|| JAI SRI GURUDEV ||

S J C INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
BB Road, Chickballapur, Karnataka - 562101
(Affiliated to VTU, Belgaum)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Bacterial Concrete
Harnessing Nature for Sustainable Infrastructure

Under the Guidance of : Presented By :

Dr. G Narayana Vishwadeep G
Professor & HOD (1SJ20CV045)
 Contents
INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS BACTERIAL CONCRETE?

MECHANISM

ADVANTAGES

CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS

APPLICATIONS
CONCLUSION
 INTRODUCTION

1. Traditional concrete limitations

2. Search for an alternative

as a solution
3. Importance of sustainable
construction practices
INTRODUCTION

1. Traditional concrete limitations

• Traditional concrete is prone to

cracking due to factors like
shrinkage during curing, temperature
changes, and external loads.

• This compromises the structural

integrity and can lead to further
deterioration over time.
INTRODUCTION

2. Search for an alternative

as a solution

• Bacterial concrete's ability to self-

heal can enhance resilience against
environmental factors such as
cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles or
chemical corrosion, which are
common challenges for traditional
concrete.
INTRODUCTION

3. Importance of sustainable
construction practices

• Sustainable construction practices are essential for

minimizing environmental impact, conserving
resources, and promoting long-term economic
viability.
• Adopting sustainable practices not only benefits the
environment but also enhances the resilience,
efficiency, and quality of built infrastructure.
What is Bacterial
Concrete?
What is Bacterial Concrete?

Bacterial concrete is a innovative

type of concrete that contains self-
activating bacteria within its mix.
When cracks form in the concrete,
these bacteria become activated in
the presence of moisture and produce
calcite (calcium carbonate), which
fills the cracks and restores the
concrete's integrity. This self-healing
property enhances the durability and
longevity of concrete structures,
reducing the need for frequent
repairs and replacements.
Types of bacteria used…

• Bacillus pasteurizing
• Bacillus sphaericus
• Escherichia coli
• Bacillus subtilis
• Bacillus cohnii
• Bacillus halofurans
• Bacillus pseudofirmus
Mechanism of
Self-Healing
 Mechanism of Self-Healing

Cracks Form In
Concrete
 Mechanism of Self-Healing

Moisture Enters the Cracks Form In Concrete

Cracks
 Mechanism of Self-Healing

Bacteria Activated Cracks Form In Concrete

by Moisture Moisture Enters the Cracks

 Mechanism of Self-Healing

Bacteria React with Cracks Form In Concrete

Nutrients Moisture Enters the Cracks

(Calcium Lactate)
Bacteria Activated by Moisture
 Mechanism of Self-Healing

Production of Calcite Cracks Form In Concrete

(CaCO3) Moisture Enters the Cracks

Bacteria Activated by Moisture

Bacteria React with Nutrients

 Mechanism of Self-Healing

Cracks Form In Concrete

Cracks Filled with
Calcite Moisture Enters the Cracks

Bacteria Activated by Moisture

Bacteria React with Nutrients

Production of Calcite (CaCO3)

 Mechanism of Self-Healing

Cracks Form In Concrete

Moisture Enters the Cracks

Bacteria Activated by Moisture

Bacteria React with Nutrients

Production of Calcite (CaCO3)

Cracks Filled with Calcite
 CaO + H2O Ca(OH) 2

Ca(OH) 2 + H2O CaCO3 + H2O

 Advantages of Bacterial Concrete
1.Enhanced Durability: The self-healing property of bacterial concrete enhances its
durability by autonomously repairing cracks, thus extending the lifespan of concrete
structures.
2.Reduced Maintenance Costs: The ability of bacterial concrete to self-heal minimizes the
need for frequent repairs and maintenance, leading to cost savings over the lifetime of the
infrastructure.
3.Environmental Benefits: Bacterial concrete reduces the environmental impact associated
with traditional concrete by minimizing material waste and the need for replacement
materials, contributing to sustainability goals.
4.Improved Structural Integrity: By filling cracks and restoring concrete integrity,
bacterial concrete enhances the structural stability and performance of infrastructure,
ensuring long-term safety and reliability.
5.Versatility: Bacterial concrete can be applied in various construction contexts, including
bridges, tunnels, marine structures, and residential buildings, offering versatility in
addressing infrastructure needs.
 Disadvantages of Bacterial Concrete:
1.Higher Initial Cost: Bacterial concrete may incur higher upfront expenses due to the
inclusion of self-activating bacteria and specialized production methods.

2.Technical Challenges: Scaling production, ensuring uniform bacterial distribution, and

optimizing bacterial activity pose technical hurdles.

3.Environmental Concerns: There are potential ecological impacts and regulatory issues
surrounding the use of bacterial strains and additives.

4.Long-term Performance Uncertainty: The durability and effectiveness of self-healing

mechanisms in real-world conditions require further validation.

5.Limited Applicability: Bacterial concrete may have restricted use in certain

environments or construction scenarios due to performance constraints or regulatory
limitations.
 Applications
1. It is used in marine structures such as seawalls and harbors to resist corrosion and
maintain structural integrity in saltwater environments.

2. Bacterial concrete is employed in infrastructure projects like bridges and tunnels to

reduce cracking and extend service life.

3. In residential construction, it is utilized for foundations and walls to minimize

maintenance and repair costs over time.

4. Bacterial concrete finds application in commercial buildings for floors and parking
structures to enhance durability and sustainability.

5. It is chosen for critical facilities like hospitals and power plants to ensure structural
reliability and resilience against environmental factors.
 Conclusion
Bacterial concrete offers a promising solution to address the limitations of traditional
concrete by providing self-healing properties that enhance durability and reduce
maintenance needs. While there are challenges to overcome, such as initial costs and
technical hurdles, the potential benefits in terms of sustainability, longevity, and
structural resilience make bacterial concrete a valuable innovation for the construction
industry. Continued research and development in this field are essential to unlock its full
potential and facilitate widespread adoption in infrastructure projects worldwide.
Thank You