Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

06:27
Sandy Soil Improvement through Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) by Immersion
Published on: September 12, 2019
Calcite-forming bacteria for compressive strength improvement in mortar
Sung-Jin Park1, Yu-Mi Park, Woo-Young Chun
1Department of Microbiology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea.
Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
|May 15, 2010
Summary
Researchers identified new calcite-forming bacteria (CFB) to enhance concrete mortar strength. Arthrobacter crystallopoietes KNUC403 demonstrated the most significant improvement in compressive strength, showcasing potential for sustainable construction materials.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
Background:
- Microbiological calcium carbonate precipitation (MCP) is explored for enhancing concrete mortar compressive strength.
- Limited research exists on utilizing calcite-forming bacteria (CFB) for this purpose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discover and characterize novel CFB capable of improving concrete mortar compressive strength.
- To evaluate the efficacy of isolated CFB in enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of four CFB from environmental concrete structures.
- Identification of CFB using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis (Sporosarcina soli KNUC401, Bacillus massiliensis KNUC402, Arthrobacter crystallopoietes KNUC403, Lysinibacillus fusiformis KNUC404).
- Characterization of CaCO3 crystal formation using stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
Main Results:
- Four CFB genera were successfully isolated and identified.
- Bacterial colonies exhibited apparent crystal aggregates.
- CaCO3 crystal growth and structure were confirmed.
- Concrete mortar cubes treated with CFB showed improved compressive strength, with KNUC403 yielding the best results.
Conclusions:
- Novel CFB, including Arthrobacter crystallopoietes KNUC403, can significantly enhance concrete mortar compressive strength.
- MCP using specific bacterial strains offers a promising avenue for developing stronger and potentially more sustainable construction materials.
Related Concept Videos
Strength of Cement
Strength tests for cement are not performed directly on neat cement paste due to difficulty in obtaining consistent, reliable specimens. Instead, cement is typically tested in the form of cement-sand mortar.
For compressive strength tests, ASTM C 109-05 standards prescribe a cement-sand mix ratio of 1:2.75 and a water/cement ratio of 0.485 for making 2-inch cubes. These cubes are mixed, cast, and cured in saturated lime water at 23°C until testing. Flexural strength testing, outlined in ASTM C...
For compressive strength tests, ASTM C 109-05 standards prescribe a cement-sand mix ratio of 1:2.75 and a water/cement ratio of 0.485 for making 2-inch cubes. These cubes are mixed, cast, and cured in saturated lime water at 23°C until testing. Flexural strength testing, outlined in ASTM C...
Hydration of Cement
Hydration of cement is a chemical reaction between cement particles and water. This process occurs primarily through two mechanisms: through-solution and topochemical. In the through-solution process, anhydrous compounds dissolve into their constituents, hydrates form in the solution, and then precipitate from the supersaturated solution. The topochemical process involves solid-state reactions at the cement particle surface. The through-solution process dominates the topochemical process at the...
Additives and Fillers in Concrete
Additives and fillers are integral to enhancing the properties of concrete. Pozzolans and blast-furnace slag are additives or admixtures due to their reactions with calcium hydroxide released during cement hydration. Fillers, which are finely ground and similar in fineness to Portland cement, improve concrete attributes such as workability density, and reduce capillary bleeding or cracking. Some fillers possess hydraulic properties or participate in benign reactions within the cement paste.
The...
The...
Mortar Properties
Mortar properties encompass a range of characteristics crucial for construction and masonry work, including workability, water retention, bond strength, durability, compressive strength, volume change, and appearance. Workability refers to mortar's ability to be easily applied and manipulated without sagging or falling off surfaces, which is important for efficient masonry unit placement and alignment. Water retention is essential to prevent the mortar from losing moisture too quickly to the...
Mortar
Mortar, a mixture of Portland cement, hydrated lime, sand, and water, is a crucial binding material in construction. Its primary function is to join masonry units together, filling gaps and ensuring a uniform distribution of weight across the structure. This helps in preventing potential weaknesses. Mortar also serves as a protective barrier against environmental elements such as water and wind, thereby safeguarding the interior of the structure. It also compensates for surface irregularities...
Strength and Heat of Hydration
The hydration of cement is an exothermic reaction in which heat is generated as cement hydrates. This heat of hydration is critical to cement's strength development. The rate at which this heat is generated affects the temperature rise, with a majority of the heat being released early in the hydration process, half within the first three days, and about 75% within the first week.
The heat of hydration for each cement compound is significant; for instance, tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and...
The heat of hydration for each cement compound is significant; for instance, tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and...

