Design Example: Sustainability in Concrete Building
Workability of Concrete
Waterproofing and Anti-Bacterial Admixtures in Concrete
Concrete
Abrasion Resistance of Concrete
Permeability of Concrete
You might also read
Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.
Updated: Aug 5, 2025

Production and Analysis of Sporosarcina pasteurii Biocement Bricks Using Custom 3D-Printed Molds for Unconfined Compression Tests
Published on: March 7, 2025
Gaurav Tyagi1,2, Mukund Lahoti3, Anshuman Srivastava2
1Department of Civil Engineering, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Waknaghat, 173234, India.
Concrete is widely used but prone to cracking, which reduces its lifespan. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP) offers a self-healing solution. Bacteria inside concrete produce calcium carbonate when cracks form, filling them naturally. This process is eco-friendly and self-activated. The study reviews recent advances in bacterial strains, calcium sources, and encapsulation methods. It also examines testing protocols and economic challenges. The review provides a structured overview for researchers and engineers. It highlights the need for standardized methods and further research on bacterial viability.
Area of Science:
Background:
Concrete remains a dominant construction material despite its vulnerability to cracking. Cracks allow harmful substances to infiltrate, reducing durability. Traditional repair methods are costly and temporary. Recent research has shifted toward biological solutions. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP) is a promising alternative. It uses bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate within cracks. This process is self-activated and eco-friendly. Prior studies have explored bacterial strains and calcium sources. However, implementation challenges remain. This review addresses current gaps in MICCP application and testing.
Purpose Of The Study:
This review aims to consolidate existing knowledge on MICCP for concrete repair. The goal is to evaluate recent advancements in bacterial species, calcium sources, and encapsulation methods. The study also examines bio-calcification and curing techniques. It seeks to clarify the role of aggregates and environmental factors. The purpose is to identify practical limitations and testing protocols. The review provides a structured overview for researchers and engineers. It highlights the need for standardized methodologies. The ultimate aim is to guide future MICCP implementation in construction.
Main Methods:
The study uses a systematic literature review approach. It analyzes recent publications on MICCP applications. The focus is on bacterial strains, calcium sources, and encapsulation strategies. The methods include evaluating bio-calcification processes and curing techniques. The study also examines crack formation and observation methods. Property analysis of repaired concrete is reviewed. Techno-economic limitations are discussed in detail. The methodology ensures a comprehensive synthesis of current research findings.
Main Results:
MICCP shows potential for self-healing concrete applications. Bacterial strains like *Sporosarcina pasteurii* are commonly used. Calcium sources include calcium chloride and urea. Encapsulation methods protect bacteria until crack activation. Bio-calcification techniques vary with environmental conditions. Curing methods influence the effectiveness of MICCP. Crack observation methods include visual inspection and acoustic testing. Techno-economic analyses highlight cost and scalability challenges.
Conclusions:
The study confirms MICCP's viability as a self-healing concrete solution. Bacterial activity and calcium sources are critical for success. Encapsulation and curing methods affect performance. The review identifies gaps in standardized testing protocols. Practical limitations include cost and scalability. The authors suggest further research on bacterial viability. They propose improved encapsulation techniques. The review serves as a guide for future MICCP implementation.
MICCP uses bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate in cracks. The bacteria produce calcium carbonate as a metabolic byproduct.
Sporosarcina pasteurii is frequently used due to its ureolytic activity. Other strains include Bacillus species.
Encapsulation protects bacteria until cracks form. It ensures bacteria remain viable until activation.
Calcium chloride provides a calcium source for carbonate precipitation. It is often encapsulated within concrete.
Effectiveness is measured through crack observation and property analysis. Techniques include visual inspection and acoustic testing.
Cost and scalability are major limitations. Bacterial viability and encapsulation costs affect implementation.