Geo-Congress 2020
Application of Bio-Stimulated Calcite Precipitation to Stabilize Expansive Soils: Field Trials
Publication: Geo-Congress 2020: Biogeotechnics (GSP 320)
ABSTRACT
This paper presents the results of a field implementation of microbial induced calcite precipitation to stabilize expansive soils in Marsing, Idaho. The field test was done by drilling 2.5” (6.35 cm) diameter holes at a spacing of 16” to 30” (40.6 cm to 76.2 cm) into the ground and, injecting bio-enrichment followed by bio-cementation solutions to stimulate the native bacteria and subsequently achieve calcite precipitation. The pH level of the soil, the calcite content, and free swelling potential were monitored over time by collecting periodic soil samples from the injection points. An increase in pH from 8.3 to 9.7 was seen in the first seven days after the injection of bio-enrichment solution. The calcite content in the soil increased and the free swelling potential decreased consistently with each subsequent injection of bio-cementation solution. The calcite content increased from 3% to 8% and the free swell index dropped from 114% to 29%. The results show that microbial induced calcite precipitation can be successfully replicated in the field for the stabilization of expansive soils.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Geo-Congress 2020: Biogeotechnics (GSP 320)
Pages: 111 - 120
Editors: Edward Kavazanjian Jr., Ph.D., Arizona State University, James P. Hambleton, Ph.D., Northwestern University, Roman Makhnenko, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Aaron S. Budge, Ph.D., Minnesota State University, Mankato
ISBN (Online): 978-0-7844-8283-4
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Feb 21, 2020
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Chemical properties
- Chemistry
- Climates
- Construction engineering
- Construction methods
- Drilling
- Engineering fundamentals
- Environmental engineering
- Expansive soils
- Field tests
- Fine-grained soils
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Meteorology
- Methodology (by type)
- pH
- Pollution
- Precipitation
- Soil dynamics
- Soil mechanics
- Soil pollution
- Soil stabilization
- Soil treatment
- Soils (by type)
- Spacing
- Tests (by type)
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
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