TECHNICAL SEMINAR ON

WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING
BY

P.SIRI (19R91A0129)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

TEEGALA KRISHNA REDDY ENGINEERING COLLEGE

(Affiliated To JNTU, Hyderabad)
Medbowli, Meerpet, Hyderabad-500097

2022-2023

ABSTRACT
Micro-cracks are the main cause to structural failure. One way to circumvent costly
manual maintenance and repair is to incorporate an autonomous self -healing
mechanism in concrete. One such an alternative repair mechanism is currently being
studied, i.e. a novel technique based on the application of biomineralization of
bacteria in concrete. The applicability of specifically calcite mineral precipitating
bacteria for concrete repair and plugging of pores and cracks in concrete has been
recently investigated and studies on the possibility of using specific bacteria as a
sustainable and concrete -embedded self-healing agent was studied and results
from ongoing studies are discussed. Synthetic polymers such as epoxy treatment
etc. are currently being used for repair of concrete are harmful to the environment,
hence the use of a biological repair technique in concrete is focused. Recently, it is
found that microbial mineral precipitation resulting from metabolic activities of
favourable microorganisms in concrete improved the overall behaviour of concrete.
Hence in this paper define the bacterial concrete, its classification and types of
bacteria, chemical process to fix the crack by bacteria, advantages and dis-
advantages and possibilities of application of MICP (Microorganism used for
Calcium Carbonate Precipitation in Concrete) in construction area by literature
review are discussed.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.

1. Introduction 1-2

2. Preparation of Bacterial concrete 3-4

3 .Tests conducted on concrete 5

4. Applications 6

5. Conclusion 7

6. Reference 8
 CHAPTER- 1

INTRODUCTION
Concrete which forms major component in the and convenient to cast. But drawback
of these materials is it is weak in tension so, it cracks under sustained loading and due to
aggressive environmental agents which ultimately reduce the life of the structure which are
built using these materials. This process of damage occurs in the early life of the building
structure and also during its life time. Synthetic materials like epoxies are used for
remediation. But, they are not compatible, costly, reduce aesthetic appearance and need
constant maintenance. Therefore bacterial induced Calcium Carbonate (Calcite) precipitation
has been proposed as an alternative and environment friendly crack remediation and hence
improvement of strength of building materials. A novel technique is adopted in re-
mediating cracks and fissures in concrete by utilizing Microbiologically Induced Calcite
or Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).
Precipitation (MICP) is a technique that comes under a broader category of science called
bio-mineralization. MICP is highly desirable because the Calcite precipitation induced as a
result of microbial activities is pollution free and natural. The technique can be used to
improve the compressive strength and stiffness of cracked concrete specimens. Research
leading to microbial Calcium Carbonate precipitation and its ability to heal cracks of
construction materials has led to many applications like crack remediation of concrete,
sand consolidation, restoration of historical monuments.
 . ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BACTERIAL
CONCRETE

1.1 ADVANTAGES:
1. Microbial Concrete in Crack Remediation: Specimens were filled with bacteria, nutrients
and sand. Significant increase in compressive strength and stiffness values as compared to
those without cells was demonstrated.
2. Improvement in Compressive Strength of Concrete: Compressive strength test results are
used to determine that the concrete mixture as delivered meets the requirements of the job
specification. So the effect of microbial concrete on compressive strength of concrete and
mortar was studied and it was observed that significant enhancement in the strength of
concrete and mortar can be seen upon application of bacteria
3. Better Resistance towards Freeze- Thaw Attack Reduction: Application of microbial
calcite may help in resistance towards Freeze –thaw reduction due to bacterial chemical
process and also it can reduce the permeability than freezing process decreased.
4. Reduction in Permeability of Concrete: Effect of microbial concrete on permeation
properties was studied by different researchers.
Permeability can be investigated by carbonation tests as it is increasingly apparent that
decrease in gas permeability due to surface treatments results in an increased resistance
towards carbonation and chloride ingress. Carbonation is related to the nature and
connectivity of the pores, with larger pores giving rise to higher carbonation depths.
5. Reduction in corrosion of reinforced concrete: application of microbial calcite may ingress
and improves the life of reinforced concrete structures     

1.2 DISADVANTAGES:
1. Cost of bacterial concrete is double than conventional concrete
2.Growth of bacteria is not good in any atmosphere and media     
3. The clay pellets holding the self-healing agent comprise 20% of the volume of the
concrete. 
4. Design of mix concrete with bacteria here is no available any IS code or other code 
5. Investigation of calcite precipitate is costly        
 CHAPTER 2

PREPARATION OF BACTERIAL CONCRETE

Bacterial concrete can be prepared in two ways

By encapsulation in light weight concrete
 By the method of direct application bacterial spores and calcium lactate are added
directly while making the concrete and mixed. Here when the crack occurs in the
concrete bacterial spores broke and bacteria comes to life comes to life and feed on
the calcium lactate and limestone is produced which fill the cracks.
 By encapsulation method the bacteria and its food , calcium lactate ,are placed inside
treated clay pellets and concrete is made. About 6% of the clay pellets are added for
making bacterial concrete. When concrete structures are made with bacterial concrete,
when the crack occurs in the structure and clay pellets are broken and bacterial
treatment occurs and hence the concrete s healed. Minor cracks about 0.5mm width
can be treated by using bacterial concrete.
 Among these two-methods encapsulation method is commonly used, even though it’s
costlier than direct application. Bacillus bacteria are harmless to human life and hence
it can be used effectively.
 CHAPTER 3

