STUDY OF STRENGTH PARAMETER OF CONCRETE BY REPLACING CEMENT BY FLYASH ENRICHED WITH MICROBIAL AGENTS

In the construction industry, concrete is a widely used material, yet cement production is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions. This study aims to mitigate these environmental impacts by enhancing concrete properties through the incorporation of Bacillus sphaericus bacteria. The research involved creating M40 grade concrete mixtures by partially replacing cement with fly ash enriched with bacteria. Comprehensive testing of the concrete ingredients was conducted, alongside the preparation of bacterial cultures and growth curves. The effects of bacterial presence on calcium carbonate precipitation were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with further elemental analysis performed via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The objective was to evaluate the compressive strength of the bacterial-infused concrete over time. Results indicated that the addition of Bacillus sphaericus significantly influenced the mechanical properties of concrete, showcasing potential benefits for construction applications aimed at sustainability. This work paves the way for innovative practices in concrete production, reducing carbon emissions while enhancing material performance.