Concrete’s durability is often compromised by low tensile strength, cracking, and limited self‐repair. Natural fibers like jute offer reinforcement but may absorb moisture, negatively affecting workability and durability, necessitating additional mortar for optimal performance. This study investigates the incorporation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacteria–coated jute fiber (BABCJF) into concrete to enhance its durability, addressing inherent weaknesses such as low tensile strength and susceptibility to cracking. Natural fibers, particularly jute, are recognized for their high strength‐to‐weight ratio and eco‐friendly properties, yet their effectiveness is often compromised by high water absorption, which can lead to moisture penetration and dimensional instability in concrete matrices. The research involved preparing concrete mixes with varying percentages of BABCJF (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) alongside control and uncoated jute fiber mixes. Durability assessments were conducted through water permeability, water absorption, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests after curing for periods of 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. The results indicated that the 1.0% BABCJF mix significantly improved durability, exhibiting the lowest water penetration depth (2.6 cm) and water absorption capacity (3.09%), outperforming the control mix (CM) by 23.53% and 51.18%, respectively. UPV measurements revealed enhanced interfacial transition zone properties, with the BABCJF mix achieving a maximum velocity of 3.73 km/s, suggesting improved structural integrity. Microstructural analyses, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), confirmed a denser microstructure and the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) crystals at crack sites, contributing to the overall durability of the concrete. This study proposes a novel biomediated reinforcement strategy by incorporating BABCJF into concrete to simultaneously enhance workability and durability. By improving fiber–matrix interaction and refining the microstructure through microbial activity, the approach overcomes key limitations of conventional natural fiber‐reinforced concrete. The findings provide a new sustainable pathway for developing high‐performance, eco‐friendly cementitious composites. Additionally, 3D optical microscope investigations confirmed that B. amyloliquefaciens effectively coated the surface of the jute fibers, enhancing their performance in the concrete matrix.
Adisu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.