Effect of Bio-cementation Process on Lightweight Bio-inspired Concrete

Nowadays, the bio-cementation process is widely used in the field of civil engineering. It is acknowledged as a green choice to use bio-cementation as a bonding agent in building materials. Calcium carbonate for use in construction is produced by the bio-cementation process using microorganisms. The bio-cementation technique creates a binding in building materials based on a process called microbial-induced CaCO3 precipitation (MICCP). MICCP is catalysed through cementation and hydrolysis of NH2COOH (urea). By using urease enzyme, ureolytic bacteria produce precipitated CaCO3. Calcium ions and carbon dioxide from urea combine to generate calcium carbonate. Bio-cementation process will also help to enhance the compressive strength by reducing water permeability. Bio-cementation is proved to be an eco-friendly technology in the various fields of engineering. An attempt was made to use the coconut shells (CS) as coarse aggregate (CA) in concrete. The effect of bio-cementation process on bio-inspired lightweight concrete was observed. The considerable increment in the mechanical properties was found when compared to normal concrete.