Bioconcrete products, equipment, and methods of manufacture

Abstract

Described herein are novel methods, reusable frameworks, and systems for producing building materials, structural materials, and concretes. The methods include adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles, flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles or flowing the first fluid through the framed plurality of aggregate particles at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, wherein the fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such that the flow operates against the force of gravity, and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 604,079. filed November 29, 2023, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0002] Biocement technologies offer cost effective high-strength building materials, structural materials, and concretes which can have a substantially reduced carbon emission footprint compared to traditional building materials and concretes. Accordingly, methods, reusable frameworks, and systems of producing building materials, structural materials, and concretes in various shapes are needed for different construction purposes and applications. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] Biocement technologies utilize biology (e.g., enzymes or microorganisms) to improve the mechanical and structural properties of construction materials. In some cases, through microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), microorganisms may react with chemical components to produce minerals in the form of organic-inorganic compounds that act as binding agents within a construction material, such as construction aggregate that includes particles of sand, gravel, and crushed stone.

[0004] A biostructure may comprise a structure or construction material that is constructed using one or more biological processes (e.g., using an enzyme or microorganism). A construction material that is constructed using one or more biological processes may comprise a living construction material if the resulting construction material includes living microorganisms. A construction material that is the result of the application of one or more biological processes may or may not include living biological materials or microorganisms. A construction material that is the result of the application of one or more biological processes may or may not include the remains of biological materials or microorganisms (e.g., entombed cells (e g., in calcite), or cavities left by the disintegration thereof).

[0005] According to some embodiments, tire technical benefits of the systems and methods of manufacturing biostructures disclosed herein include reduced manufacturing time, reduced manufacturing costs, increased construction material throughput, improved freeze-thaw properties, increased flexural strength for the construction material, higher densities, lower porosities, and increased compressive strength for the construction material.

[0006] A particular technical benefit of the methods and systems described herein is that many complicated and non-standard 3D shapes are possible, for example, angled shapes such as L-barriers, artistically molded shapes, spheroids, star-like shapes, etc. Further, the methods and systems described herein permit the manufacture of construction units that are considerably larger than any structural units previously demonstrated in MICP-based technologies.

[0007] Technical benefits of producing construction materials in which fluid comprising cementation reagents is pumped through or caused to flow through aggregate particles in a direction such that fluid flow operates against the force of gravity and / or in an environment at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure include improved freeze-thaw properties, increased flexural strength for the construction material, higher densities, lower porosities, and increased compressive strength for the construction material. Technical benefits of producing construction materials in which fluid comprising cementation reagents is pumped through a plurality of inlets, and / or out through a plurality of outlets, in a framework, at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, include improved freeze-thaw properties, increased flexural strength for the construction material, higher densities, lower porosities, and increased compressive strength for the construction material. One issue with producing complex shapes in a biocementation process, e.g., processes requiring deliver}' of reagents to reactive sites inside pores from outside of tire form, is that elements of the shape (and corresponding volumes within the framework), for example, protrusions, cavities, convexities, etc., may result in air gaps, or regions of low cementation reagent flow, resulting in inconsistency of the finished product. Pluralities of inlets and / or outlets in a framework, in combination with pumped flow to supply cementation reagents solve this problem and permit the production of a broad variety of complex shapes. Technical benefits of detecting that a backpressure for the flow of the fluid through the aggregate particles is greater than a threshold backpressure and / or detecting that an electrical conductivity' for the fluid has changed more than a threshold amount, and in response, adjusting a pressure for causing the flow of the fluid through the aggregate particles or adjusting tlie flow of the fluid through the aggregate particles include increased flexural strength for the construction material, higher densities, lower porosities, and increased compressive strength for the construction material. One issue with too high of an initial pressure for causing the fluid with cementation reagents to flow through the aggregate particles is that damage to a construction material may be caused due to water jetting or localized erosion near the inlets and / or outlets of a framework or supporting structure for the aggregate particles. Other technical benefits can also be realized through various implementations of the disclosed technologies.

[0008] Provided in various embodiments herein is a method of producing a construction material, comprising: adding a plurality’ of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles: flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the first fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality' of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0009] Provided in various embodiments herein is a method of producing a construction material, comprising: adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality’ of aggregate particles; pumping a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the first fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality’ of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0010] Provided in various embodiments herein is a method of producing a construction material, comprising: adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles, wherein the fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such that the flow operates against the force of gravity; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within tire fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0011] Provided in various embodiments herein is a method of producing a construction material, comprising: adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate tire framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0012] Provided in various embodiments herein is a method of producing a construction material, comprising: adding a plurality’ of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles; substantially purging air from void space between the framed plurality of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0013] Provided in various embodiments herein is a method of producing a construction material, comprising: compacting a plurality of aggregate particles in a framework to reduce a volume of void-space betw een adjacent particles of the plurality of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the void space of the plurality of aggregate particles; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0014] In some embodiments, a flow of the first fluid through the framed plurality of aggregate particles enters through a lower surface of the framework and exits an upper surface of the framework.

[0015] In some embodiments, a flow' of fluid through tire plurality of aggregate particles is performed at a first pressure at a first time, the first pressure being greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the flow' of fluid through the plurality of aggregate particles is performed at a second pressure at a second time, the second pressure being greater than the first pressure.

[0017] In some embodiments, a second fluid comprising cementation reagents is flowed through the framed plurality of aggregate particles, before, during, or after the reacting.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more cementation reagents (e.g., one or more enzymes, organisms, urea, etc.) are added to the aggregate prior to the aggregate being added to the framework (i.e., pre-inoculated aggregate). The one or more cementation reagents may be added during mixing / blending of the aggregate (e.g., in a cement mixer or other mixing device).

[0019] In some embodiments, a method comprises recirculating the first fluid or the second fluid through the framework over a plurality of cycles.

[0020] In some embodiments, each cycle of the plurality of cycles increases a degree to which the plurality' of aggregate particles is consolidated.

[0021] In some embodiments, the recirculating is performed for a total of at least 3 cycles (e.g. at least 5 cycles or at least 10 cycles) of fluid flow through the framework.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first fluid or the second fluid comprise a volume which is about 50% to about 500% (e.g., about 75% to about 150%) of a volume of the framework.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise the biological organism (or spores thereof) and / or the enzyme.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the second fluid comprise nutrients that promote activity of the biological organism and / or the enzyme.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise nutrients that promote activity of tire biological organism and / or the enzyme.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid do not comprise nutrients that promote activity of tire biological organism and / or the enzyme.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprise the biological organism (or spores thereof), the enzyme, urea (and / or derivatives thereof), a calcium salt (e.g. CaCk), nutrients, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0028] In some embodiments, the plurality of aggregate particles comprise a blend of sand and gravel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the blend of sand and gravel comprises 1-99% sand and 199% gravel by volume.

[0030] In some embodiments, the blend of sand and gravel comprises 55-75% sand and 2545% gravel by volume (e.g. wherein the blend of sand and gravel comprises 66% sand and 34% gravel).

[0031] In some embodiments, the plurality of aggregate particles consists essentially of tire blend of sand and gravel.

[0032] In some embodiments, an average particle size of the sand is at least a factor of 10 (e.g. at least a factor of 20, 50, or 100) smaller than an average particle size of tire gravel.

[0033] In some embodiments, a method further comprises adding a reinforcing material (e.g. rebar, fiberglass rebar, or fiberglass strands) to tire framework prior to or concurrently with the adding of tire plurality of aggregate particles.

[0034] In some embodiments, a method further comprises settling the added plurality’ of aggregate particles into a mold cavity of the framework.

[0035] In some embodiments, the settling is performed by pressing and / or applying vibration tire plurality of aggregate particles to reduce a volume of void space within the mold.

[0036] In some embodiments, tire settling is performed while tire plurality of particles is dry.

[0037] In some embodiments, tire settling is performed while tire plurality’ of particles is solvated.

[0038] In some embodiments, the settling is at least partially performed by applying a pressurized solvent (e.g. water) to the particles at a pressure configured to increase a packing density of the particles.

[0039] In some embodiments, a pressure of any of the fluidic flows applied to tire framed plurality of particles is at least about 1 psi (e.g. at least about 5. 10, 20, 50, or 100 psi).

[0040] In some embodiments, tire construction material produced has a compressive strength of at least about 3000 psi (e.g., at least 4000 psi, or at least 6000 psi), and / or wherein the construction material remains undamaged after 25 cycles of an EN 14617-5 freeze / thaw test. In some embodiments, a bioconcrete construction material produced by the methods or systems described herein has a compressive strength of about 900 psi to about 12,000 psi. In some embodiments, a bioconcrete construction material has a compressive strength of about 900 psi to about 1,000 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,100 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,200 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,300 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,400 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,600 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,800 psi, about 900 psi to about 2,000 psi, about 900 psi to about 2,500 psi, about 900 psi to about 3,000 psi, about 900 psi to about 3,500 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 1,100 psi, about 1.000 psi to about 1,200 psi, about 1.000 psi to about 1,300 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 1,400 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 1,600 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 1,800 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 2,000 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 2,500 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 3,000 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 3,500 psi, about 1,800 psi to about 2,000 psi, about 1,800 psi to about 2,500 psi, about 1,800 psi to about 3,000 psi, about 1,800 psi to about 3,500 psi, about 2,000 psi to about 2,500 psi, about 2,000 psi to about 3,000 psi, about 2,000 psi to about 3,500 psi, about 2,500 psi to about 3.000 psi, about 2,500 psi to about 3,500 psi, or about 3,000 psi to about 3,500 psi, about 1,100 psi to about 4,200 psi, about 2,100 psi to about 4,300 psi, about 2,100 psi to about 5.400 psi. about 2,100 psi to about 5,600 psi, about 2,100 psi to about 4.800 psi, about 2,100 psi to about 8,000 psi, about 1,100 psi to about 7,500 psi, about 4,100 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 5,100 psi to about 11,500 psi, about 6,200 psi to about 7,300 psi, about 5,200 psi to about 9,400 psi, about 6,200 psi to about 9,600 psi, about 5,200 psi to about 11,800 psi, about 1,200 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 2,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 3,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 4,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 5,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 6,000 psi to about 10.000 psi. about 7,000 psi to about 10,000 psi. about 8,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 9,000 psi to about 10.000 psi. or about 10.200 psi to about 12,000 psi. In some embodiments, a bioconcrete construction material has a compressive strength of about 1,000 psi, about 2,000 psi, about 3,000 psi, about 4,000 psi, about 5,000 psi, about 6,000 psi, about 7,000 psi, about 8,000 psi, about 9,000 psi, about 10,000 psi, about 11,000 psi, or about 12,000 psi. In some embodiments, a bioconcrete construction material has a compressive strength of at least 900 psi, 1,000 psi, 2,000 psi, 3,000 psi, 4,000 psi, 5,00 psi, 6,000 psi, 7,000 psi, 8,000 psi, 9,000 psi, 10,000 psi, 11,000 psi, or 12,000 psi.

[0041] In some embodiments, tire biological organism is a urease-producing organism (or spores thereof).

[0042] In some embodiments, the urease-producing organism is sporosarcina pasteurii.

[0043] In some embodiments, the enzyme is urease.

[0044] In some embodiments, the method comprises substantially purging air from void space between the framed plurality of aggregate particles prior to the reacting.

[0045] In some embodiments, the reacting binds adjacent particles of the plurality’ of particles together with calcium carbonate bridges, thereby forming the construction material.

[0046] Provided in various embodiments herein is a reusable framework for producing a precast bioconcrete construction material, comprising: a plurality of panels configured to: (i) temporarily fasten together to form a fluidically coupled system during curing of a precast bioconcrete construction material, and (ii) unfasten to allow release of the precast construction material from a mold cavity formed when the plurality of panels are fastened together; a cementation reagent inlet; a cementation reagent outlet; wherein a volume of the mold cavity formed when the panels are fastened together is at least 50 L (e.g. at least 100L, or at least 1000L), the cementation reagent inlet is located on at least one of the plurality of panels and is configured to be fluidically coupled to the mold cavity’ when the plurality of panels are temporarily fastened, the cementation reagent outlet is located on at least one of the plurality of panels and is configured to be fluidically coupled to tire mold cavity when the plurality of panels are temporarily fastened.

[0047] In some embodiments, tire cementation reagent inlet is configured to be located on a lower panel than the cementation reagent outlet when tire plurality’ of panels is temporarily fastened.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cementation reagent mlet and / or the cementation reagent outlets are configured to allow for pressurization of a fluid within the mold cavity of the reusable framework.

[0049] In some embodiments, a reusable framework comprises one or more air vents configured to allow a purging of air from the mold cavity.

[0050] In some embodiments, the one or more air vents include a check valve which permits the flow of a gas but arrests the flow of a liquid in the same direction, e.g., a using a buoyant element, e.g., a floating ball valve.

[0051] In some embodiments, the one or more air vents are disposed on one or more surfaces of the reusable framework (e.g.. on a top surface, one or more side surfaces, or a combination thereof, e.g., on one or more panels of the plurality of panels).

[0052] In some embodiments, the plurality of panels comprises at least one panel imprinted with a pattern configured to alter the aesthetic appearance of one or more surfaces of the precast construction material.

[0053] In some embodiments, the plurality of panels are configured to be modular, allowing for multiple ty pes or quantities of precast bioconcrete materials to be manufactured using the same reusable framework.

