Eighth International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
Minimizing Wind Erosion Using Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation
Publication: Geo-Congress 2019: Soil Improvement (GSP 309)
ABSTRACT
This research focuses on investigating the effectiveness of microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) to reduce the potential for wind erosion. This paper summarizes the results of preliminary wind tunnel experiments. Wind tunnel experiments were performed on untreated and MICP-treated samples. Soil samples prepared at the same relative density were treated using different treatment procedures. Soil samples were sprayed with bacteria (Sporosarcina pasteurii) suspended in a urea solution followed by the application of a calcium chloride cementation solution. The solutions were applied on the soil surface and allowed to percolate through the sample. To determine the wind velocity profile in the wind tunnel, pitot tubes were used to measure the differential pressure at various heights and verified analytically using the law of the wall. Digital image correlation (DIC) combined with wind velocity measurements were utilized to identify the conditions at which the surface fails (i.e., erosion initiation and sustained erosion). The wind velocity was gradually increased until particle movement was initiated. This paper summarizes the experimental setup and results of preliminary experiments.
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Acknowledgement
This work was made possible by an NPRP8-1929-2-766 a grant from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. The authors also would like to acknowledge the help of laboratory technician Dan Zeroka from Lehigh University.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Geo-Congress 2019: Soil Improvement (GSP 309)
Pages: 223 - 230
Editors: Christopher L. Meehan, Ph.D., University of Delaware, Sanjeev Kumar, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Miguel A. Pando, Ph.D., University of North Carolina Charlotte, and Joseph T. Coe, Ph.D., Temple University
ISBN (Online): 978-0-7844-8211-7
Copyright
© 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Mar 21, 2019
Published in print: Mar 21, 2019
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Carbonation
- Chemical processes
- Chemistry
- Climates
- Continuum mechanics
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering mechanics
- Environmental engineering
- Erosion
- Forces (type)
- Geology
- Geotechnical engineering
- Meteorology
- Microbes
- Organisms
- Pollution
- Precipitation
- Soil pollution
- Soil treatment
- Solid mechanics
- Structural engineering
- Wind engineering
- Wind forces
- Wind tunnel
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