Technical Papers
Sep 24, 2024

Study of the Improved Behavior of Portland Cement Mortar Based on Adsorption and Deposition of Microbial Cement

Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 12

Abstract

Microbial cement (MC) can generate biocalcium carbonate on the surface of mortar in the liquid environment, which shows potential advantages to enhance the surface property of prefabricated components. This paper is aimed to investigate the cementation solution (CS) concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 M) and treatment times (3, 6, 9, 12 time) on capillary water absorption coefficient (coefficient k) and compressive strength of MC treated mortar, and attempted to point out the macroproperties and microstructure evolution mechanism of mortars based on adsorption and deposition of MC. The results indicated that when CS concentration was 0.5 M, the reduction rate of coefficient k increased from 29% to 76% with increasing treatment times from 3 to 12, and the growth rate of compressive strength also increased from 7.4% to 27.5%. For a CS concentration of 1.5 M, shorter less treatment times resulted in a significant reduction in coefficient k, whereas it had little effect on compressive strength. The adsorption and deposition of MC treated mortar surface led to an increase in the pore volume fraction of less harmful and harmless pore (<50  nm) in the near-surface layer by filling the pores with calcite and altering the content of hydration products. This process decreased the content of portlandite and increased that of calcite. Increasing the content of surface deposition was beneficial for reducing coefficient k, whereas improving the inner pore structure was beneficial for increasing compressive strength.

Get full access to this article

View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.

Data Availability Statement

Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

The authors greatly acknowledge the financial support from the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFC3801600), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52278273 and 52309167), the Key Research and Development Program of Hubei Province (2022BCA059), and the CRSRI Open Research Program (CKWV20221026/KY).

