VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

“Jnana Sangama”, Belgaum – 590018

A PROJECT REPORT ON
“ A STUDY ON BACTERIAL CONCRETE ”

Submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING BY
SANDHYA MG
(1NH14CV101) RADHIKA S
(1NH14CV090) SAVITHA R
(1NH15CV415)

Under the guidance of

SANDEEP TD
(Asst. Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NHCE)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

NEW HORIZON COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING
Autonomous Institution Affiliated to VTU &Approved by
AICTE) Accredited by NAAC ‘A’, Accredited
by NBAOuter Ring Road, Panathur Post,
Near Marathalli, Bangalore – 560103
 NEW HORIZON COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
(Autonomous Institution Affiliated to VTU &Approved by AICTE)
Accredited by NAAC ‘A’, Accredited by NBA
Outer Ring Road, Panathur Post,
Kadubisanahalli, Bangalore – 560103

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE

It is hereby certified that the project work entitled “A STUDY ON

BACTERIAL CONCRETE” is a bonafide work carried out by SANDHYA MG
(1NH14CV101), RADHIKA S (1NH14CV090), SAVITHA R (1NH15CV415) in
partial fulfilment for the award of Bachelor of Engineering in CIVIL ENGINEERING
of the New Horizon College of Engineering during the year 2017-2018. It is certified that
all corrections/suggestions indicated for Internal Assessment have been incorporated in
the Report deposited in the departmental library. The project report has been approved as
it satisfies the academic requirements in respect of project work prescribed for the said
Degree.

Signature of Guide Signature of HOD Signature of Principal

(Guide Name) (Dr.Niranjan P.S) (Dr. Manjunatha)

External Viva

Name of Examiner Signature with date

1.
2.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The satisfaction and euphoria that accompany the successful completion of any task would be
impossible without the mention of the people who made it possible, whose constant guidance
and encouragement crowned our efforts with success.
We have great pleasure in expressing our deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Mohan Manghnani,
Chairman of New Horizon Educational Institutions for providing necessary infrastructure and
creating good environment. We take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to
Dr. Manjunatha, Principal, for his constant support and encouragement. We are grateful to
Dr. Prashanth C.S.R, Dean Academics, for his unfailing encouragement & suggestions,
given to us in the course of our project work. We would also like to than Dr.Niranjan P.S,
Head of Department of Civil Engineering, for her constant support. We express our gratitude
to Sandeep TD Professor, our project guide, for constantly monitoring the development of
the project and setting up precise deadlines. His valuable suggestions were the motivating
factors in completing thework.
Finally a note of thanks to the teaching and non-teaching staff of Dept. of Civil Engineering,
for their cooperation extended to us, and our friends, who helped us directly or indirectly in
the course of the project work.

SANDHYA MG
(1NH14CV101)
RADHIKA S
(1NH14CV090)
SAVITHA R
(1NH15CV415)

II
4
 ABSTRACT

Concrete is a construction material that is used world-wide because of its first-rate

properties. However, the drawback of this material is that it easily cracks due to its low

tensile strength. It is a well-known fact that concrete structures are very susceptible to

cracking which allows chemicals and water to enter and degrade the concrete, reducing the

performance of the structure and also requires expensive maintenance in the form of repairs.

In this paper, the following notable points regarding classification of bacteria, selfhealing of

cracks in concrete, chemical process for crack remediation, self-healing mechanism of

bacteria, application of bacteria in construction field, Advantages and disadvantages of

bacterial concrete etc., are observed and identified from the other research works. Cracking

in the surface layer of concrete mainly reduces its durability, since cracks are responsible for

the transport of liquids and gases that could potentially contain deleterious substances. On the

other hand the concrete structures show some selfhealing capacity, i.e. the ability to heal or

seal freshly formed micro-cracks. When micro-cracks growth reaches the reinforcement, not

only the concrete itself may be damaged, but also corrosion occurs in the reinforcement due

to exposure to water and oxygen, and possibly CO2 and chlorides too. Self-healing of

concrete can be done by many ways such as application of specific calcite precipitating

bacteria for concrete repair, usage of synthetic polymers such as epoxy treatment, bio-

mineralization of bacteria in concrete etc.,

Keywords: Calcium Carbonate, self-healing, strength

CONTENTS

DECLARATION i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii

ABSTRACT iii

LIST OF FIGURES vi

LIST OF TABLES vii

NOTATIONS viii

CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION

1.1 : General 1

1.2 : History of self-healing concrete 2

1.3 : Mechanism of self-healing bacteria 3

CHAPTER 2:

OBEJECTIVES AND SCOPE

2.1 : Objectives 5

2.2 : Future scope 5

2.4: Literature review 5

CHAPTER 3:
 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 : Materials

3.1.1 : Cement 8

3.1.2 : Fine aggregate 8

3.1.3 : Coarse aggregate 9

3.1.4 : Bacteria 10

3.1.5 : Water 10

3.2 : Methodology

3.2.1 :Selection of bacteria 10

3.2.2 : Experimental procedure for culture growth of bacteria 11

3.2.3 : Safety measures for cultivation of bacteria 13

3.2.4 : Preliminary tests of materials 13

3.2.4.1 : Material properties of cement 13

3.2.4.2 : Material properties of fine aggregate 15

3.2.4.3 : Material properties of coarse aggregate 16

3.2.5 : Fresh concrete properties 17

3.2.6 : Mix design 18

3.2.6: Casting of cubes 18

CHAPTER 4:

MIX DESIGN

4.1 : Introduction 20

4.2 : Requirements of concrete mix design 21

4.3 : Types of mixes 22

4.3.1 : Nominal mixes 22

 4.3.2 : Standard mixes 22
4.3.3 : Designed mixes 23

4.4 : Factors affecting the choice of mix proportion 23

4.4.1 : Compressive strength 23

4.4.2 : Workability 23

4.4.3 :Durabality 24

4.4.4 : Maximum nominal size

of aggregate

4.4.5 : Grading and type of aggregate 24

4.4.6 : Quality control 25

4.4.7 : Mix proportion designations 25

4.5 :Factors to be considered for mix deign 26

CHAPTER 5:

STRENGTH PARAMETERS

5.1 : Compressive strength test 27

5.2 : Permeability test on concrete 27

5.2.1 : Test procedure 28

CHAPTER 6:

RESULT

6. 1:7 days results of bacterial concrete 32

6.2 : 14 days results of bacterial concrete 33

6.3 : 28 days results of bacterial concrete 34

 6.4 : Graphical comparison between controlled concrete and

bacterial concrete 35
6.5 :Permeability test results 36

CHAPTER 7:

CONCLUSIONS

7.1: Conclusions 37

CHAPTER 8:

REFERENCES 38
LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO TITLE PAGE NO

Figure 3.1 Cement 8

Figure 3.1 M-Sand 9

Figure 3.3 Coarse aggregate 9

Figure 3.4 Bacteria 10

Figure 3.5 Nutrient slant with bacterial streak 11

Figure 3.6 Bacteria in nutrient broth 12

Figure 3.7 Solution with bacteria 12

Figure 3.8 Slump cone test 17

Figure 5.1 Permeability test machine 29

Figure 5.2 Permeameter 29

Figure 5.3 Permeability test compressor machine 30

Figure 5.4 Top flange with “O” shaped rubber ring 31

Figure 5.5 Bottom ledge with “O” shaped rubber ring 31

 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL:

The occurrence of autogenous healing or self-healing of cracks in concrete has been

recognised in several recent studies. The capacity for self-healing in most common types

of concrete, however, appears to be limited to micro cracks of width up to 0.1-0.2mm.

The mechanism of the self-healing process may actually differ as it mainly depends on

the composition of concrete mixture. For eg; crack healing in mortar of centuries – old

brick buildings in Amsterdam canals has been observed, and here the process was

contributed to dissolution and reprecipitation of calcium carbonate within the mainly lime

based mortar matrix. Crack penetrating water would not only dissolve calcium calcite

particles present in the mortar matrix but would also react together with

atmosphericcarbon dioxide with not fully hydrated lime constituents such as calcium

oxide and calcium hydroxide according to the following reactions.

CaO + H2O→ Ca(OH)2

Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O

The freshly produced products from the above reactions that are precipitated on the

surface of cracks resulted in the crack healing and unfriendly due to high energy

consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. However concrete with low cement content

will not feature significant crack healing capacity as the cement particles have already

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page 1
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
undergone full hydration during the early stages. To improve the durability of such cheap

and eco friendly sustainable concrete an alternative self healing mechanism is likely to be

incorporated. One such mechanism can be provided with mineral producing

bacteria,alkaliphilic bacteria and endolithic bacteria. Particularly, the bacteria of the latter

producing groups appear to be more promising for the self-healing properties. This not

only heals the cracks but also increases the strength properties of the concrete such as

compressive strength, flexural strength etc.

1.2 HISTORY OF SELF HEALING CONCRETE:

The idea of self-healing concrete was introduced by US group guided by Professor

Sookie Bang in 1990’s. She had idea of using it as a sealer on Mount Rushmore, which

was subject to the effect of the climate. The team at South Dacota school of Mines and

Technology developed bacteria system that is believed to increase a strength by 24

percent. But the application of this theory was not taken because of lack of interest among

the engineering sector those days

The main aim of the research was to find the right type of bacteria that has to survive in

extreme conditions like alkaline environment. Cement and water have a pH of 13 when

mixed together usually hostile environment. Most of the organisms die at higher Ph but

there are certain organisms which can survive in such extreme environments and can be

found naturally. Samples of certain bacteria was collected from lakes. It was seen that

samples of bacillus genus could thrive to survive in this extreme environment. Different

types of bacteria was induced into the concrete blocks and these blocks were left for one

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page 2
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
or two months to set. Then the block was checked if the bacteria was able to survive in

such kind of climate. It was found that the only bacteria that was able to survive is the one

that produces spores. These spores have thick cell walls and can’t remain intact for about

200 years. They become germinated when the crack takes place and the food is available

while the water enters into these cracks. To find a proper food source for this bacteria

took a very long time and many sources were tried until it was found that calcium lactate

was a carbon source that provides biomass. When it dissolves during mixing process,

calcium lactate will not effect the setting time of the concrete.

