Discrete Element Study on Mechanical Properties of MICP-Treated Sand under Triaxial Compression

Abstract

Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has attracted much attention as a promising technology for soil improvement in the infrastructures of marine engineering. This paper introduces a novel numerical sample preparation technique for MICP-treated sand, with particular attention paid to the distribution patterns of calcium carbonate, including contact cementing, bridging, and grain coating. The effect of calcium carbonate content (CCC) on the deformation and failure mechanism is studied at macroscopic and granular scales. The findings show that a small amount of calcium carbonate can quickly increase the strength of sand. The strength improvement and deformation control of MICP technology are better than those of traditional compaction treatment. As the calcium carbonate content increases, the mechanical coordination number of the sand also increases, indicating a more stable microstructure of the sand phase. In the contact bonding mode, initial failure occurs as shear failure between sand and calcium carbonate. In the bridge mode, initial failure manifests as shear failure between calcium carbonate particles. In the coating mode, initial failure occurs as tensile failure between sand and calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate contributes to a reduction in both sliding and rolling movements among sand particles.