LAUSR

Abstract Cement is a source of anthropogenic emissions ensuing environmental concerns and susceptible to crack under stresses. For mitigating the durability concerns, a bio-influenced effective microorganisms technology (EMs) has been employed in the cementitious composites. In the present research, the effect of EMs on the properties of self-compacting and conventional cementitious composites was explored using three types of EMs (EM1®, EMC® and EMX-Ceramics®) with three different of cements (CEMI, CEMIII and Calcium Aluminate cement). Taguchi approach of experimental design was implemented for optimization of formulations. L18 (21 × 37) orthogonal array was selected based on influencing factors namely w/c ratio, cement type, EMs type and EMs percentage replacement. Specimens were casted and cured in air, moisture and desiccator. Forensic inspections were performed to monitor the growth of hydration products and precipitation of bio-calcite precipitate. Energy performance of EMs modified composites was also analyzed using ECOTECT. Experimental results were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The analysis revealed that w/c and EM % replacements as the most governing parameters in response modification of cement composites. The 4% EM replacement was determined to be the optimal percentage in refining the fresh and hardened state response of cementitious systems. Forensics endorsed the microstructural refinements as a result of bio-precipitate, contributing in the increase of mechanical properties and reduction in 27% cooling loads. Moreover, theoretical equations were proposed for prediction and optimization of mix design based on Taguchi approach using extensive regressions.