Search

The use of lightweight concrete aggregate in structures can offer advantages such as a reduction in dead load along with a reduction in plate and beam dimensions. Considering its use, artificial LWA’s significantly lower costs are also crucial. Whilst lightweight concrete aggregate is more water absorbed and more porous, design strategies can be used and applied with difficulty.The treatment of LWA with chemicals, together with several other unintended side effects, has proven effective but not environmentally friendly. This led to a study into the fields of biology for a proper solution to the problems.The use of microbiologically induced calcite precipitation was a forerunner in this investigation. This paper describes the physical effects of Bacillus Sphaericus on Lightweight Aggregate Concrete when exposed to it in a Calcitrate and LML extract medium, as well as an analysis of the effects of surface treatment via the bacteria on the LWA. For this study, the LWA were submerged in the Calcitrate and LML Extract solution for half an hour, then drained and kept in an oven at 39°C for 4 days, and after repeating twice, they were used in the mix according to the mix design, and the effects were observed.The results showed a reduction of 5% in water absorption, 15% increase in comp. strength and Higher Workability than standard samples.

The purpose of any structural establishment is to provide shelter and stability to its inhabitants, along with safety and assurance of provision of fundamental amenities and functionalities. In this day and age, with multitudinous and revolutionary advancements being carried out in the field of construction and material technology globally, it is of utmost importance that our scientists, engineers and students factor in the environmental crisis at hand and derive technical solutions to combat degradation of our natural resources for the generations to come. Starting off with the basal ingredients involved in construction, we can devise ways in which we can achieve the most by utilizing the least.This study is aimed at determining the effects and variation in mechanical properties of concrete due to the addition of varying percentages of carbon powder (activated charcoal and graphite) derived from PAN polymer – Polyacrylonitrile Polymer, through extensive literature review and experimental tests in the laboratory. Carbon powder (Activated Charcoal and Graphite) is known to reduce propagation of crack width and introduce crack bridging in the structure. It is a worthy ingredient, which provides secondary reinforcement to steel-reinforced concrete specimens. In addition to the mechanical properties it imparts to the structure, carbon powder also leads to development of light-weight concrete, by compensating amount of aggregate and cement we use in the batching process.The study also aims to compare the results obtained from the testing of Carbon Reinforced Concrete specimens with those of Conventional Concrete. In accordance with the prevailing standardized IS codes, we procured and performed preliminary tests on the basic ingredients of concrete to determine the physical and mechanical properties. Upon extensively studying the mix design of concrete, appropriate mix design was prepared for 3 different samples, namely, conventional concrete cube, concrete with activated charcoal powder and concrete with graphite powder. On the basis of mix designs, the tests on concrete are performed as per relevant IS codes.Furthermore, the procedure for testing carbon-reinforced concrete in terms of characteristic compressive strength, crack control and crack bridging (as viewed through Scanning Electron Microscope) have been studied in detail. The results obtained from these different samples have been compared and analyzed together to draw significant conclusions, which helped us to stress upon the advantages of addition of varying percentages and types of carbon powder in concrete.