References

Achal, V., and A. Mukherjee. 2015. “A review of microbial precipitation for sustainable construction.” Constr. Build. Mater. 93 (Sep): 1224–1235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.04.051.
Amidi, S., and J. Wang. 2015. “Surface treatment of concrete bricks using calcium carbonate precipitation.” Constr. Build. Mater. 80 (Mar): 273–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.02.001.
Bang, S. S., J. J. Lippert, U. Yerra, S. Mulukutla, and V. Ramakrishnan. 2010. “Microbial calcite, a bio-based smart nanomaterial in concrete remediation.” Int. J. Smart Nano Mater. 1 (1): 28–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/19475411003593451.
Chen, G. X. 2012. “Process control of the durability of dam concrete.” China Concr. 12 (Mar): 47–54.
Cheng, Y. J., C. S. Tang, X. H. Pan, B. Liu, Y. H. Xie, Q. Cheng, and B. Shi. 2021. “Application of microbial induced carbonate precipitation for loess surface erosion control.” Eng. Geol. 294 (Dec): 106387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2021.106387.
Cheng, Z., T. Zhang, X. Zhou, Z. Li, Y. Jia, K. Ren, T. Xu, C. Li, and J. Hong. 2023. “Life cycle environmental and cost assessment of prefabricated components manufacture.” J. Cleaner Prod. 415 (Aug): 137888. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137888.
Chinese Standard. 2007. Standardization administration of China, common Portland cement, 2007. GB175-2007. Beijing: Chinese Standard.
Chinese Standard. 2018. ISO standard sand of China. GSB 08-1337-2018. Beijing: Chinese Standard.
Chunxiang, Q., W. Jianyun, W. Ruixing, and C. Liang. 2009. “Corrosion protection of cement-based building materials by surface deposition of CaCO3 by Bacillus pasteurii.” Mater. Sci. Eng., C 29 (4): 1273–1280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2008.10.025.
De Muynck, W., K. Cox, N. De Belie, and W. Verstraete. 2008a. “Bacterial carbonate precipitation as an alternative surface treatment for concrete.” Constr. Build. Mater. 22 (5): 875–885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2006.12.011.
De Muynck, W., D. Debrouwer, N. De Belie, and W. Verstraete. 2008b. “Bacterial carbonate precipitation improves the durability of cementitious materials.” Cem. Concr. Res. 38 (7): 1005–1014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2008.03.005.
Ganendra, G., J. Wang, A. Ho, and N. Boon. 2014. “Formate oxidation driven biogenic concrete surface treatment by Methylocystis parvus OBBP.” In Proc., 34th Cement and Concrete Science Conf. Sheffield, UK: Univ. of Sheffield.
Gebru, K. A., T. G. Kidanemariam, and H. K. Gebretinsae. 2021. “Bio-cement production using microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) method: A review.” Chem. Eng. Sci. 238 (Jul): 116610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2021.116610.
Hay, R., L. Li, and K. Celik. 2022. “Shrinkage, hydration, and strength development of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) with different sulfation levels.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 127 (Mar): 104403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104403.
Hoang, T., N. T. Dung, C. Unluer, and J. Chu. 2021. “Use of microbial carbonation process to enable self-carbonation of reactive MgO cement mixes.” Cem. Concr. Res. 143 (May): 106391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106391.
Huang, H., and G. Ye. 2012. “Simulation of self-healing by further hydration in cementitious materials.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 34 (4): 460–467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2012.01.003.
Huang, H., G. Ye, and D. Damidot. 2013. “Characterization and quantification of self-healing behaviors of microcracks due to further hydration in cement paste.” Cem. Concr. Res. 52 (Oct): 71–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2013.05.003.
Jalal, P. S., I. K. Pandey, A. Tiwari, and V. Srivastava. 2018. “Effect of waterproofing systems and materials on environment.” J. Environ. Nanotechnol. 7 (4): 40–45. https://doi.org/10.13074/jent.2018.12.184326.
Jayawardana, J., M. Sandanayake, J. A. S. C. Jayasinghe, A. K. Kulatunga, and G. Zhang. 2023. “A comparative life cycle assessment of prefabricated and traditional construction—A case of a developing country.” J. Build. Eng. 72 (Aug): 106550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106550.
Jian, S. M., B. Wu, and N. Hu. 2021. “Environmental impacts of three waste concrete recycling strategies for prefabricated components through comparative life cycle assessment.” J. Cleaner Prod. 328 (Dec): 129463. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.129463.
Jonkers, H. M., A. Thijssen, G. Muyzer, O. Copuroglu, and E. Schlangen. 2010. “Application of bacteria as self-healing agent for the development of sustainable concrete.” Ecol. Eng. 36 (2): 230–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2008.12.036.
Kamali, M., and K. Hewage. 2016. “Life cycle performance of modular buildings: A critical review.” Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev. 62 (Sep): 1171–1183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.05.031.
Lai, Y., J. Yu, S. Liu, J. Liu, R. Wang, and B. Dong. 2021. “Experimental study to improve the mechanical properties of iron tailings sand by using MICP at low pH.” Constr. Build. Mater. 273 (Mar): 121729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121729.
Li, L., Q. Zheng, Z. Li, A. Ashour, and B. Han. 2019. “Bacterial technology-enabled cementitious composites: A review.” Compos. Struct. 225 (Oct): 111170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.111170.
Liu, B., Y. H. Xie, C. S. Tang, X. H. Pan, N. J. Jiang, D. N. Singh, Y. J. Cheng, and B. Shi. 2021a. “Bio-mediated method for improving surface erosion resistance of clayey soils.” Eng. Geol. 293 (Nov): 106295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2021.106295.
Liu, G., T. Gu, P. Xu, J. Hong, A. Shrestha, and I. Martek. 2019. “A production line-based carbon emission assessment model for prefabricated components in China.” J. Cleaner Prod. 209 (Feb): 30–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.10.172.
Liu, S., K. Du, W. Huang, K. Wen, F. Amini, and L. Li. 2021b. “Improvement of erosion-resistance of bio-bricks through fiber and multiple MICP treatments.” Constr. Build. Mater. 271 (Feb): 121573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121573.
Liu, S., R. Wang, J. Yu, X. Peng, Y. Cai, and B. Tu. 2020. “Effectiveness of the anti-erosion of an MICP coating on the surfaces of ancient clay roof tiles.” Constr. Build. Mater. 243 (May): 118202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118202.
