Influence of Bacterial Strain Combination in Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete subjected to Heavy and Very Heavy Traffic Condition

• Published in: Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology Vol. 19; no. 4; pp. 359 - 369
• Main Authors: Ganesh, Chithambar, Muthukannan, M., Kumar, A. Suresh, Arunkumar, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo Japan Concrete Institute 23.04.2021; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Bacteria; Concrete blocks; Energy absorption; Fiber reinforced concretes; Fiber reinforced polymers; Geopolymers; Glass fiber reinforced plastics; Investigations; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Self healing materials; Sustainable development; Traffic; Water absorption
• ISSN: 1346-8014; 1347-3913
• DOI: 10.3151/jact.19.359

The effect of bacterial and fiber combination to enhance the properties of GGBS based geopolymer concrete to be used as paver block is investigated in this study. In this study, Bacterial combinations such as Bacillus Subtillis and Bacillus Sphaericus and high modulus glass fibers and low modulus polypropylene fibers were incorporated to produce hybrid fiber reinforced bacterial geopolymer concrete with increased energy absorption characteristics and better post cracking behavior under heavy loads. Combined and the discrete performance of bacteria and fiber over the mechanical properties of the geopolymer concrete were investigated. The influence of bacterial strain combination over self-healing of concrete is also studied by inducing artificial cracks of 1mm over concrete. The self-healed products were subjected to microstructural investigation such as SEM analysis and XRD analysis to understand the microstructure of precipitated products and the bio- remedial action exhibited by the bacteria. Finally, the paver blocks were produced for the optimum specimens of geopolymer concrete along with fiber and bacteria and its performance over compressive, split tensile, flexural and water absorption characteristics were assessed to determine its adaptability to sustain loading under heavy and very heavy traffic conditions as per Indian Standard 15658 (2006). This research work lays a path for the sustainable development of production of eco-friendly self-healing high strength paver blocks.