Abstract
Micro-biological geotechnics is a relatively young and dynamic field where microbiological methods are employed to address geotechnical issues. Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is one such sustainable method, which enables cementation in loose sandy mass through calcium carbonate precipitation. Among a series of possible mechanisms (i.e. photosynthesis, sulphate reduction, de-nitrification, iron reduction and urea hydrolysis) to attain MICP, urea hydrolysis associates with greater efficacy and ease of practice. In the present study, widely accepted urease positive microorganism was employed as a source of urease enzyme which helps in biocementation process. Additionally, the effectiveness of MICP technique on sand stabilization and the role of particle sizes on the development of cementation bonds were investigated. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and hydraulic conductivity (k) tests were performed on samples treated with 1 M urea-calcium chloride cementation solution. To further endorse cementation of sand particles, microstructure analysis such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. The detailed analysis showed that MICP has the potential to bind the particles through bio-mineralization which was further warranted by microstructure analysis. SEM images clearly disclosed mesoscopic and microscopic semblance of calcium carbonate precipitation on sand particles, resulting in the stabilization process.
Published Version
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