초록
A novel approach of microbiologically-enhanced crack remediation (MECR) has been initiated and evaluated in this report. Under the laboratory conditions, Bacillus pasteurii was used to induce $CaCO_3$ precipitation as the microbial urease hydrolyzes urea to produce ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia released in surroundings subsequently increases pH, leading to accumulation of insoluble $CaCO_3$. Scanning electron micrography (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses evidenced the direct involvement of microorganisms in $CaCO_3$ precipitation. In biochemical studies, the primary roles of microorganisms and microbial urease were defined. Furthermore, the role of urease in $CaCO_3$ precipitation was characterized utilizing recombinant Escherichia coli that encoded B. pasteurii urease genes in a plasmid. Microorganisms immobilized in polyurethane (PU) polymer were applied to remediate concrete cracks. Although microbiologically- induced calcite precipitation enhanced neither the tensile strength nor the modulus of elasticity of the PU polymer, cement mortar whose crack was remediated with the cemaden polymer showed a significant increase in compressive strength. Through detailed investigation, MECR showed an excellent potential in cementing cracks in granite, concrete, and beyond.