Liu, X., P. Feng, W. Li, G. Geng, J. Huang, Y. Gao, S. Mu, and J. Hong. 2021c. “Effects of pH on the nano/micro structure of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) under sulfate attack.” Cem. Concr. Res. 140 (Feb): 106306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106306.
Pan, X., C. Shi, J. Zhang, L. Jia, and L. Chong. 2018. “Effect of inorganic surface treatment on surface hardness and carbonation of cement-based materials.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 90 (Jul): 218–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2018.03.026.
Scrivener, K., R. Snellings, and B. Lothenbach. 2021. A practical guide to microstructural analysis of cementitious materials. Beijing: Science Press.
Shen, X., P. Feng, Q. Zhang, J. Lu, X. Liu, Y. Ma, P. Jin, W. Wang, and J. Hong. 2023. “Toward the formation mechanism of synthetic calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) - pH and kinetic considerations.” Cem. Concr. Res. 172 (Oct): 107248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2023.107248.
Sun, J. 2019. “The common quality problems and preventive measures of prefabricated building construction.” In Proc., 3rd Int. Conf. on Economics, Management Engineering and Education Technology, 75–780. London: Francis Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.05.015.
Tao, X., C. Mao, F. Xie, G. Liu, and P. Xu. 2018. “Greenhouse gas emission monitoring system for manufacturing prefabricated components.” Autom. Constr. 93 (Sep): 361–374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.05.015.
Wang, L., X. Liang, Z. Ren, F. Gao, S. Liu, and M. Zhang. 2023. “The evolution characteristics of water absorption, hydration products and microstructure of supersulfated cement containing phosphogypsum by microbial induced carbonate precipitation.” Constr. Build. Mater. 409 (Mar): 134013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.134013.
Wang, L., Z. Ren, H. Wang, X. Liang, S. Liu, J. Ren, Y. He, and M. Zhang. 2022. “Microstructure-property relationships in cement mortar with surface treatment of microbial induced carbonate precipitation.” Composites, Part B 239 (Jun): 109986. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2022.109986.
Wang, Y., et al. 2021. “Effect of CO2 surface treatment on penetrability and microstructure of cement-fly ash–slag ternary concrete.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 123 (Oct): 104194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104194.
Xiang-peng, F., G. Li-ping, W. Jian-dong, L. Bang-cheng, C. Ying-jie, and S. Xu-yan. 2023. “Impact of temperature, pH value and multiple ions on the physisorption of chloride ion on CSH gel surface.” Constr. Build. Mater. 392 (Aug): 131967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131967.
Xiao, Y., W. Xiao, G. Ma, X. He, H. Wu, and J. Shi. 2022. “Mechanical performance of biotreated sandy road bases.” J. Perform. Constr. Facil. 36 (1): 04021111. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0001671.
Xu, J., X. Wang, and W. Yao. 2019. “Coupled effects of carbonation and biodeposition in concrete surface treatment.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 104 (Nov): 103358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.103358.
Yang, B., B. Liu, J. Xiao, B. Zhang, Z. Wang, and M. Dong. 2021. “A novel construction scheduling framework for a mixed construction process of precast components and cast-in-place parts in prefabricated buildings.” J. Build. Eng. 43 (Nov): 103181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103181.
Yu, X., C. Qian, and L. Sun. 2018. “The influence of the number of injections of biocomposite cement on the properties of biosandstone cemented by biocomposite cement.” Constr. Build. Mater. 164 (Mar): 682–687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.01.014.
Zhao, Y., L. Liu, and M. Yu. 2023. “Comparison and analysis of carbon emissions of traditional, prefabricated, and green material buildings in materialization stage.” J. Cleaner Prod. 406 (Jun): 137152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137152.
Zhao, Y., L. Peng, W. Zeng, C. Sun Poon, and Z. Lu. 2021. “Improvement in properties of concrete with modified RCA by microbial induced carbonate precipitation.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 124 (Nov): 104251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104251.
Zhu, A., P. Pauwels, and B. De Vries. 2021. “Smart component-oriented method of construction robot coordination for prefabricated housing.” Autom. Constr. 129 (Sep): 103778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103778.

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36Issue 12December 2024

History

Received: Feb 15, 2024
Accepted: Apr 30, 2024
Published online: Sep 24, 2024
Published in print: Dec 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Feb 24, 2025

Permissions

Request permissions for this article.

ASCE Technical Topics:

Authors

Affiliations

Lu Wang, Ph.D. [email protected]
Assistant Research Fellow, State Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering and Management, Wuhan Univ., Bayi Rd., No. 299, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China. Email: [email protected]
Master’s Candidate, State Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering and Management, Wuhan Univ., Bayi Rd., No. 299, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China. Email: [email protected]
Zhisheng Ren [email protected]
Ph.D. Candidate, State Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering and Management, Wuhan Univ., Bayi Rd., No. 299, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China. Email: [email protected]
Master’s Candidate, State Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering and Management, Wuhan Univ., Bayi Rd., No. 299, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China. Email: [email protected]
Professor, State Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering and Management, Wuhan Univ., Bayi Rd., No. 299, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PR China (corresponding author). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8333-1045. Email: [email protected]

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Download citation

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

View Options

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Copy the content Link

Share with email

Email a colleague

Share