Evaluation of Bacterial Concrete Corrosion Resistance in Marine Settings: A Morphological Analysis Perspective

Concrete is widely used as a structural material worldwide. However, cracks are inevitable and represent one of its inherent weaknesses. These cracks allow water and salts to seep through, initiating corrosion and reducing the lifespan of concrete structures. The high cost of repair and maintenance, coupled with the difficulty of identifying cracks in large, complex structures, underscored the need for a self-repairing material. Bacterial concrete emerges as a promising solution capable of remediating cracks and fissures in concrete. This technique is appealing because the mineral precipitation induced, specifically calcium carbonate, resulting from bacterial activity, is both pollution-free and natural. This paper explores the repair of artificial cracks in concrete structures using Bacillus subtilis bacteria and investigates the corrosion resistance of bacterial concrete under marine conditions through microscopic analysis. A comparison with conventional concrete is also conducted. The mix design is based on IS-10262-2019 standards, initially prepared for moderate conditions. However, testing under extreme conditions will provide a better understanding of which type of concrete, bacterial or conventional, better resists corrosion.

Keywords: Marine Environments, Repair of cracks, Bacterial Concrete, Corrosion resistance of concrete, Bacillus subtilis, SEM analysis and Durability