AFFIDAH MARDZIAH Mukhtar^1,a,*, JULIE JULIEWATTY Mohamed^1,b, NOOR AZLINA Ibrahim^1,c, and TEO PAO TER^1,d 

¹Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology, University Malaysia Kelantan Malaysia.
^aaffidah.mukhtar@gmail.com.my, ^bjuliewatty.m@umk.edu.my, ^cn_azlina@umk.edu.my, ^dteopaoter@umk.edu.my

Abstract: Through microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP), this study investigates the use of plant probiotics to improve concrete's durability and mechanical properties. The study tackles a crucial issue in the building: enhancing concrete's strength and self-healing properties while minimizing its negative effects on the environment. The cube test for compressive strength, the slump test for workability, and the Vicat test for cement setting times were important techniques. Additionally, samples of cracked concrete were examined for self-healing characteristics. The results show that adding plant probiotics to the concrete mix results in significant improvements. In particular, the results show that using plant probiotics improves workability and slump values compared to conventional concrete mixes by increasing water retention in the cement mixture. Tests of compressive strength show significant advantages, with improvements in structural resilience reaching a certain percentage. Additionally, throughout observed periods, the self-healing capability was demonstrated in fracture repair, highlighting MICP's function in calcite deposition, which efficiently fills microcracks. In conclusion, plant probiotics offer a viable and efficient way to improve the durability and mechanical qualities of concrete. This bio-enhancement strategy has the potential to increase the lifespan of structures, lower maintenance requirements, and promote greener building methods.

Keywords: Plant Probiotics, Mechanical Properties, Durability of Concrete, Self-healing, Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP)