INVESTIGATION OF SELF-HEALING POTENTIAL AND STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF BACTERIA-ASSISTED GEOPOLYMER MORTARS

Geopolymer mortars offer an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional Portland cement, providing advantages such as high mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and a low carbon footprint. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bacteria immobilized on zeolite particles on the mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar samples. The bacteria were selected for their microorganism-based self-healing capabilities, which can improve the durability of the structure by filling cracks with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation. A bacterial isolate of Bacillus cereus isolated from freshwater was used as a self-healing agent. In this study, the geopolymer mortar was prepared with 20% silica fume and 80% class F fly ash by weight, and compressive strength and flexural strength tests were conducted. The stress-stress relationship, the toughness, and the modulus of elasticity of the mortar samples were observed. The results demonstrate a great improvement in the strength properties of the mortar samples due to the CaCO3 precipitation by the bacteria. These findings highlight that B. cereus can enhance the self-healing capability of geopolymer mortars, strengthening their potential use in construction materials. This can lead to more durable, sustainable, and long-lasting solutions in the construction industry, reducing maintenance and repair costs while providing economic and environmental benefits.