MECHANISM OF BACTERIAL CONCRETE

Self-healing concrete is a product that will biologically produce limestone to heal cracks that
appear on the surface of concrete structures. Specially selected types of the bacteria genus
Bacillus, along with a calcium-based nutrient known as calcium lactate, and nitrogen and
phosphorus, are added to the ingredients of the concrete when it is being mixed. These self-
healing agents can lie dormant within the concrete for up to 200 years.
However, when a concrete structure is damaged and water starts to seep through the cracks
that appear in the concrete, the spores of the bacteria germinate on contact with the water and
nutrients. Having been activated, the bacteria start to feed on the calcium lactate. As the
bacteria feeds oxygen is consumed and the soluble calcium lactate is converted to insoluble
limestone. The limestone solidifies on the cracked surface, thereby sealing it up. It mimics
the process by which bone fractures in the human body are naturally healed by osteoblast
cells that mineralize to re-form the bone.
The consumption of oxygen during the bacterial conversion of calcium lactate to limestone
has an additional advantage. Oxygen is an essential element in the process of corrosion of
steel and when the bacterial activity has consumed it all it increases the durability of steel
reinforced concrete constructions.

FIG.1.2: Process of fixing crack in concrete

In the crack fixing process the anaerobic type bacteria which can be using along with
concrete can be fix that crack by step by step. At first germination of germs by spores and
swarming themselves and quorum sensing and growing from proper medium in large amount
in particular time and from the metabolism process leans glue is produce and making such
type of filamentous cell formation and precipitation CaCO3.This both material combine with
each other and making cementations material.
 CHAPTER 3
TESTS CONDUCTED TO CHECK STRENGTH
1.COMPRESSION STRENGTH TEST
· The cubical Moulds of size 150mm x 150mm x 150mm were cleaned and checked against
the joint movement. A coat of oil was applied on the inner surface of the Moulds and kept
ready for the concreting operation.     
· Meanwhile the required quantities if cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate (passing
through IS sieve of 20 mm size and retained on 4.75 mm) for the particular mix are weighed
accurately for concreting.    
· Fine aggregate and cement were mixed thoroughly in a hand mixer such that the colour of
the mixture is uniform.   
· Now weighed quantity of coarse aggregate is added to the mixer and then it rotated till
uniform dry mixture is obtained.  
· Then, calculated quantity of bacterial solution and water was added and mixing was
continued for about 3 to 5 minutes to get a uniform mix.      
· The wet concrete is now poured into the Moulds and for every 2 to 3 layers and compacted
manually. After concreting operations, the upper surface is levelled and finished with a
mason’s trowel.
· The corresponding identification marks were labelled over the finished surface and they
were tested for 7
and 28 day strengths in a compressive strength testing machine.

  COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH = TOTAL FAILURE LOAD/AREA OF THE CUBE    

FIG.3: Concrete cube subjected to compression 

APPLICATION OF BACTERIA IN CONSTRUCTION AREA

The use of microbial concrete in Bio Geo Civil Engineering has become increasingly popular
From enhancement in durability of cementations materials to improvement in sand properties,
from repair of limestone monuments, sealing of concrete cracks to highly durable bricks,
microbial concrete has been successful in one and all. This new technology can provide ways
for low cost and durable roads, high strength buildings with bearing capacity, long lasting
river banks, erosion prevention of loose sands and low cost durable housing. Another issue in
conventional building materials is the high production of greenhouse gases and high energy
consumed during production of these materials and these greenhouse gases leads to global
warming. High construction cost of building materials is another drawback in such cases.
These drawbacks have lead to use of novel , eco-friendly ,self-healing and energy efficient
technology where microbes are used for remediation of building materials and enhancement
in the durability characteristics
 CONCLUSION

1. Bacterial concrete technology has proved to be better than many conventional technologies
because of its eco- friendly nature, self-healing abilities and increase in durability of various
building materials. 
2. Work of various researchers has improved our understanding on the possibilities and
limitations of biotechnological applications on building materials. 
3. Enhancement of compressive strength, reduction in permeability, water absorption,
reinforced corrosion have been seen in various cementitious and stone materials. 
4. In bacterial concrete interconnectivity of pores is disturbed due to plugging of pores with
calcite crystals Since interconnected pores are significant for permeability ,the water
permeability is decreased in bacteria treated specimens. 
5. Cementation by this method is very easy and convenient for usage. This will soon provide
the basis for high quality structures that will be cost effective and environmentally safe but,
more work is required to improve the feasibility of this technology from both an economical
and practical viewpoints. 
6. The application of bacterial concrete to construction may also simplify some of the
existing construction processes and revolutionize the ways of new construction processes.
 CHAPTER 4

REFERENCE

· Concrete online website

· Images from Google
· wikipedia