Determination of Bacterial Concrete Strength Using Bacillus Subtilis and Lightweight Expandable Clay Aggregate

Abstract

This study examines the impact of bacterial concrete on strength and self-healing. Bacterial concrete has better compressive strength, permeability, corrosion resistance, chemical precursors, alkalinity resistance, and mechanical stress. Bacillus subtilis calcium lactate and spore powder effects are explored in this study, and the influence of this bacterial form on strength and self-healing capacity to crack repair. The Bacillus subtilis concentration 105 cells/mL is used in concrete with calcium lactate 0.3% of cement. In another trial, calcium lactates 0.3% and spore powder 0.5% of cement with Bacillus subtilis concentration of 105 cells/mL and lightweight expandable clay aggregate (LECA) is 30% replaced to the coarse aggregate used in concrete respectively. The conventional concrete and bacterial concrete cubes were molded with dimensions of 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm, cylinders with dimensions of 100 mm x 200 mm, and a beam with dimensions of 100 mm x 100 mm x 500 mm. These specimens were evaluated after 7 and 28 days of cure. The compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength of bacterial concrete was raised by 23%, 8%, and 7%, respectively when compared to conventional concrete. Thus, the experimental findings reveal that Bacillus subtilis at 105 cells/ml cells with 0.3% calcium lactate has a substantial impact on the strength and self-healing of bacterial concrete.