[0054] In some embodiments, the precast bioconcrete material produced by the framework is: a plurality of pavers, an L-wall, a modular wall panel, and / or a jersey barrier.

[0055] In some embodiments, a system for producing a precast bioconcrete construction material comprises the reusable framework of any one of the preceding embodiments, a fluidic manifold and a pump.

[0056] In some embodiments, the pump is fluidically coupled to the fluidic manifold, the cementation reagent inlet and / or the cementation reagent outlet of the reusable framework.

[0057] In some embodiments, a system further comprises a recirculation reservoir configured to recirculate fluid through the reusable framework.

[0058] In some embodiments, a system further comprises a reagent reservoir configured to provide fresh cementation reagents to the recirculation reservoir, to the mold cavity' of the reusable framework, or both.

[0059] In some embodiments, a system further comprises one or more effluent reservoirs configured to accumulate waste fluid and / or fluid which has been depleted of cementation reagents.

[0060] In some embodiments, a system is configured to perform the method of any of the embodiments.

[0061] In some embodiments, a construction material is made by Ilie method of any of the embodiments.

[0062] This Summary is provided to introduce a brief description of some aspects of the disclosed technologies in a simplified fonn that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended that this Summary be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0064] FIGS. 1A-1B shows a 7-unit paver framework that is used to make the paver. FIG. 1A shows the top view of the framework when the aggregate blend was being packed into the mold. FIG. IB shows the top plenum and one side removed after the packing was completed.

[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates a feeding scheme for producing the pavers.

[0066] FIG. 3A illustrates the locations of the samples cut from the paver and the results of each test.

[0067] FIGS. 3B-3C depict compressive strength and flexural strength test results.

[0068] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a framework used for making approximately 100 sq. ft. of a precast article. FIG. 4A illustrates the top and bottom plenum of the panel mold. FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of a system for producing pavers.

[0069] FIGS. 5A-5B show a framework used for making an L-wall barrier. FIG. 5A shows the L-wall barrier framework design. FIG. 5B shows the final L-wall barrier product.

[0070] FIG. 6 shows the final modular wall panel product.

[0071] FIGS. 7A-7B show a final jersey barrier product and the fiberglass rebar element within the jersey barrier mold.

[0072] FIGS. 8A-8B show a pillar framework and the fiberglass rebar element before inserting into the pillar mold.

[0073] FIG. 8C shows silicone mold (top) removing from the surface of the final product (bottom).

[0074] Figure 9A depicts one embodiment of a system for manufacturing a construction material using one or more biocementation processes.

[0075] Figure 9B depicts one embodiment of various components of a computing system.

[0076] FIGS. 9C-9E depict flowcharts describing embodiments of processes for manufacturing a construction material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] All terms are intended to be understood as they would be understood by a person skilled in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary' skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

[0078] The following definitions supplement those in the art and are directed to the current application and are not to be imputed to any related or unrelated case, e.g., to any commonly owned patent or application. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice for testing of the present disclosure, the preferred materials and methods are described herein. Accordingly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0079] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular cases only and is not intended to be limiting. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0080] The term “about” or “approximately” can mean within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” can mean within 1 or more than 1 standard deviation, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” can mean a range of up to 20%, up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% of a given value. Alternatively, particularly with respect to biological systems or processes, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, within 5-fold, or within 2-fold, of a value. Where particular values are described in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated the term “about” meaning within an acceptable error range for the particular value should be assumed.

[0081] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method or composition of the present disclosure, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the present disclosure can be used to achieve methods of the present disclosure.

[0082] Reference in the specification to “some embodiments,” “an embodiment,” “one embodiment” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the present disclosures. To facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure, a number of terms and phrases are defined below.

[0083] Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 is understood to include any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50, as well as all intervening decimal values between the aforementioned integers such as, for example, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9. With respect to sub-ranges, “nested sub-ranges” that extend from either end point of the range are specifically contemplated. For example, a nested sub-range of an exemplary range of 1 to 50 may comprise 1 to 10, 1 to 20, 1 to 30, and 1 to 40 in one direction, or 50 to 40, 50 to 30, 50 to 20, and 50 to 10 in the other direction.

[0084] The term “optional” or “optionally” denotes that a subsequently described event or circumstance can but need not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not.

[0085] Certain embodiments herein contemplate numerical ranges. When ranges are present, the ranges include the range endpoints. Additionally, every sub range and value within the range is present as if explicitly written out. The term “about”, “approximately”, or substantially may mean within an acceptable error range for the particular value, which may depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, e.g.. the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “‘about” may mean within 1 or more than 1 standard deviation, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” may mean a range of up to 20%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% of a given value. Where particular values are described in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated the term “about” meaning within an acceptable error range for the particular value may be assumed.

[0086] As used herein, the term “construction material” or “construction materials” generally refers to an article which comprises elements or subcomponents that are bound together by cement linkages or bridges of adhesive properties. The linkages or bridges of the construction material may be calcium carbonate. Construction materials as used herein are individual physical objects of a defined shape that can be incorporated into a building, a structure, or a work. In particular, construction materials used herein comprise biocement products. Examples of biocement products include, but are not limited to. items made from bioconcrete, biocement coated aggregates, and the like.

[0087] As used herein, the term “bridging calcium carbonate” generally refers to calcium carbonate that is between, connects with, and / or contributes to the binding together of at least two moieties, such as aggregate particles. Together with the at least tw o moieties, the bridging calcium carbonate provides for a continuous piece comprising the at least two moieties and the bridging calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate may be a solid, such as a precipitate. The calcium carbonate may be formed from the reaction of calcium ions with carbonate ions in aqueous solution, wherein the resulting calcium carbonate is integrated into a bulk composite material comprising calcium carbonate and the aggregate particles. Calcium carbonate that does not bridge or connect two pieces of aggregate can still be considered bridging if it contributes to the strength of the overall binding, e g., by further structurally reinforcing a bridging or connecting piece of calcium carbonate that it is attached to either directly or indirectly.

[0088] As used herein, the term “non-bridging calcium carbonate” generally refers to calcium carbonate that does not connect with or contribute to the binding together of at least two moieties, such as aggregate particles. The non-bridging calcium carbonate may be a precipitate that connects with only one moiety, such as an aggregate particle, or a precipitate that does not connect with any aggregate particle. The non-bridging calcium carbonate may be bound to at most one moiety.

[0089] As used herein, tire term “aggregate particles” generally refers to components of a cement that may be bound together according to the disclosures herein, such as the compositions, systems, and methods herein. Aggregate particles may comprise materials used as described herein and / or in masonry, such as those a person of skill in the art would use.

[0090] As used herein, the terms “aggregate” or “aggregate particles” may be used interchangeably and generally refer to any type of particulate matter which can be bound together into larger particles or consolidated solids by biocement bonds or bridges. Nonlimiting examples of aggregates include sand, crushed stone, mine tailings, or combinations thereof, etc.

[0091] In some embodiments, fine grain limestone particles may be used in place of pond fines within the construction material. An aggregate mix may include a mixture of sand, gravel, crushed stone, and / or fine grain limestone particles that have diameters less than 250 micron or less than 100 micron. The fine grain limestone may have a mean particle diameter (or greatest cross-sectional dimension, or smallest cross-sectional dimension) of less than 250 micron, e.g., between 1 micron and 250 micron (e.g., between 1 micron and 2 micron, between 1 micron and 5 micron, between 2 micron and 4 micron, between 2 micron and 3 micron, between 1 micron and 10 micron, between 2 micron and 10 micron, between 5 micron and 10 micron, between 1 micron and 20 micron, between 10 micron and 20 micron, between 1 micron and 100 micron, betw een 10 micron and 100 micron, between 1 micron and 50 micron, between 15 micron and 25 micron, between 20 micron and 40 micron, between 20 micron and 50 micron, between 25 micron and 50 micron, between 50 micron and 100 micron, between 30 micron and 100 micron, between 40 micron and 80 micron, between 25 micron and 75 micron, between 50 micron and 150 micron, betw een 75 and 150 micron, between 80 and 120 micron, between 125 micron and 225 micron, betw een 150 micron and 250 micron, between 175 micron and 225 micron, between 180 micron and 220 micron, between 200 micron and 220 micron, or betw een 200 and 250 micron) e.g., less than 225 micron (e.g., less than 200 micron, less than 150 micron, less than 100 micron, less than 50 micron, less than 20 micron, less than 10 micron, less than 5 micron, or less than 2 micron) e.g., about 1 micron, about 2 micron, about 5 micron, about 10 micron, about 15 micron, about 20 micron, about 30 micron, about 40 micron, about 50 micron, about 60 micron, about 70 micron, about 80 micron, about 90 micron, about 100 micron, about 120 micron, about 150 micron, about 175 micron, about 200 micron, about 220 micron, or about 250 micron. The fine grain limestone may have a median particle diameter (or greatest crosssectional dimension, or smallest cross-sectional dimension) of less than 250 micron, e.g., between 1 micron and 250 micron (e.g., between 1 micron and 2 micron, between 1 micron and 5 micron, between 2 micron and 4 micron, between 2 micron and 3 micron, betw een 1 micron and 10 micron, betw een 2 micron and 10 micron, betw een 5 micron and 10 micron, betw een 1 micron and 20 micron, between 10 micron and 20 micron, between 1 micron and 100 micron, between 10 micron and 100 micron, between 1 micron and 50 micron, between 15 micron and 25 micron, between 20 micron and 40 micron, between 20 micron and 50 micron, between 25 micron and 50 micron, between 50 micron and 100 micron, between 30 micron and 100 micron, between 40 micron and 80 micron, between 25 micron and 75 micron, between 50 micron and 150 micron, between 75 and 150 micron, between 80 and 120 micron, between 125 micron and 225 micron, between 150 micron and 250 micron, between 175 micron and 225 micron, betw een 180 micron and 220 micron, between 200 micron and 220 micron, or between 200 and 250 micron) e.g., less than 225 micron (e.g., less than 200 micron, less than 150 micron, less than 100 micron, less than 50 micron, less than 20 micron, less than 10 micron, less than 5 micron, or less than 2 micron) e.g., about 1 micron, about 2 micron, about 5 micron, about 10 micron, about 15 micron, about 20 micron, about 30 micron, about 40 micron, about 50 micron, about 60 micron, about 70 micron, about 80 micron, about 90 micron, about 100 micron, about 120 micron, about 150 micron, about 175 micron, about 200 micron, about 220 micron, or about 250 micron. In some embodiments, the fine grain limestone may have a particle size distribution in which 100%, 90%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 15%, or 10% of the particles are smaller than 20 micron. The fine grain limestone may have a particle size distribution in which 100% of the particles pass through a mess of with a mesh size of 2000 micron, 125 micron, 63 micron, or 45 micron. The fine grain limestone may have a particle size distribution in which 99% of the particles pass through a mess of w ith a mesh size of 250 micron, or 20 micron, or 10 micron. The fine grain limestone may have a particle size distribution in which 97% of the particles pass through a mess of with a mesh size of 125 micron, or 63 micron, or 10 micron. The fine grain limestone may have a particle size distribution in which 50% of tire particles pass through a mess of w ith a mesh size of 2 micron. The fine grain limestone may have a particle size distribution in w hich 18% of the particles pass through a mess of with a mesh size of 1 micron. The fine grain limestone may have a Mohs hardness of between 2 and 4 (e.g., 2-2.2, 2-2.4, 2-2.5, 2.2.6. 2-2.8. 2-2.9, 2-3, 2-3.2, 2.2-3.2, 2.5-3.5. 2.5-3. 2.8-3.8, or 3-4, e.g., about 2.2, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3, 3.2, 3.5, or 4). The fine grain limestone may have a porosity of from 0.1% for the to 40% (e.g., from 0.1 to 1%, from 1% to 10%, from 10% to 40%, e.g. from 20% to 40%, from 25% to 40%, from 30% to 40%, from 35% to 40%, or from 38% to 40%. Alternative fine-grained components, e.g., having particle size distributions as described herein, may include Wollastonite, Bentonite, gypsum (e.g., plaster of Paris), pond fines, pozzolans (e.g., fly ash or volcanic pozzolans), etc. Some fine-grained aggregate components may also act as binders (e.g., in place of a gelling agent such as cornstarch).

[0092] As used herein, the term “cementation reagents'’ generally refers to any combination of starting materials, which when combined and allowed to react produce a binding agent via a biological mechanism. For example, cementation reagents in a urea-hydrolysis based biocementation system may comprise urea (or another suitable nitrogen source which may or may not be converted to urea in-situ, e.g., by urea-producing microorganisms, as described in U.S. Patent No. 11.518.687 the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), a soluble calcium source (e.g., calcium chloride, calcium acetate, calcium phosphate, calcium sulphate, calcium lactate, calcium nitrate, etc.). Cementation reagents may also include an enzyme (or an organism containing or expressing an enzy me) can lead to the enzymatic formation of a biocement, such as calcium carbonate, which binds together adjacent aggregate particles. The cementation reagents may also include nutrients which promote urease activity (which may vary depending on whether pure enzyme or urease-producing cells are used), and urease to form and precipitate a calcium carbonate biocement. In a calcium carbonate based biological sintering biocementation system (e.g., one including features as described in International Application No. PCT / US2020 / 018646 published 20 Aug. 2020 the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), examples of biocementation reagents can comprise calcium carbonate, e.g., in combination with other cementation reagents (e.g., enzymes, organisms, substrates, nutrients, etc.) which promote enzymatic acid production, e.g., an acid producing enzyme and substrates therefore (e.g., sugars), which generates acid (i.e., a pH drop) to dissolve the calcium carbonate. Biocementation reagents for such a system may also comprise a second set of nutrients and a second enzyme which together promote a pH increase, reprecipitating calcium carbonate to form a biocement.