1.3MECHANISM OF SELF HEALING BACTERIA:

There are various types of bacteria’s that can be used in the concrete such as bacillus

subtilis,bacilluscohnii,bacilluslichenformis etc., but for our project we have selected

bacillus subtilis,bacillus cereus and e-coli due to its ease of availability. These bacteria’s

are capable of producing protective endospores to tolerate extreme conditions. The

nutrients for the bacteria which are able to precipitate calcite are calcium sources

phosphorous and nitrogen sources. These bacterial components remain dormant in

concrete, when the seepage of water takes place into formed cracks helps in reacting with

the nutrient to precipitate calcite. The main parameter that is considered is the change in

pore structure. Though change in pore structure gives better result in preventing ingress of

harmful chemicals into concrete that may cause deterioration of structures. Compared to

traditional concrete the bio-cement incorporated has shown higher strength from previous

research. The urease producing alkaphilic bacteria which is grown in nutrient media,

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page 3
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
added with the healing agent of calcium source to the concrete mix has showed relatively

higher compressive strength when compared to traditional concrete. The formation of

calcium carbonate precipitates is due to the hydrolysis of urease which results in the

production of ammonia and carbonate. Ammonia release increases the pH of medium

which is a favourable condition for the precipitation of calcium carbonate. Carbonate

binds calcium ions present in medium resulting in the formation of calcium carbonate

crystals which was deposited in agar. All the three bacteria’s are capable of precipitating

calcite which will heal the micro cracks and pores in concrete. From previous

experiments the inclusion of bacteria has increased the compressive strength of the

concrete. The improvement in the compressive strength is due to the plugging of micro

cracks and pores in concrete with calcite precipitated in the bacteria. This is probably due

to the deposition of calcite on the micro-organism cell surfaces and within the pores of

cement sand matrix which plug the pores. The durability of the concrete has also been

enhanced with this technique.Calcium carbonate precipitation is affected by various

factors:

1) Calcium concentration

2) Concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon

3) The Ph

4) Availability of nucleation sites

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page 4
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
CHAPTER 2

2.1 OBJECTIVES:

 To study the effects of different types of bacteria on concrete.

 Develop a bacterial concrete by introducing the bacteria’s of bacillus family.

 To study the efficiency of bacteria when mixed with mineral admixtures.

 Good compressive strength by arriving at optimum proportions by trial.

 To make a comparative study of bacterial concrete with normal concrete.

2.2 FUTURE SCOPE:

 To study the durability of concrete under various weathering conditions.

 To check the performance of various bacteria by durability test.

 To verify the performance of various bacteria with 1mm and 2mm crack width

and 15mm, 20mm, 25mm and 30mm crack depth.

2.3 LITERATRE REVIEW:

 Meera C M and Dr. SubhaVpublished a paper on strength and durability

assessment on bacteria based self healing concrete. It was observed that the

addition of bacteria there was a significant increase in the tensile strength by 63%

after 28 days.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page 5
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

 Jagadeesha Kumar B G, R Prabhakara and Pushpa H published a paper on

effect of bacterial calcite precipitation on compressive strength of mortar cubes.

As a result Compressive strength was improved.

 R A.B. Depaand T. Felix Kala published a paper on experimental investigation

of self healing concrete using Silica Fume and GGBS. In this paper the cubes

were prepared by adding a percentage of 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% of silica fume and

replacing 35 and 55% of cement with GGBS. It showed an increase in

compressive strength of 12.5%.

 Chithra P Bai and Shibi Varghese published a paper on behaviour of bacterial

concrete mixed with fly ash. In this paper the bacteria Bacillus Subtilis was used.

There was an improvement in the strength properties which was due to the

precipitation of calcium carbonate by the bacteria

 Z .P.Bhathena published a paper on Bacterial concrete, a novel approach for

increasing the durability. In this paper totally 6 samples were collected from

different sites such as mangrove area. It was found that these samples were calcite

precipitating organisms which precipitates calcium carbonate by means of

ureolysis. It was observed that the compressive strength was higher than that of

OPC.

 Vijeth N Kashyap and Radhakrishnapublished a paper on study on effect of

bacteria on cement composites. In this paper two types of bacterias were used

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page 6
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
namely, Bacillus sphaericus and sporosarcinapastuerii. It was observed that the

microbes enhance the strength and durability of cement composites.

 L.Soundariet.al has published a paper on experimental study on strengthening of

concrete by using bacterial mineral precipitation. It was observed that there is an

improvement in compressive strength in the order of 12.32% to 30.05% at

different ages, improvement in split tensile strength in the order of 13.80% to

18.45% at different ages and improvement in flexural strength in the order of

13.19% to 15.56% at different ages.

 HenkM.Jonkers and Erik Schlangen has published a paper on development of

bacteria based self-healing concrete. In this paper Bacillus cohnii, Bacillus

halodurans and Bacillus pseudofirmus species were used. It was observed that by

adding bacteria there is 10% loss in compressive strength but, this loss in strength

is acceptable when this is compensated by self-healing capacity.

