Features of the Application of the Bio-Mineralization Process to Improve the Structural and Strength Properties of Concrete

The results of the application of the bio-mineralization process in concretes to improve mechanical and strength properties are presented. Isolated strains of bacteria Sp. pasteurii (A1), B. Sphaericus (A2), B. Pseudofirmus (A3) and a microbial consortium (A4) isolated from the soil of the Lipetsk region with urease activity were used as a bio-additive. The immobilization of urease bacteria was carried out using κ-carrageenan, sodium alginate and carboxymethylcellulose. The results of the study showed that the compressive strength of concretes made with the use of A1–A4 bio-additives (the optimal cell concentration of 107 cells/ml of bacteria) increased by 10–15% compared to conventional concrete without bio-additives. Similarly, concrete made with various bio-additives showed higher resistance to acidic effects. The improvement of concrete properties due to inclusion was associated with calcite deposition and the presence of bacterial biomass in the pores of the concrete matrix. Microstructural studies have also shown that concretes made using bacteria have a greater calcite formation, which can be seen in the images of scanning electron microscopy of concrete. Thus, the use of bio-additives is optimal to achieve improved concrete characteristics.

M.A. GONCHAROVA, Doctor of Sciences (Engineering) (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.),
E.S. DERGUNOVA, Candidate of Sciences (Chemistry) (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Lipetsk State Technical University (30, Moskovskaya Street, Lipetsk, 398055, Russian Federation)

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