[0093] As used herein, the terms '■produce.” '■production.” and “producing7’ regarding calcium carbonate in the presence of an enzyme or a biological organism refer to the biological reactions enabled by the enzyme or the biological organism to produce the conditions to form calcium carbonate from starting materials such as calcium ion, carbonate ion, or other possible chemical entities. For example, an enzyme, which produces carbonate ion or calcium ion, can be called an enzyme producing calcium carbonate. An enzyme, which causes pH changes to enable the precipitation of calcium carbonate, can also be called an enzyme producing calcium carbonate.

[0094] As used herein, the term “framework” means any structure into which aggregate can be added which imposes a shape on the aggregate. A framework may comprise a formwork. In some cases, a framework comprises a mold (e.g.. a cast, a die. a form, or a container) into which the aggregate is inserted. A framework may include one or more inlets and / or one or more outlets. The one or more inlets and / or one or more outlets allow fluid and air flow to interact with aggregate particles within the framework. An outlet in a framework may be an entirely open surface (e.g., an open top) or a hole within the framework mat allows for fluid flow or gas flow from the framework.

[0095] In some cases, a supporting structure is used to impose a shape on aggregate particles contained within the supporting structure. The supporting structure may fully enclose the aggregate particles or partially enclose the aggregate particles supported by tire supporting structure. In one example, the supporting structure is a container with an open top. In another example, the supporting structure is mold or rigid mold that includes holes.

[0096] As used herein, the term Microbiologically Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) (also known as Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation) generally refers to the production of calcium carbonate using at least one enzyme or biological organism. The at least one enzyme or biological organism can form either calcium ion or carbonate ion, or can change the pH of the environment to precipitate the calcium carbonate. In the methods described herein, MICP may also produce carbonates of other metals, which may or may not be incorporated into the bridging calcium carbonate.

[0097] The construction materials described herein can take many different forms and shapes. An example construction material, such as a unit (e.g., a brick, tile, or paver) with a top surface, four vertical sides and a bottom surface, may be used to illustrate the many features of the disclosed embodiments. However, the construction materials are not limited to only cubiform. In one example, a construction material may comprise a tile, such as a round tile with a top surface, a vertical circular side, and a bottom. In another example, a unit may be formed (e.g., pressed) in a mold or formwork that gives it one or more curved faces, edges, or vertices.

[0098] As used herein, the unit “g / cc” generally refers to the unit grams per cubic centimeter (g / cm3), which is a unit for density. The percentage of void within a portion of a construction material may correspond to an average porosity for the portion of the construction material.

[0099] The aggregate material may comprise rock (e.g., fines), sand, glass, wood, paper, metal, plastic, polymers, minerals, manufacturing or processing waste materials such as ash, carbon, or wood residuals, any of which can be crushed or used whole or combinations thereof.

[0100] The aggregate material may comprise organic or inorganic material such as, for example, sand, rock, glass (e.g., Poraver), wood, paper, metal, plastic, polymers, minerals, recycled materials, or combinations thereof. Aggregate particles may comprise beads, grains, rods, strands, fibers (e.g., fiberglass, basalt fibers, jute fibers, polymer (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) fibers, etc.), flakes, crystals, pulverized or crushed materials, or combinations thereof. The construction material may comprise bricks, thin bricks, pavers, panels, tile, veneer, cinder, breeze, besser, clinker or aerated blocks, counter- or table-tops, design structures, blocks, a solid masonry structure, piers, foundations, beams, walls, slabs, or combinations thereof.

[0101] Construction Material

[0102] Provided in various embodiments herein is a construction material produced by any method, reusable framework, or system described herein.

[0103] Construction material can also take many different forms and shapes. In some embodiments, tire forms and / or shapes of the construction material can be generated by any suitable mold cavity inside of a framework producing a construction material. In some embodiments, a mold cavity can be a brick shape. Therefore, construction material can be a unit or a brick with a top surface, four vertical sides and a bottom surface. However, the construction materials are not limited to the brick form only. For example, another example construction material can be a round tile with a top surface, a vertical circular side, and a bottom.

[0104] In some embodiments, a construction material comprises a paver. In some embodiments, a construction material comprises a plurality of pavers. In some embodiments, a construction material comprises an L-wall. In some embodiments, a construction material comprises a wall panel. In some embodiments, a construction material comprises a modular wall panel. In some embodiments, a construction material comprises jersey barrier. In some embodiments, a construction material comprises a pillar.

[0105] In some embodiments, any construction material described herein comprises any suitable concrete construction material. In specific embodiments, a concrete construction material comprises any suitable bioconcrete construction material. In some embodiments, a construction material comprises any suitable precast concrete construction material. In some embodiments, a construction material comprises any suitable precast bioconcrete construction material.

[0106] In some embodiments, any construction material described herein has a compressive strength of at least about 3000 psi (e.g., at least 4000 psi, or at least 6000 psi), and / or wherein the construction material remains undamaged after 25 cycles of an EN 14617-5 freeze / thaw test. In some embodiments, any construction material described herein has a compressive strength of at least about 3000 psi (e.g., at least 4000 psi, or at least 6000 psi), and wherein the construction material remains undamaged after 25 cycles of an EN 14617-5 freeze / thaw test. In some embodiments, any construction material described herein has a compressive strength of at least about 3000 psi (e.g., at least 4000 psi, or at least 6000 psi), or wherein the construction material remains undamaged after 25 cycles of an EN 14617-5 freeze / thaw test. In some embodiments, any construction material described herein has a compressive strength of at least about 3000 psi (e.g., at least 4000 psi, or at least 6000 psi). In some embodiments, any construction material described herein remains undamaged after 25 cycles of an EN 14617-5 freeze / thaw test.

[0107] In some embodiments, any construction material described herein has a compressive strength of at least about 3000 psi (e.g., at least 4000 psi, or at least 6000 psi). In some embodiments, any construction material described herein has a compressive strength of at least about 4000 psi. In some embodiments, any construction material described herein has a compressive strength of at least about 6000 psi. In some embodiments, any construction material described herein has a compressive strength of at least about 8000 psi. In some embodiments, a bioconcrete construction material produced by the methods or systems described herein has a compressive strength of about 900 psi to about 12,000 psi. In some embodiments, a bioconcrete construction material has a compressive strength of about 900 psi to about 1,000 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,100 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,200 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,300 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,400 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,600 psi, about 900 psi to about 1,800 psi, about 900 psi to about 2,000 psi, about 900 psi to about 2,500 psi, about 900 psi to about 3,000 psi, about 900 psi to about 3,500 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 1,100 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 1,200 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 1,300 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 1.400 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 1.600 psi. about 1,000 psi to about 1,800 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 2,000 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 2.500 psi. about 1,000 psi to about 3,000 psi, about 1,000 psi to about 3.500 psi, about 1,800 psi to about 2,000 psi, about 1,800 psi to about 2,500 psi, about 1,800 psi to about 3,000 psi, about 1,800 psi to about 3,500 psi, about 2,000 psi to about 2,500 psi, about 2,000 psi to about 3,000 psi, about 2,000 psi to about 3,500 psi, about 2,500 psi to about 3,000 psi, about 2,500 psi to about 3,500 psi, or about 3,000 psi to about 3,500 psi, about 1,100 psi to about 4,200 psi, about 2,100 psi to about 4,300 psi, about 2,100 psi to about 5,400 psi, about 2,100 psi to about 5,600 psi, about 2,100 psi to about 4,800 psi, about 2,100 psi to about 8,000 psi, about 1.100 psi to about 7,500 psi, about 4,100 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 5,100 psi to about 11,500 psi, about 6,200 psi to about 7,300 psi, about 5,200 psi to about 9,400 psi, about 6,200 psi to about 9,600 psi, about 5,200 psi to about 11,800 psi, about 1,200 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 2,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 3,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 4,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 5,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 6,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 7,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 8,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, about 9,000 psi to about 10,000 psi, or about 10,200 psi to about 12,000 psi. In some embodiments, a bioconcrete construction material has a compressive strength of about 1.000 psi, about 2.000 psi, about 3.000 psi, about 4,000 psi, about 5,000 psi, about 6,000 psi, about 7,000 psi, about 8,000 psi, about 9,000 psi, about 10,000 psi, about 11,000 psi, or about 12,000 psi. In some embodiments, a bioconcrete construction material has a compressive strength of at least 900 psi, 1,000 psi, 2.000 psi, 3.000 psi. 4.000 psi. 5,00 psi, 6,000 psi, 7.000 psi. 8.000 psi. 9,000 psi, 10.000 psi. 11.000 psi, or 12,000 psi.

[0108] In some embodiments, any construction material described herein (e.g., made with any of the methods or systems described herein) has a flexural strength of from 1 to 20 MPa, (e.g., from 1 to 5 MPa, from 2 to 6 MPa, from 2 to 12 MPa, from 3 to 9 MPa, from 4 to 8 MPa, from 3 to 10 MPa, from 5 to 15 Mpa, from 3 to 11 MPa, from 4 to 12 MPa, from 5 to 10 MPa, from 8 to 15 MPa, from 9 to 18 MPa, from 10 to 20 MPa, from 5 to 20 MPa, from 12 to 20 MPa, or from 15 to 20 MPa. In some embodiments, any construction material described herein (e.g., made with any of the methods or systems described herein) has a flexural strength of at least 1 MPa, at least 2 MPa, at least 3 MPa. at least 4 MPa. 5 MPa, at least 6 MPa, at least 7 MPa, at least 8 MPa. at least 9 MPa, at least 10 MPa. at least 11 MPa, at least 12 MPa, at least 13 MPa. at least 14 MPa, 15 MPa, at least 16 MPa, at least 17 MPa, at least 18 MPa, at least 19 MPa, or at least 20 MPa. In some embodiments, any construction material described herein (e.g., made with any of the methods or systems described herein) has a flexural strength of about 1 MPa, about 2 MPa, about 3 MPa, about 4 MPa, 5 MPa, about 6 MPa, about 7 MPa, about 8 MPa, about 9 MPa, about 10 MPa, about 11 MPa, about 12 MPa, about 13 MPa, about 14 MPa, 15 MPa, about 16 MPa. about 17 MPa, about 18 MPa, about 19 MPa, or about 20 MPa.

[0109] In some embodiments, any construction material described herein remains undamaged after 5 cycles of an EN 14617-5 freeze / thaw test. In some embodiments, any construction material described herein remains undamaged after 10 cycles of an EN 14617-5 freeze / thaw test. In some embodiments, any construction material described herein remains undamaged after 25 cycles of an EN 14617-5 freeze / thaw test. In some embodiments, any construction material described herein remains undamaged after 30 cycles of an EN 14617-5 freeze / thaw test.

[0110] In some embodiments, any construction material described herein (e.g., made with any of the methods or systems described herein) has a finished density of from about 2 g / cc to about 3 g / cc, for example, from about 1.8 g / cc to about 1.9 g / cc, from about 1.9 g / cc to about 2.0 g / cc, from about 2.0 g / cc to about 2.1 g / cc, from about 2.1 g / cc to about 2.2 g / cc. from about 2.2 g / cc to about 2.3 g / cc, from about 2.3 g / cc to about 2.4 g / cc, from about 2.4 g / cc to about 2.5 g / cc. from about 2.5 g / cc to about 2.6 g / cc, from about 2.6 g / cc to about 2.7 g / cc. from about 2.8 g / cc to about 2.9 g / cc, from about 2.9 g / cc to about 3.0 g / cc, from about 3.0 g / cc to about 3.1 g / cc, from about 3.1 g / cc to about 3.2 g / cc. In some embodiments, the average finished density is from about 2.0 g / cc to about 2.1 g / cc. In some embodiments, the average finished density is from about 2.1 g / cc to about 2.3 g / cc. In some embodiments, the average finished density is from about 2.2 g / cc to about 2.4 g / cc. In some embodiments, the average finished density is from about 2.0 g / cc to about 2.5 g / cc. In some embodiments, the average finished density is from about 2.5 g / cc to about 3 g / cc. In some embodiments, the average finished density is about 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, or 3.3 g / cc. In some embodiments, the average finished density is greater than 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, or 3.3 g / cc.

[0111] Methods of Producing a Construction Material

[0112] Provided in various embodiments herein is a method of producing any suitable construction materials described herein.

[0113] In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles, flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality’ of aggregate particles, wherein the fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such that the flow operates against the force of gravity, and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0114] In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0115] In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles; substantially purging air from void space betw een the framed plurality of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0116] In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises compacting a plurality of aggregate particles in a framework to reduce a volume of void-space between adjacent particles of the plurality of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the void space of the plurality of aggregate particles; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0117] In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises adding a plurality of any suitable aggregate particles described herein to any suitable framework described herein. In some embodiments, adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework result in forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles.

[0118] In some embodiments, any aggregate used in any method, reusable framework, or system provided herein comprises any suitable aggregate. In some embodiments, any suitable aggregate comprises a plurality of aggregate particles. In specific embodiments, a plurality of aggregate particles comprises sand, gravel, a combination of sand and gravel, or any suitable material. In some embodiments, a plurality of aggregate particles comprises sand. In some embodiments, a plurality of aggregate particles comprises gravel. In some embodiments, a plurality of aggregate particles comprises a blend of sand and gravel. In some embodiments, a plurality of aggregate particles consists essentially of a blend of sand and gravel.