 B.Naveen and S.Sivakamasundari has published a paper on study on the effect

of calcite precipitating bacteria on self-healing mechanism of concrete. In this

paper crack repair was enhanced through the biological treatment in which

Bacillus sphaericus culture was incorporated in a gel matrix. Silica gel was used to

protect the bacteria against the pH in concrete which was found effective as

CaCO3 crystals precipitated inside the matrix. The crack sealing resulted in the

permeability of water. Precipitation of crystals enhanced the durability of the

material.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page 7
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
CHAPTER 3

MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 MATERIALS

3.1.1 CEMENT-Cement is one of the widely used construction material by the

mankind and is used in most of the infrastructures. Cement is used as a binder and it

sets and hardens independently and can be used to bind other materials also. The main

factor considered in cement grading is that the average compressive strength of a

material in a given time over a particular area in a particular composition of the

cement mortar mixture.Ordinary Portland cement of 53 grade cement available in the

market was used in the investigation. The cement was tested for various properties as

per IS 4031-1988 and found to be confirming to various specifications as per IS

12269-1987.

Fig 3.1 CEMENT

3.1.2 FINE AGGREGATE- Aggregates are granular materials such as sand, gravel,
or crushed stone. This is one of the essential component used in the concrete. The

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page 8
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

main use of aggregate is that when high performance concrete is required to where the

strength of concrete is close to that of strength of aggregate , fine aggregate is used so

theIn our project we have used M-sand confirming to the zone II according to IS 383.

FIG 3.2 M-SAND

3.1.3 COARSE AGGREGATES-The coarse aggregates is one of the strongest

materials used. Presence of this reduces drying shrinkage and other dimensional

changes occurring in the mix. In our project we have used aggregates passing through

20mm.

FIG 3.3 COARSE AGGREGATES

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page 9
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

3.1.4 BACTERIA-In our project we have used three spore producing bacteriasi.e
Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, E-coli

FIG 3.4 BACTERIA

3.1.5 WATER-Locally available water is used confirming to standards specified in IS

456-2000 is used.

3.2 METHODOLOGY

3.2.1 SELECTION OF BACTERIA:

We have selected Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Ecoli since they produce

calcium carbonate and due to ease of availability. Members of the genus Bacillus are

rod shaped and can form a tough, protective endospores, allowing it to tolerate

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
extreme environmental conditions. Bacterias of bacillus genus are considered to be

best gram positive bacteria and e-coli is also capable of producing endspores.

3.2.2 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE FOR CULTURE GROWTH OF

BACTERIA

The samples Bacillus Subtilis, Bacillus Cereus and E-coli were collected from

Bangalore University using slants that were prepared in lab. Slants were prepared by

adding 50 ml of nutrient agar. A small portion of slant was taken and introduced into

nutrient broth for further growth. A small portion of nutrient broth is added to

500ml conical flask containing distilled water. It is then covered with a thick cotton

plug and is made air tight with paper and rubber band. It is then sterilized using a

cooker for about 10-20 minutes. Now the solution is free from any contaminants and

the solution is clear orange in colour before addition of the bacteria

FIG 3.5 Nutrient slant with bacterial streak

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

Later the flasks are opened up and a small amount of each of the bacteria was added

to the sterilized flask and is kept in a shaker at a speed of 150-200rpm for 24 hours.

After 24 hours the solution was found to be whitish yellow turbid solution

FIG3.6Bacteria in the nutrient broth

From previous experiments it is found that optimum dosage of bacteria is 105cells/ml of

mixing water. Using haemocytometer the counting of colonies was done and appropriate

amount of bacteria was added.

FIG 3.7solution with bacteria

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

FIG 3.8 HAEMOCYTOMETER

3.2.3 SAFETY MEASURES FOR CULTIVATION OF BACTERIA

Bacteria is harmful for human health and may lead to various diseases and due to this

reason various precautions have to be taken. It is mandatory to wear gloves while

working with bacterial solution. The whole procedure musrt be done between two flames

so that the bacteria used will not be contaminated by the interference of other bacteria

present in the environment. Also safety masks is worn so that we don’t inhale the bacteria

as it might cause health problem.

3.2.4 PRELIMINARY TESTS OF MATERIALS

3.2.4.1 Material properties of cement :

 Standard consistency:It is defined as the consistency which permits the vicat

plunger to penetrate to a point of 5mm to 7mm from the bottom of the vicatmould.

Recommended consistency value: 24 to 34%

 Specific gravity: It is the ratio between weight of the material and weight of equal

volume of water.

Recommended specific gravity value: 3-4

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
 Initial setting time: It is the time at which cement starts to harden and completely

lose its plasticity is called as initial setting time of cement.

Recommended time: Not less than 30 minutes

 Final setting time: It is the time at which cement completely lose its plasticity

and gain its entire strength is called as the final setting time.

Recommended time: less than 10 hours.

 Fineness test: It is the property of cement that indicates the particle size of

cement and specific surface area.

Recommended value: less than 10%

Material properties of cement:

Sl no: Properties I.S Recommended Obtained

Recommendations values values

1 Standard IS 4032:2992-Part 24%-34% 30%

consistency 4

2 Specific gravity IS 4031 3-4 3.03

3 Initial setting IS 4031:1988- Part Not less than 55 min

time 5 30 min

4 Final setting time IS 4031:1988- Part Less than 10 8 hours

5 hours

5 Fineness test IS 4031:1996-Part Less than 10% 5%

6 Compressive IS 4031:1988-Part6 53 53

strength (28 days)

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
3.2.4.2 Material properties of fine aggregate:

 Specific gravity:It is the ratio between the weight of material and weight of equal

amount of water.

