Assessment of New Bio-Cement Method for Sand Foundation Reinforcement

Jinzheng Sun, Zhichao Song, Rongzheng Zhang, Danyi Shen () and Chuangzhou Wu
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Jinzheng Sun: Institute of Port, Coastal, and Offshore Engineering, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
Zhichao Song: Institute of Port, Coastal, and Offshore Engineering, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
Rongzheng Zhang: Institute of Port, Coastal, and Offshore Engineering, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
Danyi Shen: Institute of Port, Coastal, and Offshore Engineering, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
Chuangzhou Wu: Institute of Port, Coastal, and Offshore Engineering, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-13

Abstract: Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a new method used in recent years to improve the soil. However, this method still faces challenges related to low grouting reinforcement strength and efficiency. In this study, both the bio-cement infiltration method and bio-cement mixed method for sand foundation were proposed, and physical model tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of sand treated with the bio-cement method. The results showed that the bio-cement maximized the utilization rate of bacterial liquid and reduced the waste caused by the loss of bacteria compared with traditional methods. Both the size of the reinforced area and bearing capacity of the sand reinforced by bio-cement infiltration method were controlled by the volume ratio of the bio-cement, calcareous sand powder, and the inflow rate. The maximum bearing capacity was 125 N when using a mixture of bio-cement and calcareous sand powder with a ratio of 400/80, with an inflow rate of 20 mL/min. The UCS of the sand reinforced by the bio-cement mixed method gradually decreased from 3.44 MPa to 0.88 MPa with depth, but increased with increasing CaCO 3 content. The CaCO 3 crystals were primarily concentrated at the contact point between the particles, and the formed crystals were mainly polyhedral. Reduction in the CaCO 3 content mainly occurred in the central deep part of the reinforcement area. The result provides an experimental basis for the use of bio-cement in the reinforcement of sand soil foundations.

Keywords: sand foundation; bio-cement method; unconfined compressive strength; CaCO 3 content; cementation mechanism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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