[0119] In more specific embodiments, a blend of sand and gravel comprises any percentages of volume of sand and gravel suitable for producing a construction material.

[0120] In some embodiments, a blend of sand and gravel comprises 1-99% sand and 1-99% gravel by volume. In some embodiment, a blend of sand and gravel comprises 55-75% sand and 25-45% gravel by volume. In some embodiments, a blend of sand and gravel comprises 66% sand and 34% gravel. In some embodiments, a blend of sand and gravel comprises 1% sand and 90% gravel. In some embodiments, a blend of sand and gravel comprises 90% sand and 1% gravel. In some embodiments, a blend of sand and gravel comprises 20% sand and 80% gravel. In some embodiments, a blend of sand and gravel comprises 80% sand and 20% gravel. In some embodiments, a blend of sand and gravel comprises 60% sand and 40% gravel. In some embodiments, a blend of sand and gravel comprises 40% sand and 60% gravel. In some embodiments, a blend of sand and gravel comprises 50% sand and 50% gravel.

[0121] In some embodiments, an average particle size of the sand is smaller than an average particle size of the gravel. In some embodiments, an average particle size of tire sand is at least a factor of 10 (e.g. at least a factor of 20, 50, or 100) smaller than an average particle size of the gravel. In some embodiments, an average particle size of the sand is at least a factor of 20 smaller than an average particle size of the gravel. In some embodiments, an average particle size of the sand is at least a factor of 50 smaller than an average particle size of the gravel. In some embodiments, an average particle size of the sand is at least a factor of 100 smaller than an average particle size of the gravel. In some embodiments, an average particle size of the sand is at least a factor of 200 smaller than an average particle size of the gravel. In some embodiments, an average particle size of the sand is at least a factor of 500 smaller than an average particle size of the gravel.

[0122] In some embodiments, a plurality of aggregate particles can be in any suitable state that can be used for generating a construction material described herein. In some embodiments, a plurality of aggregate particles can be wet. In some embodiments, a plurality of aggregate particles can be solvated. In some embodiments, a plurality' of aggregate particles can be solid. In some embodiments, a plurality of aggregate particles can be shiny'.

[0123] In some embodiments, a plurality of aggregate particles can be mixed with any suitable cementation reagents provided herein prior to being added to the framework.

[0124] In some cases, the concentration of cells of a biological organism added to the aggregate mix is grown to at least a particular concentration or to at least a particular number of cells prior to being added to the aggregate mix. In some embodiments, the concentration of cells of tire biological organism in a solution added to the aggregate mix is about 10,000 CFU / mL to about 1,000,000,000,000 CFU / mL, or is about 10,000 CFU / mL to about 100,000 CFU / mL, or is between 10.000 CFU / mL and 100,000,000 CFU / mL, or is between 1,000.000 CFU / mL and 10,000,000 CFU / mL, , or is between 1,000,000 CFU / mL and 100,000,000 CFU / mL, or is between 1,000,000 CFU / mL and 10,000,000 CFU / mL, or is between 1,000,000 CFU / mL and 100,000,000 CFU / mL, or is between 1,000,000 CFU / mL and 1,000,000,000 CFU / mL or is between 1,000,000 CFU / mL and 10,000,000,000 CFU / mL, or is between 10,000,000 CFU / mL and 1,000,000,000 CFU / mL, or is between 100,000,000 CFU / mL and 1,000,000,000 CFU / mL. A concentration of cells of organisms in the aggregate prior to feeding cementation reagents may be between about 1 x 102 and 1 x 1012 CFU per gram of aggregate blend mass, e.g., between 1 x 103 and 1 x 1O1CI CFU per gram, e.g.. between 1 x 105 and 5 x 109 CFU per gram, e.g., between 1 x 107 and 5 x 109 CFU per gram, e.g., between 1 x 106 and 2 x 109 CFU per gram, e.g., between 5 x 10b and 2 x 109 CFU per gram, eg., between 1 x 108 and lx 1012 CFU per gram, e.g., between 1 x 109 and 1 x 10 CFU per gram, e g., between 1 x IO10 and 1 x 101- CFU per gram).

[0125] In further embodiments, any method provided herein comprises adding any suitable reinforcing material (e.g. rebar, fiberglass rebar, or fiberglass strands) to the framework. In some embodiments, a reinforcing material comprises a rebar. In some embodiments, a reinforcing material comprises a fiberglass rebar. In some embodiments, a reinforcing material comprises a fiberglass strand. In some embodiments, a reinforcing material is added prior to add the plurality of aggregate particles described herein. In some embodiments, a reinforcing material is added concurrently with the adding tire plurality of aggregate particles.

[0126] In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises settling the added plurality of aggregate particles into a mold cavity of the framework in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, a settling can be performed by any suitable maimer to reduce the volume of void space within the mold. In some embodiments, a settling can be performed by using any suitable mechanical force. In some embodiments, a settling can be pressing the plurality of aggregate particles. In some embodiments, a settling can be applying vibration to the plurality of aggregate particles. In some embodiments, a settling can be pressing and applying vibration to the plurality of aggregate particles.

[0127] In some embodiments, a settling can be performed while the plurality' of aggregate particles is dry. In some embodiments, a settling can be performed while the plurality of aggregate particles is wet. In further embodiments, the settling is at least partially performed by applying a pressurized solvent (e.g. water) to the particles at any suitable pressure configured to increase the packing density’ of tire particles.

[0128] In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises flowing a fluid comprising cementation reagents through tire framed plurality of aggregate particles in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, a fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such that the flow operates against the force of gravity. In some embodiments, a fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such that the flow operates from the bottom, sides, top of the framework, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such that the flow operates from the bottom of the framework. In some embodiments, a fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such that the flow operates from the top of the framework. In some embodiments, a fluid is introduced to tire framework from a direction such that tire flow operates from any side of the framework. In some embodiments, a fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such that the flow operates from one or more sides of the framework. In some embodiments, a fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such mat the flow operates from the bottom, top, and the side of the framework. In some embodiments, a method comprises flowing more than one fluid. In some embodiments, a fluid comprises a first and second fluid.

[0129] In some embodiments, a flow of the first fluid through the framed plurality of aggregate particles enters through a lower surface of the framework and exits an upper surface of the framework. In some embodiments, a flow of fluid through the plurality of aggregate particles is performed at a first pressure at a first time. In some embodiments, the first pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure. In further embodiments, the flow of fluid through the plurality of aggregate particles is performed at a second pressure at a second time. In specific embodiments, tire second pressure is greater than the first pressure. In some embodiments, a second fluid comprising cementation reagents is flowed through the framed plurality of aggregate particles, before, during, or after a reacting as described herein. In some embodiments, a second fluid comprising cementation reagents is flowed through the framed plurality of aggregate particles before the reacting. In some embodiments, a second fluid comprising cementation reagents is flowed through the framed plurality of aggregate particles during tire reacting. In some embodiments, a second fluid comprising cementation reagents is flowed through the framed plurality of aggregate particles after the reacting.

[0130] In some embodiments, a fluid (e.g., the first fluid or the second fluid) through the framework is recirculated in any suitable numbers of cycles. In some embodiments, each cycle of the plurality' of cycles increases a degree to which the plurality of aggregate particles is consolidated. In some embodiments, a fluid (e.g., the first fluid or the second fluid) through the framework is recirculated over a plurality of cycles. In some embodiments, tire recirculating is performed for a total of at least 3 cycles (e.g. at least 5 cycles or at least 10 cycles) of fluid flow through the framework. In some embodiments, the recirculating is performed for a total of at least 5 cycles of fluid flow through the framework. In some embodiments, the recirculating is performed for a total of at least 10 cycles of fluid flow through the framework. In some embodiments, the recirculating is performed for a total of at least 20 cycles of fluid flow through the framework.

[0131] In some embodiments, a fluid (e.g., tire first fluid or the second fluid) comprises any suitable volume for use in any method, system, or refusable framework as described herein. In some embodiments, a fluid (e.g., the first fluid or tire second fluid) comprises a volume which is about 50% to about 500% (e.g. about 75% to about 150%) of a volume of the framework. In some embodiments, a fluid (e.g., the first fluid or the second fluid) comprises a volume which is about 75% to about 150% of a volume of the framework.

[0132] In some embodiments, a pressure of any of the fluidic flows applied to tire framed plurality of particles is any suitable pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure is at least about 1 psi (e.g. at least about 5, 10, 20, 50. or 100 psi). In some embodiments, the pressure is at least about 5 psi. In some embodiments, tire pressure is at least about 10 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure is at least about 20 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure is at least about 50 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure is at least about 100 psi. In some embodiments, the pressure is at least about 250 psi.

[0133] In some embodiments, any cementation reagent described herein comprises any suitable cementation reagent for producing a construction material. In some embodiments, a cementation reagent comprises a biological organism (or spores thereof), an enzy me, urea (and / or derivatives thereof), a calcium salt (e.g. CaCh), nutrients, or combinations of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, a cementation reagent comprises any suitable biological organism (or spores thereol). In specific embodiments, the biological organism is a ureaseproducing organism (or spores thereof). The urease-producing microorganism may be from the domains of archaea (e.g., haloarchaea), bacteria, or eukarya (e.g., fungi (e.g., yeasts (e.g., of the genus saccharomyces) or filamentous fungi (e.g., of the genus Aspergillus)), and some algae (e.g., Thraustochytrids)). Urease-producing bacteria include organisms in the phyla Pseudmonadota (e.g., of tire classes Alphaproteobacteria, Betaprobacteria, Gammaprobacteria (e.g., organisms of the order Enterobacterales, e.g., organisms of tire family Enterobacteriaceae, e.g., of the genus Proteus, (e.g.. species related to Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris), or, e.g.. organisms of the order Alteromonadales. e.g., of the family Shewanellaceae (e.g., of the genus Shewanella, e.g., species such as Shewanella putrefaciens, Shewanella oneidensis, Shewanella sediminis, etc.)), Deltaproteobacteria), Firmicutes, Campylobacterota (e.g., of the class Campylobacteria, e.g., of tire order, campylobacterales, e.g., of the family Helicobacteraceae, e.g., of the genus Helicobacter, e.g., organisms related to Helicobacter pylori), Myxococcota (e.g., of the class Myxococcia, e.g., of tire order Myxococcales, e.g., of the family Myxococcaceae, e.g., a species such as Myxococcus Xanthus) or Actinobacteria (e.g., are considered. Urease producing Firmicutes include organisms include, e.g., organisms of the family Bacillaceae (e.g., Alkalibacillus, Alkalicoccus, Alkalihalobacillus, Bacillus, Halalkalibacillus, Halobacillus, Halolactibacillus, Lysinibacillus, Natribacillus, Natronobacillus, Priestia, Pseudobacillus, Pseudogracilibacillus, Pseudoneobacillus, Psychrobacillus, Thermalkalibacillus; for example, species such as Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Bacillus sphaericus. Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium. etc.) or, e.g., of the family Caryophanaceae (e.g., of the genus Sporosarcina (e.g., species such as Sporosarcina pasteurii or Sporosarcina ureae). e.g., of the genus Bhargavaea (e.g., Bhargavaea beijingensis)), or. e.g., of the family Paembacillaceae (e.g., of the genus Paembacillus). In more specific embodiments, the urease-producing organism is sporosarcina pasteurii. In some embodiments, a cementation reagent comprises any suitable enzyme. In some embodiments, a cementation reagent comprises urea (and / or derivatives thereof). In specific embodiments, wherein the enzyme is urease. In some embodiments, a cementation reagent comprises any suitable enzyme. In some embodiments, a cementation reagent comprises a calcium salt (e.g. CaCk). In some embodiments, a cementation reagent comprises nutrients which promote activation or expression of enzymes. In some embodiments, a cementation reagent comprises nutrients for feeding a bacteria. In some embodiments, cementation reagents include an acid-producing enzyme or a acid-producing microorganism (e.g.. one that produces one or more acid-producing enzymes). Acid producing microorganisms may be from the domains of archaea (e.g., haloarchaea), bacteria, or eukarya (e.g., fungi (e.g., yeasts (e.g., of the genus saccharomyces) or filamentous fungi (e.g., of the genus Aspergillus)), and some algae (e g., Thraustochytrids)). The acid-producing microorganism may be selected from the group consisting of: Variovorax, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Exiguobacterium, Microbacterium, Curtobacterium, Rathayibacter, Streptomyces, Raoultella, B. pumilus, B. safanensis, B. simplex, B. licheniformis, Lysinibacillus sphaericus and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, cementation reagents include one or more carbonic anhydrase enzyme(s), or one or more microorganisms which express carbonic anhydrase enzyme(s). In some embodiments, the carbonic anhydrase-producing microorganisms may be the same organism as the ureaseproducing microorganism or the acid-producing microorganism. In some embodiments the carbonic anhydrase-producing microorganism is a different microorganism to the ureaseproducing microorganism. In some embodiments, a feed solution (e.g., a liquid solution comprising dissolved or dispersed cementation reagents) or aggregate mix of a system or method described herein may include carbonic anhydrase enzyme (or a carbonic anhydraseproducing microorganism, e.g.. from the domains of archaea, bacteria (e.g.. thermophilic bacteria), or eukarya (e g., fungi (e.g., yeasts (e.g., of the genus saccharomyces) or filamentous fungi (e.g., of the genus Aspergillus)), and some algae) and may be further fed gaseous carbon dioxide, e.g., captured carbon dioxide, e.g., directly into tire feed solution or into the framework. In some embodiments, cementation reagents in the aggregate include enzy mes or organisms and cementation reagents in fluids provided to the aggregate (e.g., feed solutions) comprise a calcium ion source (e.g., calcium chloride). In some embodiments, the cementation reagents in the aggregate include enzymes or organisms and cementation reagents in fluids provided to the aggregate (e.g., feed solutions) comprise a calcium ion source (e.g., calcium chloride) and urea. In some embodiments, the cementation reagents in the aggregate include enzymes or organisms and urea, and cementation reagents m fluids provided to the aggregate (e.g., feed solutions) comprise a calcium ion source (e.g., calcium chloride) and urea.