Recommended specific gravity: 2.65

 Fineness modulus:It is an empirical figure obtained by adding the total

percentage of sample of an aggregate retained on each specified series of sieves,

and dividing the sum by 100.

However smaller value indicates finer

aggregate. Recommended value: 2-4

 Zone : According to IS 383 table 4 the fine aggregate that is used comes under

zone II

Material properties of fine aggregate:

Sl no: Properties IS Recommended M-Sand

Recommendations values

1 Specific gravity IS 2386:1963-Part 3 2.65 2.64

2 Zone IS 383 Table 4 _ Zone II

3 Fineness modulus IS 2386:1963- Part 1 2-4 2.6

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
3.2.4.3 Material properties of coarse aggregate:

 Specific gravity: It is the ratio betweenthe weight of the material and weight of

equal amount of water.

Recommended value: 2.5-3

 Water absorption: It helps to find the amount of water absorbed by the

aggregate.

Recommended value: 1-2%

 Bulk density: It is the mass of aggregates required to fill the container of a unit

volume after aggregates are batched based on volume.

Material properties of coarse aggregate

Sl no: Properties IS Recommended Natural

Recommendations values aggregate

1 Specific IS 2386 2.5-3 2.506

gravity

2 Water IS 2386:1963 – 1-2% 2%

absorption Part 3

3 Bulk IS 2386:1963- _ 1.55

density(gm/cc) Part 3

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
3.2.5 FRESH CONCRETE PROPERTIES

SLUMP CONE TEST: Slump test is an empirical method to measure the workability of

the concrete. The test is carries out using slump cone, the slump cone is placed on a

horizontal surface and three layers of fresh concrete are placed

and each layer is being tamped by 25 layers using a standard tamping rod. The excess

concrete is removed and is leveled using a trowel. The mould is raised immediately and

slowly in the upward direction. The slump is now measured as the difference between the

height of the mould and that of height point of the specimen. The slump that we obtained

is 100mm.

FIG 3.8 slump cone test

In order to reduce the influence on slump of the variation in the surface friction, the inside

of mould and base will be moistured before starting the test and before lifting the mould

the area around the base should be cleaned properly from concrete which might be

dropped by mistake.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
The slump that we have obtained is 100mm and shows that is has good workability and

can be used for sections in conjested reinforcements also,

Slump depends on many factors like properties of concrete ingredients, such as

aggregates cement etc. It also depends on temperature. So all the above parameters should

be kept in mind while performing the slump cone test.

3.2.6 MIX DESIGN: Mix design is defined as the selection and proportioning of

constituents to produce a concrete with defined characteristicsin the fresh and hardened

states. Its objective is to produce concrete of certain minimum strength and durability as

economically as possible.

3.2.7 CASTING OF CUBES

The mix ratio obtained after the mix design , the concrete was developed. The following

moulds were prepared :

1) Controlled concrete

2) Concrete mixed with bacillus subtilis

3) Concrete mixed with bacillus cereus

4) Concrete mixed with e-coli

Method of mixing bacteria into concrete: There are different methods of mixing

bacteria in the concrete. They are

a) Direct mixing

b) Indirect mixing

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
c) Injection method

In our project we have used the first method ie direct method of mixing. Firstly the

measuring jars were sterilized in the oven. After few minutes once it gets slightly cooled

the solution was poured into the measuring jar. The flask was firstly heated before we

poured into the jar so that the bacteria does not get contaminated by the other bacteria

present in the environment. Now the bacterial solution is added into the mixing water that

should be added into the concrete.

Once the concrete is completely mixed it is poured into the cube and vibration was done

using vibration machine. Then it was kept for 24 hours to dry. Moulds were removed

after 24 hours and they were kept in the curing tanks. Curing was done for 7, 14 and 28

days for compression test and 28 days for permeability test.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
CHAPTER 4

MIX DESIGN:

4.1 INTRODUCTION

The process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete and determining their relative

amounts with the objective of producing a concrete of the required, strength, durability,

and workability as economically as possible, is termed the concrete mix design. The

proportioning of ingredient of concrete is governed by the required performance of

concrete in 2 states, namely the plastic and the hardened states. If the plastic concrete is

not workable, it cannot be properly placed and compacted. The property of workability,

therefore, becomes of vital importance.

The compressive strength of hardened concrete which is generally considered to be an

index of its other properties, depends upon many factors, e.g. quality and quantity of

cement, water and aggregates; batching and mixing; placing, compaction and curing. The

cost of concrete is made up of the cost of materials, plant and labours. The variations in

the cost of materials arise from the fact that the cement is several times costly than the

aggregate, thus the aim is to produce as lean a mix as possible. From technical point of

view the rich mixes may lead to high shrinkage and cracking in the structural concrete,

and to evolution of high heat of hydration in mass concrete which may cause cracking.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

The actual cost of concrete is related to the cost of materials required for producing a

minimum mean strength called characteristic strength that is specified by the designer of

the structure. This depends on the quality control measures, but there is no doubt that the

quality control adds to the cost of concrete. The extent of quality control is often an

economic compromise, and depends on the size and type of job. The cost of labours

depends on the workability of mix, e.g., a concrete mix of inadequate workability may

result in a high cost of labour to obtain a degree of compaction with available equipment.

