Use of buffer treatment to utilize local non-alkali tolerant bacteria in microbial induced calcium carbonate sedimentation in concrete crack repair

Abstract

Concrete often suffers cracks due to its low tensile strength. The repair process can vary ranging from surface coating, grouting, and strengthening. Microbial induced calcium carbonate sedimentation process (MICP) is a process of utilizing non-pathogenic bacteria to produce calcium carbonate through its urease activity in crack repair (filling). It is known as an alternative crack repair method that does not utilize Portland cement. In general, the bacteria used in MICP are alkali tolerant bacteria that have a higher chance of surviving the high alkalinity environment in concrete. However, in some regions, alkali tolerant bacteria are difficult to acquire and unavailable locally. This study introduced a technique to utilize non-alkali tolerant bacteria in MICP using buffer treatment. Instead of injecting bacteria directly onto the crack surface, the buffer solution was applied onto the crack surface prior to the bacteria injection. Results from the laboratory indicated a higher bacteria survival rate when the buffer treatment was applied to the medium. For the crack filling, with the buffer treatment, the crack was completely filled within 21–28 days. The microstructure results also showed that the crystal deposits from both laboratory and crack surface were similar in both physical appearance and phase composition.

Keywords

• Concrete
• Crack repairing
• Non-alkaline tolerant bacteria
• Buffer treatment
• Microbial induced calcium carbonate