[0134] In some embodiments, one or more fluids provided to the aggregate in tire framework include microorganisms or enzymes. In some embodiments, one or more fluids provided to the aggregate in the framework do not include microorganisms or enzymes (or include only trace amounts e.g., less than 0.1 g per liter of enzyme or microorganism, e.g., less than 1000 CFU per liter of microorganisms, e.g., less than 100 CFU per liter of microorganisms, e.g., less than 10 CFU per liter of microorganisms, e.g., less than 1 CFU per liter of microorganisms, e.g., has a specific urease activity or specific carbonic anhydrase activity that is not statistically different from a source of water used in the process).

[0135] In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise any biological organism (e.g., a microorganism) (or spores thereof) and / or any enzyme described herein. In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in tire first fluid comprise any biological organism (or spores thereof) and any enzyme described herein, fn some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise any biological organism (or spores thereof) or any enzyme described herein, fn some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise any biological organism (or spores thereof). In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in tire first fluid comprise any enzyme described herein. In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise any suitable nutrients. In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise any suitable nutrients that promote activity of the biological organism and / or the enzyme. In alternative embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid do not comprise nutrients that promote activity of the biological organism and / or the enzyme.

[0136] In some embodiments, the cementation reagents comprised in the second fluid comprise nutrients that promote activity of the biological organism and / or the enzyme.

[0137] In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises substantially purging air from void space betw een the framed plurality of aggregate particles prior to the reacting in any suitable manner described herein such as using pressure or mechanical force. In some embodiments, purging air can be performed in the same manner as the settling as described herein.

[0138] In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises compacting a plurality of aggregate particles in a framework in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises compacting a plurality of aggregate particles in a framework to reduce a volume of void-space between adjacent particles of the plurality’ of aggregate particles in any suitable manner described herein such as using pressure or mechanical force. In some embodiments, compacting can be performed in the same manner as the settling as described herein.

[0139] In some embodiments, any method provided herein comprises reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles described herein. In some embodiments, a method comprises reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzy me comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality’ of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate tire framed plurality of aggregate particles. In some embodiments, a method comprises reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material. In some embodiments, the reacting binds adjacent particles of the plurality of particles together with calcium carbonate bridges, thereby forming the construction material.

[0140] Reusable Framework for Producing a Precast Bioconcrete Construction Material

[0141] Provided in some embodiments herein is a reusable framework for producing a precast bioconcrete construction material as described herein.

[0142] In some embodiments, a reusable framework for producing a precast bioconcrete construction material comprises: a plurality of panels configured to: (i) temporarily fasten together to form a fluidically coupled system during curing of a precast bioconcrete construction material, and (ii) unfasten to allow release of the precast construction material from a mold cavity formed when the plurality of panels are fastened together; a cementation reagent inlet; a cementation reagent outlet; wherein a volume of tire mold cavity formed when the panels are fastened together is at least 50 L (e.g. at least 100L, or at least WOOL), the cementation reagent inlet is located on at least one of the plurality of panels and is configured to be fluidically coupled to the mold cavity when the plurality of panels are temporarily fastened, the cementation reagent outlet is located on at least one of the plurality of panels and is configured to be fluidically coupled to the mold cavity when tire plurality’ of panels arc temporarily fastened.

[0143] In some embodiments, a reusable framework provided herein comprises any suitable panels. In some embodiments, a reusable framework comprises a plurality of panels. In some embodiments, the plurality of panels is configured to temporarily fasten together to form a fluidically coupled system as described herein. In specific embodiments, the plurality of panels is configured to temporarily fasten together to form a fluidically coupled system during curing of a construction material as described herein. In specific embodiments, the plurality of panels is configured to temporarily fasten together to form a fluidically coupled system during curing of a precast bioconcrete construction material. In some embodiments, the plurality of panels is configured to unfasten. In specific embodiments, unfastening allows release of any construction material from a mold cavity formed when the plurality of panels is fastened together. In some embodiments, the plurality of panels is configured to: (i) temporarily fasten together to form a fluidically coupled system during curing of a precast bioconcrete construction material, and (ii) unfasten to allow release of the precast construction material from a mold cavity formed when the plurality of panels is fastened together.

[0144] In some embodiments, a plurality of panels described herein includes at least one panel imprinted with a pattern configured to alter the aesthetic appearance of one or more surfaces of any suitable construction material. In some embodiments, a plurality of panels described herein includes at least one panel imprinted with a pattern configured to alter tire aesthetic appearance of one or more surfaces of the precast construction material. In some embodiments, a plurality of panels described herein include a void (e.g., a convexity, e.g., a cavity, e.g., a curved void, e.g., a groove, e.g.. a hollow) on the interior face when assembled into a framework. In some embodiments, a plurality of panels described herein include a void (e.g., a convexity', e.g., a cavity, e.g., a curved void, e.g., a groove, e.g., a hollow) on the exterior face when assembled into a framework. In some embodiments, an outlet is disposed in an apex of tire void, an upper portion of the void, or a portion of the void that is furthest from an inlet in tire framework.

[0145] In some embodiments, a plurality of panels described herein is configured to be modular, allowing for multiple types or quantities of any suitable construction materials to be manufactured using the same reusable framework. In some embodiments, a plurality of panels is configured to be modular, allowing for multiple types or quantities of precast bioconcrete materials to be manufactured using the same reusable framework. In some embodiments, the plurality of panels includes an inlet panel and an outlet panel which together assemble with one or more additional panels such that the inlet panel and outlet panel are at opposite ends of a longest dimension of the assembled framework.

[0146] In some embodiments, a precast bioconcrete material produced by any framework provided herein comprises a plurality of pavers, an L-wall, a modular wall panel, and / or a jersey barrier. In some embodiments, a precast bioconcrete material comprises a paver. In some embodiments, a precast bioconcrete material comprises a plurality of pavers. In some embodiments, a precast bioconcrete material comprises an L-wall. In some embodiments, a precast bioconcrete material comprises a wall panel. In some embodiments, a precast bioconcrete material comprises a modular wall panel. In some embodiments, a precast bioconcrete material comprises jersey barrier. In some embodiments, a precast bioconcrete material comprises a pillar.

[0147] In some embodiments, a reusable framework provided herein comprises any suitable cementation reagent inlet. In some embodiments, a reusable framework provided herein comprises any suitable cementation reagent outlet. In some embodiments, a reusable framework provided herein comprises any suitable cementation reagent inlet and outlet.

[0148] In some embodiments, the cementation reagent inlet is located on at least one of the plurality of panels as described herein and is configured to be fluidically coupled to the mold cavity when the plurality of panels is temporarily fastened as described herein. In some embodiments, the cementation reagent inlet is configured to be located on a lower panel than the cementation reagent outlet when the plurality of panels is temporarily fastened. In some embodiments, the cementation reagent inlet is configured to allow for pressurization of a fluid within the mold cavity of the reusable framework.

[0149] In some embodiments, tire cementation reagent outlet is located on at least one of the plurality of panels as described herein and is configured to be fluidically coupled to the mold cavity when the plurality of panels is temporarily fastened as described herein. In some embodiments, the cementation reagent outlet is configured to allow for pressurization of a fluid within the mold cavity of the reusable framework.

[0150] In some embodiments, the cementation reagent inlet and / or the cementation reagent outlets are configured to allow for pressurization of a fluid within the mold cavity of the reusable framework. In some embodiments, the cementation reagent inlet and the cementation reagent outlets are configured to allow for pressurization of a fluid within the mold cavity of the reusable framework. In some embodiments, the cementation reagent inlet or the cementation reagent outlets are configured to allow for pressurization of a fluid within the mold cavity of the reusable framework.

[0151] In some embodiments, a reusable framework provided herein comprises any suitable air vents. In some embodiments, an air vent is configured to allow a purging of air from the mold cavity. In some embodiments, a reusable framework provided herein comprises any suitable numbers of air vents. In some embodiments, a reusable framework provided herein comprises one air vent. In some embodiments, a reusable framework provided herein comprises more than one air vent. In some embodiments, the air vents include stop valves that permit the passage of air but prevent the passage of liquid (e.g., water), e.g., a valve including a buoyant element.

[0152] In some embodiments, in a reusable framework provided herein, a volume of the mold cavity’ formed when the panels arc fastened together is at least 50 L (e.g., at least 100L, or at least WOOL). In some embodiments, a volume of the mold cavity formed when the panels are fastened together is at least 100 L. In some embodiments, a volume of the mold cavity formed when the panels are fastened together is at least 500 L. In some embodiments, a volume of the mold cavity formed when the panels are fastened together is at least 1000 L. In some embodiments, a volume of the mold cavity formed when the panels are fastened together is at least 2000 L.

[0153] System for Producing a Precast Bioconcrete Construction Material

[0154] Provided in some embodiments herein is a system for producing a precast bioconcrete construction material as described herein.

[0155] In some embodiments, a system provided herein comprises any reusable framework described herein, any suitable fluidic manifold and any suitable pump. In some embodiments, a system provided herein comprises any reusable framework described herein. In some embodiments, a system provided herein comprises any suitable fluidic manifold. In some embodiments, a system provided herein comprises any suitable pump. In some embodiments, a pump is fluidically coupled to a fluidic manifold, the cementation reagent inlet and / or the cementation reagent outlet of the reusable framework. In some embodiments, a pump is fluidically coupled to a fluidic manifold. In some embodiments, a pump is fluidically coupled to a cementation reagent inlet described herein. In some embodiments, a pump is fluidically coupled to a cementation reagent outlet described herein. In some embodiments, a pump is fluidically coupled to a fluidic manifold, a cementation reagent inlet or a cementation reagent outlet of the reusable framework. In some embodiments, a pump is fluidically coupled to a fluidic manifold, a cementation reagent inlet and a cementation reagent outlet of the reusable framework.

[0156] In further embodiments, a system provided herein further comprises any suitable recirculation reservoir configured to recirculate any fluid described herein through any reusable framework described herein.

[0157] In further embodiments, a system provided herein further comprises any suitable reagent reservoir configured to provide fresh cementation reagents described herein to a recirculation reservoir described herein, to the mold cavity of a reusable framework described herein, or both. In some embodiments, a system provided herein comprises any suitable reagent reservoir configured to provide fresh cementation reagents described herein to a recirculation reservoir described herein. In some embodiments, a system provided herein comprises any suitable reagent reservoir configured to provide fresh cementation reagents described herein to the mold cavity of a reusable framework described herein. In some embodiments, a system provided herein comprises any suitable reagent reservoir configured to provide fresh cementation reagents described herein to a recirculation reservoir described herein or the mold cavity of a reusable framework described herein. In some embodiments, a system provided herein comprises any suitable reagent reservoir configured to provide fresh cementation reagents described herein to a recirculation reservoir described herein and the mold cavity of a reusable framework described herein.

[0158] In further embodiments, a system provided herein further comprises any suitable reservoirs. In some embodiments, a reservoir is configured to accumulate waste fluid and / or fluid which has been depleted of cementation reagents. In some embodiments, a reservoir is configured to accumulate waste fluid and fluid which has been depleted of cementation reagents. In some embodiments, a reservoir is configured to accumulate waste fluid or fluid which has been depleted of cementation reagents. In some embodiments, a reservoir is configured to accumulate waste fluid. In some embodiments, a reservoir is configured to accumulate fluid which has been depleted of cementation reagents as described herein.

[0159] In some embodiments, a system provided herein to perform any method provided herein. EXAMPLES

[0160] The application may be better understood by reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are provided as exemplary embodiments of the application. The following examples are presented in order to more fully illustrate embodiments and should in no way be construed, however, as limiting the broad scope of the application.

[0161] Example 1 - Pavers Manufactured Using Dry Aggregate Mix

[0162] Process

[0163] A 7-unit paver framework was used as a mold to pack an aggregate into each paver cavity (FIG. 1A). The activated Danish aggregate S66T34 was used as the aggregate blend. The paver framework contained aggregate on all six sides (FIG. IB). 60 liters of the dry aggregate were used to yielding 7 pavers at 8.39 liters each. The 7 pavers include paver 102. Immediately after compacting the dry aggregate into the mold, the top section was securely attached, and the entire mold was elevated. There was no cure time allowing the aggregate to dry before feeding.

[0164] The feeding scheme was demonstrated in FIG. 2. Urea, CaCh and nutrients were used to feed each paver. Specifically, the feeding process employed a single 1 OO-liter container equipped with a sump pump (e.g., a recirculating pump) positioned directly beneath the mold or paver framework 104. Utilizing flexible tubing, the sump pump connected to the bottom section of the mold's plenum, while another flexible tube was affixed to the top plenum, facilitating the recirculation of fluid back into the 100-liter container. A bath containing 50 liters of CaCF / Urca feed solution was introduced into the 100-liter container. The fluid was then propelled through the mold from the bottom plenum to the top plenum using the sump pump. This recirculation process continued for a duration of 3 hours and 50 minutes, allowing for 10 minutes to drain the mold and replace the bath with a fresh 50-liter solution.