4.2 REQUIREMENTS OF CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

The requirements which form the basis of selection and proportioning of mix ingredient

are:

a) The minimum compressive strength required from structural consideration

b) The adequate workability necessary for full compaction with the compacting

equipment available.

c) Maximum water-cement ratio and/or maximum cement content to give adequate

durability for the particular site conditions

d) Maximum cement content to avoid shrinkage cracking due to temperature cycle in

mass concrete.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
4.3 TYPES OF MIXES

4.3.1. Nominal Mixes

In the past the specifications for concrete prescribed the proportions of cement, fine and

coarse aggregates. These mixes of fixed cement-aggregate ratio which ensures adequate

strength are termed nominal mixes. These offer simplicity and under normal

circumstances, have a margin of strength above that specified. However, due to the

variability of mix ingredients the nominal concrete for a given workability varies widely

in strength.

4.3.2. Standard mixes

The nominal mixes of fixed cement-aggregate ratio (by volume) vary widely in

strength and may result in under- or over-rich mixes. For this reason, the minimum

compressive strength has been included in many specifications. These mixes are termed

standard mixes.

IS 456-2000 has designated the concrete mixes into a number of grades as M10,

M15, M20, M25, M30, M35 and M40. In this designation the letter M refers to the mix

and the number tomorrow the specified 28 day cube strength of mix in N/mm2. The

mixes of grades M10, M15, M20 and M25 correspond approximately to the mix

proportions (1:3:6), (1:2:4), (1:1.5:3) and (1:1:2) respectively.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
4.3.3. Designed Mixes

In these mixes the performance of the concrete is specified by the designer but the

mix proportions are determined by the producer of concrete, except that the minimum

cement content can be laid down. This is most rational approach to the selection of mix

proportions with specific materials in mind possessing more or less unique characteristics.

The approach results in the production of concrete with the appropriate properties most

economically. However, the designed mix does not serve as a guide since this does not

guarantee the correct mix proportions for the prescribed performance. For the concrete

with undemanding performance nominal or standard mixes (prescribed in the codes by

quantities of dry ingredients per cubic meter and by slump) may be used only for very

small jobs, when the 28-day strength of concrete does not exceed 30 N/mm2. No control

testing is necessary reliance being placed on the masses of the ingredients.

4.4 FACTORS AFFECTING THE CHOICE OF MIX PROPORTION

4.4.1Compressive strength

It is one of the most important properties of concrete and influences many other

describable properties of the hardened concrete. The mean compressive strength required

at a specific age, usually 28 days, determines the nominal water-cement ratio of the mix.

The other factor affecting the strength of concrete at a given age and cured at a prescribed

temperature is the degree of compaction. According to Abraham’s law the strength of

fully compacted concrete is inversely proportional to the water-cement ratio.

4.4.2 Workability

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
The degree of workability required depends on three factors. These are the size of the

section tomorrow be concreted, the amount of reinforcement, and the method of

compaction to be used. For the narrow and complicated section with numerous corners or

inaccessible parts, the concrete must have a high workability so that full compaction can

be achieved with a reasonable amount of effort. This also applies to the embedded steel

sections. The desired workability depends on the compacting equipment available at the

site.

4.4.3. Durability

The durability of concrete is its resistance to the aggressive environmental conditions.

High strength concrete is generally more durable than low strength concrete. In the

situations when the high strength is not necessary but the conditions of exposure are such

that high durability is vital, the durability requirement will determine the water-cement

ratio to be used.

4.4.4. Maximum nominal size of aggregate

In general, larger the maximum size of aggregate, smaller is the cement requirement for

a particular water-cement ratio, because the workability of concrete increases with

increase in maximum size of the aggregate. However, the compressive strength tends to

increase with the decrease in size of aggregate.

IS 456:2000 and IS 1343:1980 recommend that the nominal size of the aggregate

should be as large as possible.

4.4.5. Grading and type of aggregate

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
The grading of aggregate influences the mix proportions for a specified workability and

water cement ratio. Coarser the grading leaner will be mix which can be used. Very lean

mix is not desirable since it does not contain enough finer material to make the concrete

cohesive.

The type of aggregate influences strongly the aggregate-cement ratio for the desired

workability and stipulated water cement ratio.

4.4.6. Quality Control

The degree of control can be estimated statistically by the variations in test results. The

variation in strength results from the variations in the properties of the mix ingredients

and lack of control of accuracy in batching, mixing, placing, curing and testing. The

lower the difference between the mean and minimum strengths of the mix lower will be

the cement-content required. The factor controlling this difference is termed as quality

control.

4.4.7. Mix Proportion designations

The common method of expressing the proportions of ingredients of a concrete mix is

in the terms of parts or ratios of cement, fine and coarse aggregates. For e.g., a concrete

mix of proportions 1:2:4 means that cement, fine and coarse aggregate are in the ratio

1:2:4 or the mix contains one part of cement, two parts of fine aggregate and four parts of

coarse aggregate. The proportions are either by volume or by mass. The water-cement

ratio is usually expressed in mass.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
4.5. Factors to be considered for mix design

• The grade designation giving the characteristic strength requirement of concrete.

