Al-Shaeer, H A Y; Irwan, J M; Alshalif, A; Amran, M; Alanazi, H; Tang, W C; Tang, L; Alhokabi, A and Alluqmani, A E (2026) Enhancing carbonation resistance of foamed concrete via microbial incorporation: A response surface methodology approach with aspergillus iizukae ean605 fungi. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 44(1), pp. 266-294. ISSN 2398-4708
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to enhance the resilience of foamed concrete (FC) against carbonation and water absorption (WA) by integrating microorganisms, specifically Aspergillus iizukae EAN605. Design/methodology/approach – The focus was on understanding how variables such as microorganism concentration, concrete density and water-to-cement (w/c) ratio affect these properties. Optimal results were observed under specific conditions—FC density set at 1800 kg/m³, a w/c ratio of 0.5 and an Aspergillus iizukae EAN605 concentration of 0.5 g/L—resulting in significant reductions in carbonation and WA compared to standard FC. Findings – It is observed that fungi not only fill pores with calcium oxalate but also limit carbonation by consuming CO2 and block water penetration through their mycelial network. A central composite design within response surface methodology was employed for the experimental design, resulting in mathematical models that align closely with the empirical data. The models identified the most effective parameters for minimizing carbonation depth: FC density at 1970 kg/m³, fungal concentration at 0.585 g/L and w/c ratio at 0.470. Further regression analysis showed a high correlation between the experimental data and the predicted outcomes, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 92.29 and a model F-value of 16.45. Originality/value – Statistical analysis highlighted the significant roles of density and fungal concentration in these reductions. Besides, scanning electron microscopy provided visual evidence of fungal-mediated mineral formation in FC, supporting the empirical findings. Overall, the study demonstrated the effective use of Aspergillus iizukae EAN605 in enhancing the durability of FC, marking an innovative stride in sustainable construction materials.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | aspergillus iizukae ean605; bio-cementation; foam concrete carbonation depth; microorganisms; optimization; response surface methodology; water absorption |
| Index terms: | penetration, regression analysis, carbonation, density, composite, scanning electron microscopy, durability, experimental design, response surface methodology, statistical analysis, methodology, evidence, mathematical model, sustainable construction, water absorption |
| Subjects: | statistical analysis, water management, data science, material degradation and durability, research design and methodology, mathematical modelling, market analysis, sustainable construction, research methods, analytical methods, materials science, evaluation and assessment methods |
| Topics: | Urban Studies, Construction Materials, Research Practice, Sustainability, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here