[0165] The original intention was to carry out a total of 12 such baths. However, the sump pump malfunctioned after the ninth bath, a problem that went unnoticed for several baths due to a lack of monitoring. This ultimately resulted in the experiment being cut short. Despite all 12 baths being prepared and positioned in the 100-liter container, it is suspected that the last three baths never entered the mold. In total, 450 liters of fluid (600 liters accounting for all 12 baths) were used. The mold was disassembled immediately after the twelfth bath, without undergoing any rinsing or additional curing time. Unfortunately, during tire disassembly process, several of the pavers fractured, likely due to the absence of painting of the steel mold and the fact that the aggregate had become cemented to the steel plates. Within a week, the pavers were cut into different samples for testing purposes.

[0166] Performance Tests

[0167] The positions of the samples that were taken were illustrated in FIG. 3A. Solid outline is equivalent to a 16?’ (400mm) square paver. Each dashed square inside the paver is equivalent to a 2” (50 mm) cube with the full solid square being 400mm x 400 mm x 50 mm paver.

[0168] The compressive strength and EOR density were tested in the dashed square samples on the side and the bottom (FIG. 3A), and the results are shown in FIG. 3B. The compressive strength of the samples was from 2,200 PSI to 9.200 PSI. The EOR density of the samples was from 1.89 g / cc to 2.28 g / cc.

[0169] The flexural strength was tested in FW38 and FW45 (FIG. 3A), and the results are shown in FIG. 3C. The flexural tests were completed. The average flexural strength was 8.9 MPa, which would designate the highest level of marking for flagstone pavers.

[0170] Initial absorption tests were also conducted and indicated 3.85% absorption. In addition, global warming potential (GWP) was from 15.0 kg CO2eq / m2 to 6.0 kg CO2eq / m2 at 2cm equivalence. These results demonstrate that microbially-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) can produce pavers meeting the specified standards while maintaining a low GWP.

[0171] Example 2 - Process for Manufacturing Small Format Precast Articles Using Dry Aggregate Mix

[0172] 100 sq. ft. of BS EN 1339:2003 24” x 24” x 3” flag pavers, or any other bioconcrete article or articles having approximately the same total volume as tire 100 sq. ft. of such pavers can be produced by a system using a framework, a cell culture, and a feedstock bath.

[0173] Examples of a framework sized to be sealed between the top and bottom plenums of a system, e.g., between the top and bottom plenums for a panel mold with a rectangular external footprint (c.g., panel mold) arc illustrated in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of a system for producing pavers. Multiple pavers (e.g., seven pavers) may be produced by the system simultaneously.

[0174] A cell culture can be prepared according to tire following operating procedure. A container (e g., a drum or tote), pumps, and associated hoses are thoroughly cleaned with alconox and rinsed with clean water prior to inoculation. Wet test system with clean water at full run volume is also conducted to verify aeration and mixing typical of large volume culture growth. 750 L of clean tap water are added to a tote with a target final temperature of 33° C. System recirculation pumps are turned on to begin mixing. All dry components of cell culture medium except the cells on their solid support are added and mixed via system recirculation. Media temperature is checked after dry materials are thoroughly mixed. A temperature drop of approximately 1° C is expected due to urea dissolution. After verifying the media temperature is between 31°-33° C, the solid-supported cells are added to tire recirculating tote. Culture growth is estimated to take 20-24 hours. Culture temperature should be maintained within the range of 30° C - 35° C during growth. After 20-24 hours of growth, the cell population for adequate cell density- (e.g., by optical density) is checked. The aggregate in the framework is inoculated by recirculating the culture through the aggregate starting at the bottom plenum.

[0175] After inoculation, the system is switched over to provide feedstock to the aggregate. The feedstock bath is prepared according to tire following protocol. 250 L water is added to the mixing tote at approximately 3 0° C. Urea (5-10 kg) and nutrients are added slowly while mixing in the tote. CaCk (10-20 kg) are added in the mixing tote slowly to maintain the temperature within the correct range. Water is added to reach 400 L in the mixing tote with target temperature of 30°C.

[0176] The panel mold to produce the 100 sq. ft. of pavers described above is expected to take a total of (15) baths per run, with feedstock bath changes on a 4-hour schedule.

[0177] Example 3 - Process for Manufacturing Large Format Precast Articles Using Wet Aggregate Mix

[0178] L-WALL BARRIER

[0179] An L-wall barrier was produced according to embodiments of the system and methods of the disclosure utilizing pre-inoculated wet aggregate mix (S66T34) Skygge Blend.

[0180] Mold Preparation

[0181] An L-shaped framework (L-shaped mold 502) (FIG. 5A) was acid washed and cleaned to ensure the mold cavity surfaces are smooth and clear of debris from previous runs. Fabric was added to the grating on the top and bottom plenum to act as a filter to prevent aggregate washout. Foam gaskets and silicone were added to the mold flanges to ensure a watertight seal when clamped. The mold was then bolted together using an impact drill leaving off the top plenum for aggregate packing. All internal metal sides were then oiled with a non-stick coating.

[0182] Packing

[0183] The mold was evenly filled with inoculated aggregate without exceeding a depth which allowed for sufficient compaction. The packing tool was applied to the mold to apply pressure until the aggregate was sufficiently compacted. After removing the packing tool, the surface of the compacted aggregate was scoured to prevent any visible seams in the layers of the compacted aggregate. The process was repeated until the mold was filled. The gasket and filter fabric were placed on top of the compacted aggregate before placing the top plenum.

[0184] Feeding

[0185] A Pre-Nutrix solution was diluted with water to a 10:1 ratio. The solids in tire solution were allowed to settle and the dilute liquid collected to be used in feed preparation. Bath preparation started with portioning out the calcium chloride and urea. Initially, the bath tank was filled with 100 L of water at or below room temperature. All feed components were added to the bath tank and mixed until dissolved. Water was then added until 150 L was reached using appropriately heated water to achieve the target bath temperature of 35°C. The feed was added to the aggregate by pumping the bath solution from the bath tank into the bottom plenum of the mold and discharged from the mold’s top plenum back into tire bath tank, allowing tire feed to circulate through the mold. The feed circulation through the mold was repeated until the first bath change. The feedstock was changed. The feeding process was repeated until the process was deemed complete.

[0186] Demolding

[0187] Once the feeding was complete, the bath tank and mold were drained. The bolts from the mold were removed and the mold walls carefully separated from the cemented structure. The L-wall barrier 504 is shown in FIG. 5B.

[0188] Similarly, other precast construction materials, such as a modular wall panel 602 (FIG. 6), a jersey barrier 702 (FIG. 7A), or a pillar (FIG. 8A), can also be produced using the same process using either a dry or wet mix with different molds. A 1.98 m3 wall panel produced was tested in a few uniform regions and had a compressive strength between 2,459 and 4.715 PSI. A 0.6 m3 jersey barrier produced w'as tested in a few uniform regions and had a compressive strength betw een 988 and 2,451PSI.

[0189] Fiberglass rebar elements can be placed into the mold to increase unit tensile strength, such as rebar element 712 in FIG. 7B. Examples of this fiberglass rebar reinforcement are shown in FIG. 7B and 8B.

[0190] A silicone mold 822 can also be placed on one or more sides of the mold to create a unique surface. An example of such an application is shown in FIG. 8C.

[0191] Figure 9A depicts one embodiment of a system for manufacturing a construction material using one or more biocementation processes. The system includes a chamber 978 for processing a construction material under controlled environmental conditions, such as setting and / or adjusting the temperature, pressure, and humidity of the environment in which the construction material is manufactured. The environmental conditions applied to aggregate particles is controlled using the pressure, temperature, and humidity controller 990. The framework 992 is arranged within the chamber 978. Although only a single framework 992 is depicted within the chamber 978, additional frameworks may be simultaneously processed within the chamber 978. In some embodiments, the framework 992 and the chamber 978 may be the same element. The construction material may be formed within the framework 992 while the controlled environmental conditions are applied. In some cases, the framework 992 comprises a supporting structure for aggregate particles within the framework 992. In one example, the framework 992 comprises an L-shaped framework or a rigid container for forming non-standard 3D shapes, such as L-barriers and artistically molded shapes.

[0192] As depicted, the system includes a fluid regulator 988 for applying a cementation solution and / or a feed solution to aggregate particles within the framework 992. The fluid regulator 988 may adjust tire fluid pressure (and , in some embodiments, tire fluid temperature) for a fluid being injected into the framework 992. As a fluid comprising the cementation reagent solution / feed solution (or another fluid, e.g., an inoculation fluid, rinse fluid, etc.) is injected into the framework 992 within the processing chamber 978, the fluid regulator 988 may dynamically adjust the fluid flow rate as the construction material hardens or forms. The fluid regulator 988 may utilize a pump controller to adjust fluid pressure and direction of fluid flow. Nozzles, such as nozzle 989, may enable the fluid regulator to inject the fluid into the formwork though one or more inlets not depicted of the framework 992.

[0193] The fluid regulator 988 in communication with the computing system 901 may regulate a temperature of the cementation solution applied to the construction material within the framework 992 and regulate the rate at which the cementation solution is applied to the construction material. The fluid regulator 988 may include a heating element and / or a cooling element for regulating the temperature of the cementation solution applied to the construction material. The pressure, temperature, and humidity controller 990 is connected to a thermal conductor 984 (e.g., a metal grating or metal strip) that is in thermal communication with the chamber 978. The thermal conductor 984 may be directly connected to or physically contact the framework 992. A pallet 986 provides structural support for the construction material and the framework 992 within the chamber 978. The thermal conductor 984 is arranged between tire pallet 986 and the chamber 978.

[0194] In some embodiments, the pressure, temperature, and humidity controller 990 may regulate the temperature of the construction material (e g., the aggregate particles within the framework 992) within the chamber 978 via the heating or cooling of the thermal conductor 984. The pressure, temperature, and humidity controller 990 may regulate or adjust the temperature of the construction material within the chamber 978 using temperature regulated air flow. The pressure, temperature, and humidity controller 990 may adjust the ambient pressure within the chamber 978. The chamber 978 may fully enclose tire framework 992 or may provide an open or vented environment.

[0195] In some embodiments, the pressure, temperature, and humidity controller 990 may include a computing system, such as computing system 901. The computing system may include a network interface, processor, memory, and disk all in communication with each other. The network interface, processor, memory, and disk may comprise real components or virtualized components. In one example, the network interface, processor, memory, and disk are provided by a virtualized infrastructure or a cloud-based infrastructure. The network interface may allow the computing system to connect to one or more networks. As examples, the network interface may comprise a wireless network interface and / or a wired network interface. The processor may allow the computing system to execute computer readable instructions stored in memory in order to perfonn processes described herein. The processor may include one or more processing units, such as one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, and / or one or more NPUs. The memory may comprise one or more types of memory (e.g., RAM, SRAM, DRAM, EEPROM, Flash). The disk may include a hard disk drive and / or a solid-state drive. In some cases, both the memory’ and disk may comprise hardware storage devices.

[0196] As depicted in Figure 9A, the system for manufacturing a construction material using one or more biocementation processes also includes a feed storage tank 972 for collecting left over portions of a cementation solution 973. The left over or unused portions of tire cementation solution 973 that passed through the framework 992 or were not utilized by the construction material within the framework 992 during a biocementation process may be collected and reused during subsequent biocementation processes. The filtered and / or recycled cementation solution 973 may be transferred to the fluid regulator 988 via a pump 982. In some cases, particulate matter within the cementation solution 973 collected by the feed storage tank 972 may be allowed to settle within the collection tank and therefore intaking fluid away from the bottom of the collection tank may provide filtering of the recycled cementation solution 973. In one example, tire inlet tube for providing recycled cementation solution 973 to tire pump 982 may be arranged at least 10 inches from the bottom of the feed storage tank 972 (e.g., the distance 971 between the bottom of tire feed storage tank 972 and the inlet tube may be 12 inches). The inlet tube may include additional filtering for removing particulates from the recycled cementation solution 973.

[0197] In some cases, the system recirculates the cementation solution 973 and reinjects previously used fluid until a pH or electrical conductivity of the fluid reaches a particular pH (e.g., has risen above a pH of 7.9) and / or the electrical conductivity of the fluid falls below a threshold conductivity or resistance.

[0198] In some embodiments, the fluid comprising the cementation solution and / or a feed solution comprises urea and calcium salt (e.g., calcium chloride or other calcium2+-containing salts). In some embodiments, the concentration of urea within the fluid is between 100 mM and 400 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of calcium chloride within the fluid is between 100 mM and 400 mM.