• The type of cement influences the rate of development of compressive strength of

concrete.

• Maximum nominal size of aggregates to be used in concrete may be as large as possible

within the limits prescribed by IS 456:2000.The cement content is to be limited from
shrinkage, cracking and creep.

• The workability of concrete for satisfactory placing and compaction is related to the size

And shape of section, quantity and spacing of reinforcement and technique used for
transportation, placing and compaction

As per • IS 10262:2009

• Grade designation • M 25

 Type of cement  OPC 53 grade

• Max. nominal size of aggregate • 20mm

• Zone of Fine Aggregate • Zone II of Table 4 of IS 383

• Workability • 100mm (Slump)

• Exposure condition • Moderate (for Reinforced Concrete)

• Mineral Admixture • No

• Type of Aggregate • Crushed angular aggregate

• Water-Cement ratio • 0.45

• Mix Proportion • 1:1.9:3.15

 super plasticizer  2%

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
CHAPTER 5

STRENGTH PARAMETERS

5.1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST

The concrete cubes were taken out from the curing tank after their respective days of

curing. These cubes were allowed to dry for some time. Once the cubes were dried, it is

placed under the compressive testing machine in order to check its compressive strength.

The water present on the surface of the cubes were wiped properly before placing under

the compressive testing machine. The testing machine was cleaned and the bearing

surfaces was checked. The various samples of controlled concrete and bacterial concrete

was placed under the machine such that the load was applied on the opposite side of the

cube cast. The specimen is aligned on the base plate of the machine. And the load was

gradually apples without any shock and continuously. The maximum load applied and

unusual feature is noted. Readings of controlled concrete as well as bacterial concrete is

noted down and further comparison is made. Comparison is made with concrete with all

the three bacterial concrete for 7 days, 14 days and 28 Days.

5.2 PERMEABILITY TEST ON CONCRETE

The rate of flow under laminar flow conditions through a unit cross sectional area of

porous medium under unit hydraulic gradient is defined as coefficient of permeability.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

5.2.1 TEST PROCEDURE

 The cubes have been placed into a prepared mould and the permeameter is all set
for conducting experiment.

 Allow water to flow through the funnel until the water level in the funnel

is constant.

 Open the valves of the water pipe and the compressor.

 Switch on the permeameter allow the compressed air and water to flow through

the cubes.

 Wait till the load of about 150kg/cm2 is applied.

 As the load reaches 150kg/cm2 the permeameter turns off automatically.

 Note down the initial height of water from water gauge.

 The constant load of 150kg/cm2 is applied for 3, 6, 12and 24 hours

 After 3 hours note down the final height of water in the water gauge.

 If the water level goes down that means the concrete specimen is pervious.

 If the water level goes down too much then it is said to be the concrete specimen

is more pervious and the durability of that specimen is low.

 Calculate co-efficient of permeability.

The equation used to calculate co-efficient of permeability is

k = Q/AT * L/H

Where,

k = co-efficient of permeability in cm/sec

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

Q = discharge in cm^3/sec

L= length of specimen in cm

A = cross sectional area of specimen in cm2

H= constant head permeability

T= time in seconds over which Q is measured

FIG: 5.1. Permeability test machine

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

FIG: 5.2 PERMEAMETER

FIG: 5.3: Permeability testcompressor machine

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

FIG 4: Top flange with “O” shaped rubber ring

FIG: 5.5 Bottom ledge with “O” shaped rubber ring

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
CHAPTER 6

RESULTS

6.1 7 DAYS RESULT OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Average
Trail Load Area Stress
Specimen Dimension stress(M
no. (kN) (mm²) (Mpa)
pa)
1 (15×15×15)cm 550 150x150 24.4
conventional
2 (15×15×15)cm 600 150x150 26.6
3 (15×15×15)cm 480 150x150 21.3 24.1

150x150
Bacillus subtilis 1 (15×15×15)cm 650 28.8
150x150
2 (15×15×15)cm 610 27.11
150x150 27.25
3 (15×15×15)cm 580 25.77

(15×15×15)cm 150x150
Bacillus cereus 1 500 22.22
(15×15×15)cm 150x150
2 660 29.33
(15×15×15)cm 150x150 26.78
3 650 28.8

(15×15×15)cm 150x150
E coli 1 600 26.6
(15×15×15)cm 150x150
2 580 25.77
(15×15×15)cm 150x150 27.08
3 650 28.88

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
6.2 14 DAYS RESULT OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Average
Trail Load Area Stress
Specimen Dimension stress(M
no. (kN) (mm²) (Mpa)
pa)
1 (15×15×15)cm 650 150x150 28.8
conventional
2 (15×15×15)cm 700 150x150 31.1
3 (15×15×15)cm 720 150x150 32 30.6

150x150
Bacillus subtilis 1 (15×15×15)cm 700 31.1
150x150
2 (15×15×15)cm 760 33.7
150x150 33.3
3 (15×15×15)cm 790 35.11

(15×15×15)cm 150x150
Bacillus cereus 1 700 31.1
(15×15×15)cm 150x150
2 690 30.6
(15×15×15)cm 150x150 31.06
3 710 31.5

