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Application of microorganisms in concrete: a promising sustainable strategy to improve concrete durability

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Abstract

The beneficial effect of microbially induced carbonate precipitation on building materials has been gradually disclosed in the last decade. After the first applications of on historical stones, promising results were obtained with the respect of improved durability. An extensive study then followed on the application of this environmentally friendly and compatible material on a currently widely used construction material, concrete. This review is focused on the discussion of the impact of the two main applications, bacterial surface treatment and bacteria based crack repair, on concrete durability. Special attention was paid to the choice of suitable bacteria and the metabolic pathway aiming at their functionality in concrete environment. Interactions between bacterial cells and cementitious matrix were also elaborated. Furthermore, recommendations to improve the effectiveness of bacterial treatment are provided. Limitations of current studies, updated applications and future application perspectives are shortly outlined.

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Acknowledgments

As a postdoctoral fellow of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen), Jianyun Wang gratefully acknowledges the financial support from the FWO. This work was also supported by the SHeMat project “Training Network for Self-Healing Materials: from Concepts to Market” within the scope of the Seventh Framework Programme [FP7/2007-2013] under grant agreement no 290308 by the European Commission’s Marie Curie programme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 904, 9052, Ghent, Belgium

    Jianyun Wang, Yusuf Cagatay Ersan & Nele De Belie

  2. Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Jianyun Wang, Yusuf Cagatay Ersan & Nico Boon

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  2. Yusuf Cagatay Ersan
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  3. Nico Boon
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  4. Nele De Belie
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Correspondence to Nele De Belie.

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Wang, J., Ersan, Y.C., Boon, N. et al. Application of microorganisms in concrete: a promising sustainable strategy to improve concrete durability. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 100, 2993–3007 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-016-7370-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-016-7370-6

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