Abstract
Biogrout is a new method for soil reinforcement, which is based on microbial-induced carbonate precipitation. Bacteria and reactants are flushed through the soil, resulting in calcium carbonate precipitation and consequent soil reinforcement. Bacteria are crucially important in the Biogrout process since they catalyse the reaction. Hence, to control the process, it is essential to know where the bacteria are located. The bacteria are possibly in suspension but can also be adsorbed or fixated on the matrix of the porous structure. In this article, a model is derived for the placement of bacteria. The model contains three phases of bacteria: bacteria in suspension, adsorbed bacteria and fixed bacteria. An analytical solution is derived for instantaneous reactions between these three phases. The analytical solution is compared to numerical simulations for finite reaction rates. For the numerical simulations the standard Galerkin Finite Element Method is used.
Highlights
1.1 Technological PerspectiveThe mechanical properties of soil are essential for engineering constructions
Biogrout is one of these techniques, which is based on microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP)
First we present the general equation for the transport of bacteria in a fully saturated porous medium, as in for example, Tan et al (1994):
Summary
The mechanical properties of soil (cohesion, friction, stiffness and permeability) are essential for engineering constructions. Several techniques are developed, which change the soil properties according to technological demands. This is done by stimulating biochemical processes in situ (DeJong et al 2010; Ivanov et al 2008; Van Meurs et al 2006). Biogrout is one of these techniques, which is based on microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP). Several researchers have shown that MICP can be used to improve the mechanical properties of porous materials (Bang et al 2001; Bachmeier et al 2002; Nemati et al 2003; DeJong et al 2006; Whiffin et al 2007).
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