quality structures that will be cost effective and
environmentally safe but, more work is required to improve the feasibility of this
technology from both an economical and practical viewpoint.

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References:
https://www.seminarsonly.com/Civil_Engineering/Bacterial-Concrete.php

https://theconstructor.org/concrete/bacterial-concrete-self-healing-concrete/13751/?amp=1

https://civilengineeringstudy.in/self-healing-concrete-crack-repair/

https://www.mdpi.com/2504-477X/6/1/23

https://theijes.com/papers/1801-RICCE-2018/Volume-1/10.%2057-61.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314141609_Bacterial_concrete_A_review

https://www.ijert.org/research/performance-evaluation-of-bacterial-concrete-

IJERTCONV7IS11038.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/self-healing-concrete

https://www.slideshare.net/VinayakRathod/self-healing-concrete-52205486

https://www.slideshare.net/RatneshKushwaha1/ppt-on-self-healing-concrete

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