Use of microorganisms in cementitious materials - a systematic review. (10th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mânica, Graciela; Ducati, Rodrigo Gay; Mascolo, Rafael; Volken de Souza, Claucia Fernanda
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 373(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-10
• Subjects: Calcium carbonate -- Calcite -- Bio-concrete -- Cracking; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.130788
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: Concrete production is responsible for generating particulate matter and noise; Calcite precipitating microorganisms reduce environmental impact from construction; Microorganisms that induce calcite precipitation enhance the properties of concrete. Abstract: The use of microorganisms that induce calcium carbonate or calcite precipitation has been proposed as an alternative to solve cracking problems in cement-based materials and to reduce the environmental impact from construction. This review aims to overview the use of microorganisms in concrete or mortar mixtures to enhance the properties of these materials, and was based on published research. Several microorganisms have been applied to concrete or mortar in different ways over the last decades. These experiments tested mechanical strength, porosity, resistance to aggressive environments and crack healing. The application of microbial suspensions directly into concrete or mortar mixtures showed increased compressive and tensile strengths, decreased porosity and lower penetration of aggressive agents when these materials were exposed to sulfates and chlorides. Other studies applied the microbial culture to specific components of the cement mixture, or immobilized the microorganisms in specific materials, and then added it to the concrete or mortar mixture. These studies demonstrated healing of induced cracks in the samples. Altogether, these results suggest that the application of microorganisms that induce calcite precipitation is viable and effective in enhancing the properties of concrete or mortar and repairing cracks in the material.