IAA – Towards the development of bacteria-based zero carbon concrete

Project: Research council

Project Details

Description

Concrete, an essential construction material, generates significant greenhouse gas emissions due to its cement content. An alternative approach based on microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) offers a cement-free concrete option. However, current MICP-based concretes, like those developed by BioZeroc, fall short in mechanical strength for precast concrete applications. In response, the University of Bath has developed a bacteria-based construction technology (BBCT) initially designed for self-healing concrete. Our BBCT utilizes a different type of bacteria to that used by BioZeroc, and consequently a different mechanism is involved in the precipitation of the calcite. Previous EPSRC-funded projects at Bath have demonstrated the ability of this BBCT to target where MICP takes place, adjust volumes, and achieve MICP under various environmental conditions.

This purpose of the project is to bridge the performance gap between existing low carbon bio-based concretes and industrial standards. It involves significant development of Bath's BBCT, such that it could potentially be used to produce low carbon concretes with the strength and quality required for industrial applications.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date1/01/2331/10/23

Funding

  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Fingerprint

Explore the research topics touched on by this project. These labels are generated based on the underlying awards/grants. Together they form a unique fingerprint.