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Journal article
Prediction of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation for self-healing cementitious material
Cement & concrete composites, v 158, 105945
Apr 2025
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP) is a biomineralization process utilizing microbial metabolic activities to precipitate calcium carbonate (CaCO3). In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the application of MICCP in self-healing cementitious materials. In this research, the chemical and enzyme kinetics of MICCP were numerically modeled, focusing on the ureolytic bacteria responsible for the ureolysis reaction, which facilitates the precipitation of CaCO3. The model considers the growth and decay of bacteria, the ureolysis reaction catalyzed by the urease enzyme of the bacteria, the shift in bicarbonate equilibrium due to pH variation of the solution, and the calcium carbonate precipitation. In the simulation, the concentration of chemicals and bacteria as a function of time was computed. Additionally, the distribution of chemicals due to fluid transport were determined. The capability of the model was demonstrated through several benchmark simulations, including its application in self-healing concrete with a vascularized channel system. Experimental studies were also conducted to first calibrate the model parameters and then validate the model results. The predicted CaCO3 precipitation defines a crack filling ratio, hd, which is discussed in many damage-healing literature. Once the mechanical properties of MICCPs are determined, the strength recovery of self-healing concrete incorporating MICCP can then be further modeled.
• This work proposes a MICCP model tailored for self-healing concrete.
• The model investigates bacteria growth, ureolysis, pH variations, and CaCO3 precipitation.
• Experiments on bacteria growth and electric conductivity tests calibrated model parameters.
• Predicted biomass was validated with experimental MICCP results.
• Numerical simulations of MICCP in vascularized self-healing concrete were conducted.
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Details
- Title
- Prediction of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation for self-healing cementitious material
- Creators
- Hsiao Wei Lee - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsSeyed Ali Rahmaninezhad - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringLi Meng - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and MechanicsWil V. Srubar - University of Colorado BoulderChristopher M. Sales - Drexel University, C. and J. Nyheim Plasma InstituteYaghoob (Amir) Farnam - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringMija H. Hubler - University of Colorado BoulderAhmad R. Najafi (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Publication Details
- Cement & concrete composites, v 158, 105945
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- C. and J. Nyheim Plasma Institute; Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001424015800001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85216921780
- Other Identifier
- 991022021911504721
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Construction & Building Technology
- Materials Science, Composites