Effect of Bacteria on Strength and Self Healing Properties of Concrete Using Silica Fume

D.Gowtham , V.Poornima, Dr.R.Venkatasubramani

Abstract

The aim of the study is to obtain the strength of the concrete by the microbiologically induced special growth or filler. Here Bacillus Subtilis bacteria is induced in the concrete to heal up the cracks. With the rapid industrialization and urbanization, the generation of industrial by-product is also increasing very rapidly. This not only pollutes the environment but also creates disposal problems. Silica fume, an industrial by-product is replaced for cement in different proportions. Cubes, Cylinders and Prisms were casted for different mix proportions of Silica fume with bacteria. This paper gives information about the research carried out on cement with partial replacement of Silica fume with bacteria in the mix giving good results and being highly sustainable and eco-friendly. From the results of the investigation, it has been observed that, the performance of concrete with Silica fume and bacteria is better than that of the conventional concrete. Microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP), a highly impermeable calcite layer formed over the surface of an already existing concrete layer, due to microbial activities of the bacteria Bacillus subtilis seals the cracks in the concrete structure and also has resistance to corrosion.