Large-Scale Bio-Cementation Test to Improve Sub-Structures of Existing Asphalt and Concrete Roadways
Publication: Geo-Congress 2024
ABSTRACT
A large-scale bio-cementation experiment was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) using a bioaugmentation approach with Sporosarcina pasteurii for improving the sub-structures of existing asphalt and concrete roadways. A 1.2 m × 1.2 m soil filled reactor was used, containing a 23-cm-thick layer of sand treated with five injection ports, spaced 0.3 m apart. The sand layer was sandwiched between two layers of coarse gravel, with a 2.5-cm thick grout slab on top, simulating the impermeable road surface. The MICP treatment was applied daily over 8 days. To monitor improvement, biogeochemical changes were assessed by collecting fluids from the reactor through four ports at the corners of the model. Changes to the mechanical properties were monitored both spatially and temporally using California Bearing Ratio (CBR) through testing ports on the surface. A pasteurizing waste treatment system was developed to deactivate the bio-waste. This paper outlines the design and construction of the sand box and discusses the method development. Further details will be provided regarding the injection strategy and treatment process.
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Published online: Feb 22, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Asphalt concrete
- Composite materials
- Engineering materials (by type)
- Environmental engineering
- Fiber reinforced composites
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Highway and road management
- Highway transportation
- Highways and roads
- Hydraulic engineering
- Hydraulic properties
- Hydraulic structures
- Infrastructure
- Layered soils
- Materials engineering
- Pollution
- Ports and harbors
- Soil mechanics
- Soil pollution
- Soil treatment
- Soils (by type)
- Structural engineering
- Structures (by type)
- Substructures
- Surface properties
- Transportation engineering
- Waste management
- Waste treatment
- Water and water resources
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