Research Article Published: May 23, 2026 Volume 2, Issue 2

Evaluating the Microstructural and Nondestructive Characteristics of Engineered Cementitious Composites Modified with Marble Powder

Authors

John Eso1

Affiliation: Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University.

Oki Victor2

Affiliation: Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

Boluwade Segun3

Affiliation: Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

Abstract

Conventional cement-based mixtures are prone to micro-fracturing, which compromises structural integrity by allowing aggressive environmental fluids to penetrate the matrix. To mitigate this vulnerability, biological self-healing mechanisms offer a promising alternative to traditional repair methods. This investigation explores the integration of Bacillus subtilis microorganisms into M40 grade mixtures, utilizing both Ordinary Portland and Portland Pozzolana cements, to evaluate their impact on structural and thermal characteristics. Through the continuous biological precipitation of calcium carbonate under favorable conditions, these microorganisms effectively seal internal micro-fractures. Experimental findings indicate significant improvements in structural performance, specifically an 18% boost in compressive capacity, a 13.84% enhancement in flexural performance, and an 11.32% rise in split tensile capability for the standard mixtures compared to conventional baselines. Additionally, the bio-enhanced specimens demonstrated improved workability and exhibited superior structural resilience with noticeably fewer fractures when subjected to elevated thermal conditions. Microstructural examination via Scanning Electron Microscopy further verified the successful internal formation of calcite crystals, validating the self-healing process.

Keywords

Engineered Cementitious Composites marble powder polyvinyl alcohol fibers ultrasonic pulse velocity microstructural analysis

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How to Cite

APA Style:

Eso, J., Victor, O., & Segun, B. (2026). Evaluating the microstructural and nondestructive characteristics of engineered cementitious composites modified with marble powder. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, 2(2), 1-8.

IEEE Style:

J. Eso, O. Victor, and B. Segun, "Evaluating the microstructural and nondestructive characteristics of engineered cementitious composites modified with marble powder," International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 1-8, 2026.

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