14. Production of Bacteria for Structural Concrete

This chapter reviews a novel, green and economical concrete based on microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). Microbial or bacterial concrete is product of MICP, produced by ureolytic bacteria, requires much less energy to produce. Such bacteria are abundant in nature in almost every environment and can be reproduced at fast rate at low cost. Calcium carbonate precipitated during the process of MICP might help building materials and structures by improving compressive strength and impermeability, and ultimately their durability. Harnessing this novel process of biogeochemistry may bring in enormous economical benefits to construction industries and will open a new door to the research in the arena of geotechnical and structural engineering. This chapter critically reviews the production and mechanism of MICP. Further, a thorough understanding of the research in the area of microbial-based cementitious materials, which lead to improving the durability of building materials and structures, has been discussed.