[0199] In some embodiments, the concentration of urea is from about 180 mM to about 330 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of urea is from about 180 mM to about 190 mM, from about 190 mM to about 200 mM, from about 200 mM to about 210 mM, from about 210 mM to about 220 mM, from about 220 mM to about 230 mM, from about 230 mM to about 240 mM, from about 240 mM to about 250 mM, from about 250 mM to about 260 mM, from about 260 mM to about 270 mM, from about 270 mM to about 280 mM, from about 280 mM to about 290 mM, from about 290 mM to about 300 mM, from about 300 mM to about 310 mM. from about 310 mM to about 320 mM, or from about 320 mM to about 330 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of urea is about 180, 190. 200, 210. 220, 230, 240, 250, 260. 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, or 330 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of urea is about 230 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of urea is about 240 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of urea is about 240 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of urea is about 260 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of urea is about 270 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of urea is about 280 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of calcium chloride is from about 180 mM to about 330 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of calcium chloride is from about 180 mM to about 190 mM, from about 190 mM to about 200 mM, from about 200 mM to about 210 mM, from about 210 mM to about 220 mM, from about 220 mM to about 230 mM, from about 230 mM to about 240 mM, from about 240 mM to about 250 mM, from about 250 mM to about 260 mM, from about 260 mM to about 270 mM, from about 270 mM to about 280 mM, from about 280 mM to about 290 mM, from about 290 mM to about 300 mM, from about 300 mM to about 310 mM, from about 310 mM to about 320 mM, or from about 320 mM to about 330 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of calcium chloride is about 180. 190, 200.210, 220,230, 240, 250. 260, 270. 280, 290, 300, 310, 320. or 330 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of calcium chloride is about 230 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of calcium chloride is about 240 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of calcium chloride is about 240 mM. In some embodiments, tire concentration of calcium chloride is about 260 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of calcium chloride is about 270 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of calcium chloride is about 280 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of the urea is about the same as the concentration of the calcium chloride. In some embodiments, the concentration of the urea is different from the concentration of the calcium chloride.

[0200] Figure 9B depicts one embodiment of various components of the computing system 901 in Figure 9A. The components within the computing system 901 may comprise real hardware computing devices or virtual computing devices, such as one or more virtual machines. As depicted, the computing system 901 includes hardware-level components and software-level components. The hardware-level components may include one or more processors 170, one or more memories 171, and one or more disks 172. The one or more processors 170 may include one or more processing units, such as one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, and / or one or more NPUs. The one or more memories 171 may comprise one or more types of memory (e.g.. RAM, SRAM, DRAM. EEPROM, Flash). The one or more disks 172 may include a hard disk drive and / or a solid-state drive. Both the one or more memories 171 and the one or more disks 172 may comprise hardware storage devices. A storage device may correspond to the one or more memories 171 or the one or more disks 172.

[0201] The software-level components may include software applications and computer programs. The environmental conditions regulator 191 and fluid control application 192 may be stored or implemented using software or a combination of hardware and software. In some cases, the software-level components arc rim using a dedicated hardware server. In other cases, the software-level components may be run using a virtual machine or containerized environment running on a plurality of machines. In various embodiments, the software-level components may be run from the cloud (e.g., the software-level components may be deployed using a cloudbased compute and storage infrastructure).

[0202] As depicted in Figure 9B. the software-level components may also include virtualization layer processes, such as virtual machine 173, hypervisor 174, container engine 175, and host operating system 176. The hypervisor 174 may comprise a native hypervisor (or bare-metal hypervisor) or a hosted hypervisor (or type 2 hypervisor). The hypervisor 174 may provide a virtual operating platform for running one or more virtual machines, such as virtual machine 173. A hypervisor may comprise software that creates and runs virtual machine instances. Virtual machine 173 may include a plurality of virtual hardware devices, such as a virtual processor, a virtual memory, and a virtual disk. The virtual machine 173 may include a guest operating system that has the capability to run one or more software applications. The virtual machine 173 may ran the host operation system 176 upon which the container engine 175 may ran.

[0203] The container engine 175 may ran on top of the host operating system 176 in order to run multiple isolated instances (or containers) on the same operating system kernel of the host operating system 176. Containers may facilitate virtualization at the operating system level and may provide a virtualized environment for running applications and their dependencies. Containerized applications may comprise applications that ran within an isolated runtime environment (or container). The container engine 175 may acquire a container image and convert the container image into running processes. In some cases, the container engine 175 may group containers that make up an application into logical units (or pods). A pod may contain one or more containers and all containers in a pod may ran on the same node in a cluster. Each pod may serve as a deployment unit for the cluster. Each pod may run a single instance of an application.

[0204] In some embodiments, the depicted components of the computing system 901 including the environmental conditions regulator 191 and the fluid control application 192 are implemented in the cloud or in a virtualized environment that allows virtual hardware to be created and decoupled from the underlying physical hardware.

[0205] The environmental conditions regulator 191 may configure or adjust one or more environmental parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature, and humidity parameters) during formation of a construction material. The fluid control application 192 may configure or adjust one or more manufacturing parameters (e.g., fluid pressure, fluid temperature, and fluid feed rate parameters) of the fluid regulator 988 in Figure 9A. The fluid control application 192 may adjust fluid pressure to make fluid flow in a direction of flow that operates against the force of gravity. In one example, negative pressure may be used to draw fluid towards the fluid regulator 988 and away from tire feed storage tank 972. The fluid control application 192 may cause fluid to be injected into the framework 922 during a first time period and then cause fluid to be extracted from the framework 922 during a second time period subsequent to the first time period. Alternating tire direction of fluid flow may improve the hardness and structural integrity of the resulting construction material.

[0206] Figure 9C depicts a flowchart describing one embodiment of a process for producing a construction material. In one embodiment, the process of Figure 9C is performed using tire system of Figure 9A and / or the framework 992 depicted in Figure 9A. In some embodiments, the process of Figure 9C is performed using a system for manufacturing a construction material that includes a pressurized environment, such as the chamber 978 depicted in Figure 9A.

[0207] In step 902, a plurality of aggregate particles is acquired. The plurality of aggregate particles may be provided from a mix of aggregate materials. The aggregate materials may include sand, gravel, and / or granular materials. In step 904, the plurality of aggregate particles is added to a framework to form or shape a framed plurality of aggregate particles. In step 906, a first fluid comprising cementation reagents is flowed through the framed plurality of aggregate particles. In step 908, the cementation reagents are reacted with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the first fluid or w ithin the framed plurality7 of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles. In step 910, a construction material is fonned subsequent to consolidation of the framed plurality of aggregate particles. During formation of the construction material, the construction material may be compacted or pressed to increase the density of the construction material.

[0208] Figure 9D depicts a flowchart describing another embodiment of a process for producing a construction material. In one embodiment, the process of Figure 9D is performed using the system of Figure 9A and / or the framework 992 depicted in Figure 9A. In some embodiments, the process of Figure 9D is performed using a system for manufacturing a construction material that includes a pressurized environment or a climate controlled environment.

[0209] In step 922, a plurality of aggregate particles is added or inserted into a framework to form a framed plurality of aggregate particles. In step 924, the plurality of aggregate particles is compacted within tire framework. In step 926, a first fluid comprising cementation reagents is pumped through the framed plurality of aggregate particles. In one embodiment, a pump, such as pump 982 in Figure 9A, may reverse a direction of fluid flow while a construction material is being formed. In step 928, the cementation reagents are reacted with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the first fluid or within the framed plurality7 of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles into the construction material. The construction material may comprise an L-shaped barrier.

[0210] Figure 9E depicts a flowchart describing another embodiment of a process for producing a construction material. In one embodiment, the process of Figure 9E is performed using the system of Figure 9A and / or the framework 992 depicted in Figure 9A. In some embodiments, the process of Figure 9E is performed using a system for manufacturing a construction material that includes a pressurized environment or a fluid regulator, such as fluid regulator 988 in Figure 9A.

[0211] In step 942, a plurality of aggregate particles is acquired. The plurality of aggregate particles may be provided from a mix of aggregate materials. The aggregate materials may include sand, gravel, and / or granular materials. In step 944, the plurality of aggregate particles is inserted into a supporting structure, thereby fonning a fonned plurality of aggregate particles. In step 946, a first fluid comprising cementation reagents is flowed through the formed plurality of aggregate particles, wherein the first fluid flows through the supporting structure in a direction such that the flow of the first fluid operates against the force of gravity and / or the first fluid flows through the supporting structure at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The direction of the fluid flow may be altered or adjust using a fluid regulator, such as the fluid regulator 988 in Figure 9A. In step 948, the cementation reagents are reacted with a biological organism or an enzy me. The biological organism may be within the first fluid or within the formed plurality of aggregate particles. The enzyme may be within tire first fluid or within the formed plurality of aggregate particles. The cementation reagents are reacted with the biological organism and / or the enzyme for a sufficient time (e.g., two hours) to consolidate or bind at least a portion of the formed plurality of aggregate particles. In step 950, a construction material is formed subsequent to consolidation or binding of the at least the portion of the formed plurality of aggregate particles.

[0212] For purposes of this document, it should be noted that the dimensions of the various features depicted in the figures may not necessarily be drawn to scale.

[0213] For purposes of this document, reference in the specification to "an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “another embodiment,” and other variations thereof may be used to describe various features, functions, or structures that arc included in at least one or more embodiments and do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0214] For purposes of this document, a connection may be a direct connection or an indirect connection (e.g., via another part). In some cases, when an element is referred to as being connected or coupled to another element, the element may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element via intervening elements. When an element is referred to as being directly connected to another element, then there are no intervening elements between the element and the other element.

[0215] For purposes of this document, the term “based on” may be read as “based at least in part on.”

[0216] For purposes of this document, without additional context, use of numerical terms such as a “first” object, a “second” object, and a “third” object may not imply an ordering of objects, but may instead be used for identification purposes to identify or distinguish separate objects.

[0217] For purposes of this document, the term “set” of objects may refer to a “set” of one or more of the objects.

[0218] For purposes of this document, the phrases “a first object corresponds with a second object” and “a first object corresponds to a second object” may refer to the first object and the second object being equivalent, analogous, or related in character or function.

[0219] For purposes of this document, the term “or” should be interpreted in the conjunctive and the disjunctive. A list of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among tire items, but rather should be read as “and / or” unless expressly stated otherwise. The terms “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or.” as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The phrase “A and / or B” covers embodiments having element A alone, element B alone, or elements A and B taken together. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” covers embodiments having clement A alone, clement B alone, clement C alone, elements A and B together, elements A and C together, elements B and C together, or elements A, B, and C together. The indefinite articles “a” and “an.” as used herein, should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more,” unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0220] For purposes of this document, whenever the term “at least,” “greater than,” or “greater than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “at least,” “greater than” or “greater than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, greater than or equal to 1,2, or 3 is equivalent to greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3.

[0221] For purposes of this document, whenever the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, less than or equal to 3, 2, or 1 is equivalent to less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1.

[0222] Some embodiments disclosed herein contemplate numerical ranges. When ranges are present, the ranges include the range endpoints. Additionally, every sub range and value within the range is present as if explicitly written out. The term “about”, “approximately”, or “substantially” may mean within an acceptable error range for the particular value, which may depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, e.g., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, ‘‘about’' may mean within one or more than one standard deviation, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” may mean a range of up to 20%, up to 10%, up to 5%. or up to 1% of a given value. Where particular values are described in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated the term “about” meaning within an acceptable error range for the particular value may be assumed.

[0223] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the abovedetailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to tire specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with die full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

[0224] The disclosure presented herein encompasses the subject matter set forth in the following example clauses.

[0225] Clause 1: A method of producing a construction material, comprising: adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles, wherein the first fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such that the flow operates against the force of gravity; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the first fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality' of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0226] Clause 2: The method of producing a construction material, comprising: adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality' of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality’ of aggregate particles at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0227] Clause 3: The method of producing a construction material, comprising: adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles: substantially purging air from void space between the framed plurality' of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0228] Clause 4: The method of producing a construction material, comprising: compacting a plurality of aggregate particles in a framework to reduce a volume of void-space between adjacent particles of the plurality of aggregate particles; flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the void space of the plurality of aggregate particles; and reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism and / or an enzyme comprised within the fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate tire framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

[0229] Clause 5: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a flow of the first fluid through the framed plurality of aggregate particles enters through a lower surface or a lower portion of a surface of the framework and exits through an upper surface or upper portion of a surface of the framework.

[0230] Clause 6: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a flow of fluid through the plurality of aggregate particles is perfonned at a first pressure at a first time, the first pressure being greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0231] Clause 7: The method of clause 6, wherein the flow of fluid through the plurality of aggregate particles is performed at a second pressure at a second time, the second pressure being greater than the first pressure.

[0232] Clause 8: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a second fluid comprising cementation reagents is flowed through the framed plurality of aggregate particles, before, during, or after the reacting.

[0233] Clause 9: The method of any of the preceding clauses, comprising recirculating the first fluid or the second fluid through the framework over a plurality of cycles.

[0234] Clause 10: The method of clause 9, wherein each cycle of the plurality of cycles increases a degree to which the plurality of aggregate particles are consolidated.

[0235] Clause 11: The method of any of clauses 9-10, wherein the recirculating is performed for a total of at least 3 cycles (e.g. at least 5 cycles or at least 10 cycles) of fluid flow through the framework.

[0236] Clause 12: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first fluid or the second fluid comprise a volume which is about 50% to about 500% (e.g. about 75% to about 150%) of a volume of the framework.

[0237] Clause 13: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first fluid or the second fluid comprise a volume which is about 100% to about 500% (e.g. about 200% to about 300%) of a void volume of the framed plurality of aggregate particles.

[0238] Clause 14: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise the biological organism (or spores thereof) and / or the enzyme.

[0239] Clause 15: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cementation reagents comprised in the second fluid comprise nutrients that promote activity of the biological organism and / or the enzyme.

[0240] Clause 16: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise nutrients that promote activity of the biological organism and / or the enzyme.