(15×15×15)cm 150x150
E coli 1 800 35.5
(15×15×15)cm 150x150
2 780 34.6
(15×15×15)cm 150x150 35.6
3 830 36.8

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
6.3 DAYS RESULT OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Average
Trail Load Area Stress
Specimen Dimension stress(M
no. (kN) (mm²) (Mpa)
pa)
1 (15×15×15)cm 800 150x150 35.5
conventional
2 (15×15×15)cm 780 150x150 34.6
3 (15×15×15)cm 820 150x150 36.4 35.5

150x150
Bacillus subtilis 1 (15×15×15)cm 830 36.88
150x150
2 (15×15×15)cm 900 40
150x150 37.7
3 (15×15×15)cm 820 36.44

(15×15×15)cm 150x150
Bacillus cereus 1 700 31.1
(15×15×15)cm 150x150
2 750 33.33
(15×15×15)cm 150x150 33.03
3 780 34.66

(15×15×15)cm 150x150
E coli 1 900 40
(15×15×15)cm 150x150
2 850 37.7
(15×15×15)cm 150x150 40.43
3 980 43.5

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
6.4 GRAPHICAL COMPARISON BETWEEN
CONTROLLED AND BACTERIAL CONCRETE

COMPARISON OF 7DAYS RESULTS BETWEEN NORMAL

AND BACTERIAL CONCRETE

27.5 27.25
27.08
27 26.78
26.5
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

26
25.5
25
24.5 24.1
24
23.5
23
22.5
1
24.1-NORMAL CONCRETE
27.25-BACILLUS SUBTILIS
26.78-E.COLI
27.08-BACILLUS CEREUS

COMPARISON OF 14 DAYS RESULTS BETWEEN NORMAL

AND BACTERIAL CONCRETE
36 35.6

35

34
33.3
33

32
COMPRESSIVE TEST

31.06
31 30.6

30

29

28
30.6- NORMAL CONCRETE
33.3- BACILLUS SUBTILIS
31.06- BACILLUS CEREUS
35.6- E-COLI

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

COMPARISON OF 28 DAYS RESULTS BETWEEN

NORMAL AND BACTERIAL CONCRETE
45 40.43
40 37.7
35.5
35 33.03
30
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

25
20
15
10
5
0

35.5- NORMAL CONCRETE

37.7- BACILLUS SUBTILIS
33.03- BACILLUS SEREUS
40.43- E-COLI

6.5 PERMEABILITY TEST RESULTS

SPECIMEN PERMEABILITY
(cm/s)
Controlled concrete 1.678x10-5
Bacillus subtillis 6.08x10-6
Bacillus cereus 8.192x10-6
E coli 1.19x10-6

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

CHAPTER

CONCLUSION

1. Due to its eco-friendly nature, self-healing abilities and increase in durability of many

building materials, the bacterial concrete is found to be more advantageous than that of

the conventional concrete.

2. Limitations of biotechnological applications on building materials could be clearly

understood from the past literature studies.

3. Many cementitious a n d stone materials are capable of exhibiting enhanced

compressive strength and reduction in permeability, water absorption, corrosion of

reinforcement etc.

4. Cementation by bacteria 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

economical and practical point of views.

5. Increase in compressive strength is mainly due to the consolidation of the pores inside

the cement mortar with microbiologically induced calcite precipitation. 6. When bacterial

concentration increases, the Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation increases.

7. A lower permeability due to healing of cracks would result in a decreased ingress rate

of the aggressive chemicals.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL
CHAPTER 8

REFERENCES

1. Henk M. Jonkers & Erik Schlangen., “Development of a bacteria-based self-healing concrete”,

Journal of Tailor Made Concrete Structures, Page 425-429, 2008.

2. Jagadeesha Kumar B.G, Prabhakara.R, Pushpa.H., “Effect of Bacterial Calcite- Precipitation

on Compressive Strength of Mortar Cubes”, International Journal of Engineering and Advanced

Technology (IJEAT), Vol 2, Issue 3, Page 486- 491, 2013.

3. Mayur Shantilal Vekariya, Prof. Jayeshkumar Pitroda., “Bacterial Concrete: New Era For

Construction Industry”, International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technalogy(IJETT), Vol

4, Issue 9, Page 4128-4137, 2013

4. .Nirmalkumar.K and Sivakumar.V, “A Study on the Durability Impact of Concrete by Using

Recycled Waste Water”, JIPC Journal, Vol 24, No.1, Page 17-22, 2008.

5. Nirmalkumar.K and Sivakumar.V, “Corrosion Studies on Concrete Using Treated and

Untreated Textile Effluent and Impact of Corrosion Inhibitor”, Journal of Sustainable

Development, Vol 1, No.1, Page 68-72, 2008.

6. Nirmalkumar.K and Sivakumar.V, “Durability Studies on Concrete by Using Tannery and

Textile Effluents”, IJEST Journal, No.2, Page14-19, 2008.

7. Seshagiri Rao.M.V, Srinivasa Reddy.V, Hafsa.M, Veena.P and Anusha.P, “Bioengineered

Concrete – A Sustainable Self- Healing Construction Material”, Research Journal of Enginering

Sciences, Vol 2, No.6, Page 45- 51, 2013.

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page
 A STUDY ON BACTERIAL

NHCE
DEPT OF CIVIL Page