[0241] Clause 17: The method of any one of clauses 1 -16, wherein the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid do not comprise nutrients that promote activity of the biological organism and / or the enzyme.

[0242] Clause 18: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cementation reagents comprise the biological organism (or spores thereof), the enzyme, urea (and / or derivatives thereof), a calcium salt (e.g. CaCh), nutrients, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0243] Clause 19: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of aggregate particles comprise a blend of sand and gravel.

[0244] Clause 20: The method of clause 19, wherein the blend of sand and gravel comprises 1-99% sand and 1-99% gravel by volume.

[0245] Clause 21: The method of clause 20, wherein the blend of sand and gravel comprises 55-75% sand and 25-45% gravel by volume (e.g. wherein tire blend of sand and gravel comprises 66% sand and 34% gravel).

[0246] Clause 22: The method of any one of clauses 19-21, wherein the plurality of aggregate particles consists essentially of the blend of sand and gravel.

[0247] Clause 23: The method of any one of clauses 19-22, wherein an average particle size of the sand is at least a factor of 10 (e.g. at least a factor of 20, 50, or 100) smaller than an average particle size of the gravel.

[0248] Clause 24: The method of any of the preceding clauses further comprising adding a reinforcing material (e.g. rebar, fiberglass rebar, or fiberglass strands) to the framework prior to or concurrently with the adding of the plurality of aggregate particles.

[0249] Clause 25: The method of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising settling the added plurality of aggregate particles into a mold cavity of the framework.

[0250] Clause 26: The method of clause 25, wherein the settling is performed by pressing and / or applying vibration the plurality of aggregate particles to reduce a volume of void space within the mold.

[0251] Clause 27: The method of any one of clauses 25-26, wherein the settling is performed while the plurality of particles is dry.

[0252] Clause 28: The method of any one of clauses 25-26, wherein the settling is performed while tire plurality of particles is solvated (e.g. while the plurality of particles are wet).

[0253] Clause 29: The method of clause 28, wherein tire settling is at least partially performed by applying a pressurized solvent (e.g. water) to the particles at a pressure configured to increase a packing density of the particles.

[0254] Clause 30: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a pressure of any of the fluidic flows applied to the framed plurality of particles is at least about 1 psi (e.g. at least about 5,10, 20, 50, or 100 psi).

[0255] Clause 31: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a pressure of any of the fluidic flows applied to the framed plurality7 of particles is about 1 psi to about 100 psi (e.g. 1 to 5 psi, 1 to 20 psi, 1 to 50 psi, 10 to 50 psi, 10 to 20 psi, or 20 to 50 psi).

[0256] Clause 32: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the construction material produced has a compressive strength of at least about 3000 psi (e.g at least 4000 psi, or at least 6000 psi), and / or wherein the construction material remains undamaged after 25 cycles of an EN 14617-5 freeze / thaw test.

[0257] Clause 33: The method of any of the preceding clauses wherein the biological organism is a urease-producing organism (or spores thereof).

[0258] Clause 34: The method of clause 33, wherein the urease-producing organism is sporosarclna pasteurii.

[0259] Clause 35: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the enzyme is urease.

[0260] Clause 36: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the method comprises substantially purging air from void space between the framed plurality of aggregate particles prior to the reacting.

[0261] Clause 37: The method of clause 36, wherein purging tire air is performed by flowing fluid through the framed plurality of aggregate particles.

[0262] Clause 38: The method of clause 37, wherein the fluid is flowed in a direction that is against the force of gravity.

[0263] Clause 39: The method of any one of clauses 37-38, wherein purging tire air is performed using a pressure difference betw een a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet.

[0264] Clause 40: The method of any of tire preceding clauses, wherein the reacting binds adjacent particles of the plurality of particles together with calcium carbonate bridges, thereby forming the construction material.

[0265] Clause 41: The method of any of tire preceding clauses, further comprising reducing a void space between the plurality of adjacent aggregate particles by at least 50% prior to the reacting.

[0266] Clause 42: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the reacting and / or the recirculation of fluid is performed continuously.

[0267] Clause 43: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein fluid is flowed into the framework from a top surface or an upper surface of the framework.

[0268] Clause 44: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein fluid is flow ed into the framework from one or more side surfaces of the framework.

[0269] Clause 45: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the framework comprises a plurality of fluid outlets.

[0270] Clause 46: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein cells of tire organism or the enzyme are added to the plurality of aggregate particles prior to adding the plurality of aggregate particles to the framework, or wherein the cells of the organism or the enzyme are added to the framework at the substantially the same time as the plurality of aggregate particles.

[0271] Clause 47: The method of clause 46, wherein tire cells of the organism comprise spores, germinated spores, vegetative cells, and / or activated, enzyme producing cells.

[0272] Clause 48: A reusable framework for producing a precast bioconcrete construction material, comprising: a plurality of panels configured to: (i) temporarily fasten together to form a fluidically coupled system during curing of a precast bioconcrete construction material, and (ii) unfasten to allow release of the precast construction material from a mold cavity formed when the plurality of panels are fastened together; a cementation reagent inlet; a cementation reagent outlet; wherein a volume of the mold cavity7 formed when the panels are fastened together is at least 50 L (e.g. at least 100L, or at least WOOL), and / or wherein the mold cavity is a 3D shape that is not a cube or rectangular cuboid, the cementation reagent inlet is located on at least one of the plurality of panels and is configured to be fluidically coupled to the mold cavity when the plurality of panels are temporarily fastened, the cementation reagent outlet is located on at least one of the plurality of panels and is configured to be fluidically coupled to the mold cavity when the plurality of panels are temporarily fastened.

[0273] Clause 49: The reusable framework of clause 48, wherein the cementation reagent inlet is configured to be located on a lower panel than the cementation reagent outlet when the plurality of panels is temporarily fastened.

[0274] Clause 50: The reusable framework of any one of clauses 48-49, wherein the cementation reagent inlet and / or the cementation reagent outlets are configured to allow for pressurization of a fluid within the mold cavity7 of the reusable framework.

[0275] Clause 51: The reusable framework of any one of clauses 48-50, comprising one or more air vents configured to allow a purging of air from the mold cavity.

[0276] Clause 52: The reusable framework of any one of clauses 48-51, wherein the plurality of panels comprises at least one panel imprinted with a pattern configured to alter the aesthetic appearance of one or more surfaces of the precast construction material.

[0277] Clause 53: The reusable framework of any one of clauses 48-52, wherein the plurality of panels are configured to be modular, allowing for multiple types or quantities of precast bioconcrete materials to be manufactured using the same reusable framework.

[0278] Clause 54: The reusable framework of any one of clauses 48-53, wherein the precast bioconcrete material produced by tire framework is: a plurality of pavers, an L-wall, a modular wall panel, and / or a jersey barrier.

[0279] Clause 55: A system for producing a precast bioconcrete construction material comprising the reusable framework of any one of clauses 48-54, a fluidic manifold and a pump.

[0280] Clause 56: The system of clause 55, wherein the pump is fluidically coupled to the fluidic manifold, the cementation reagent inlet and / or the cementation reagent outlet of the reusable framework.

[0281] Clause 57: The system of any one of clauses 55-56. further comprising a recirculation reservoir configured to recirculate fluid through the reusable framework.

[0282] Clause 58: The system of any one of clauses 55-57. further comprising a reagent reservoir configured to provide fresh cementation reagents to the recirculation reservoir, to the mold cavity of the reusable framework, or both.

[0283] Clause 59: The system of any one of clauses 55-58. further comprising one or more effluent reservoirs configured to accumulate waste fluid and / or fluid which has been depleted of cementation reagents.

[0284] Clause 60: The system of any one of clauses 55-59. configured to perform the method of any of clauses 1-37.

[0285] Clause 61: A construction material made by the method of any of the preceding clauses.

[0286] Clause 62: The construction material of clause 61, wherein tire construction material comprises a 3D shape that is not a cube or rectangular cuboid.

[0287] Clause 63: The method, the system, the reusable framework, or the construction material of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the construction material comprises a geometry which is not a simple geometric solid.

Claims

1. A method of producing a construction material, comprising:adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles;flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles, wherein the first fluid is introduced to the framework from a direction such that the flow operates against the force of gravity; andreacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism or an enzyme comprised within the first fluid or within the framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

2. A method of producing a construction material, comprising:adding a plurality of aggregate particles to a framework, thereby forming a framed plurality of aggregate particles;flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; andreacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism or an enzy me comprised within the first fluid or within tire framed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate the framed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby forming the construction material.

3. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising compacting the plurality of aggregate particles in the framework to reduce a volume of void-space between adjacent particles of the plurality of aggregate particles.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the compacting the plurality of aggregate particles in the framework is performed prior to flowing the first fluid comprising the cementation reagents through the framed plurality of aggregate particles.

5. The method of any? of the preceding claims, wherein a flow of the first fluid through the framed plurality of aggregate particles enters through a lower surface or a lower portion of a surface of the framework and exits through an upper surface or upper portion of a surface of tire framework.

6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein a flow of fluid through tire plurality of aggregate particles is performed at a first pressure at a first time, the first pressure being greater than atmospheric pressure.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the flow of fluid through the plurality of aggregate particles is performed at a second pressure at a second time subsequent to the first time, the second pressure being greater than the first pressure.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein a second fluid comprising the cementation reagents is flowed through tire framed plurality of aggregate particles, before, during, or after tire reacting step.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising recirculating the first fluid or the second fluid through the framework over a plurality of cycles.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein each cycle of the plurality of cycles increases a degree to which the plurality of aggregate particles is consolidated.

11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise the biological organism (or spores thereof) and / or the enzyme.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cementation reagents comprised in the first fluid comprise nutrients that promote activity of the biological organism and / or the enzyme.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising adding a reinforcing material to tire framework prior to or concurrently with the adding of the plurality of aggregate particles to the framework.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein tire reinforcing material comprises rebar.

15. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising vibrating the plurality of aggregate particles prior to the reacting step.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the vibrating includes utilizing ultrasonication to vibrate the plurality of aggregate particles.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the vibrating includes generating sound using a sonication probe positioned within the framed plurality of aggregate particles.

18. A construction material made by the method of any of the preceding claims.

19. The construction material of claim 18, wherein the construction material is or comprises a 3D shape that is not a cube or rectangular cuboid.

20. The construction material of claim 18, wherein the construction material includes fiberglass rebar.

21. A method of producing a construction material, comprising:inserting a plurality of aggregate particles into a supporting structure, thereby forming a formed plurality of aggregate particles;flowing a first fluid comprising cementation reagents through the formed plurality of aggregate particles, wherein the first fluid flows through the supporting structure in a direction such that the flow of the first fluid operates against the force of gravity or the first fluid flows through the supporting structure at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; andreacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism or an enzyme within the first fluid or within the formed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate or bind at least a portion of the formed plurality of aggregate particles, thereby producing the construction material.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:detecting a backpressure for the flow of the first fluid;determining that the backpressure is greater than or less than a threshold backpressure; andadjusting a pressure for causing the flow of the first fluid through the formed plurality of aggregate particles in response to detection that the backpressure is greater than or less than the threshold backpressure.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein:the adjusting the pressure includes increasing the pressure for causing the flow of the first fluid through the formed plurality of aggregate particles.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein:the adjusting tire pressure causes an increase in the flow rate for the first fluid through the formed plurality of aggregate particles.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein:the adjusting the pressure includes decreasing the pressure for causing the flow of the first fluid through the formed plurality of aggregate particles.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein:the adjusting the pressure causes a decrease in the flow rate for the first fluid through the formed plurality of aggregate particles.

27. The method of claim 21, further comprising:detecting that a backpressure for the flow of the first fluid through the formed plurality of aggregate particles is greater than or less than a threshold backpressure; andadjusting the flow of tire first fluid through the formed plurality of aggregate particles in response to detection that the backpressure is greater than or less than the threshold backpressure.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein:the adjusting the flow of the first fluid includes one of adjusting the direction of the flow of the first fluid through the formed plurality of aggregate particles or adjusting a flow rate for the first fluid through the formed plurality of aggregate particles.

29. The method of claim 21, further comprising:detecting that an electrical conductivity for die first fluid has changed more than a threshold amount; andadjusting the flow of the first fluid through the fonned plurality of aggregate particles in response to detection that the electrical conductivity for the first fluid has changed more than the threshold amount.

30. The method of claim 22, wherein:the adjusting the pressure includes increasing or decreasing a rate at which the pressure for causing the flow of the first fluid through the formed plurality of aggregate particles is increased or decreased.

31. The method of claim 22, wherein:the adjusting tire pressure includes increasing or decreasing a rate at which the pressure for causing the flow of the fluid through the formed plurality of particles is increased or decreased based on detecting a difference between the backpressure detected and the threshold backpressure.

32. A system for manufacturing a construction material, comprising:a storage device for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the system to perform operations comprising:arranging a plurality of aggregate particles into a supporting structure to create a formed plurality of aggregate particles;flowing a fluid comprising cementation reagents through the formed plurality of aggregate particles, wherein the fluid flows through the supporting structure in a direction such that the flow of the fluid operates against the force of gravity or the fluid flows through the supporting structure at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure; andforming the construction material, the forming the construction material includes reacting the cementation reagents with a biological organism or an enzyme within the fluid or within the formed plurality of aggregate particles for a sufficient time to consolidate or bind at least a portion of the formed plurality of aggregate particles.

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