Abstract
Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an innovative approach to strengthening and improving loose porous media. To advance MICP implementation in various geotechnical applications, the work presented herein investigates the distribution pattern of cementation and quantifies the improved material properties through experimental study. Sand was cemented by MICP via a double wall delivery system under submerged conditions and induced spherical flow in a large-scale box. The assessment on MICP-treated sand was conducted using shear wave velocity, hydraulic conductivity, mass of precipitated mineral, and cone tip resistance measurements. Experimental and numerical results were synthesized to evaluate the distribution of MICP with respect to reaction and transport rates. The shear wave velocity and the cone tip resistance were correlated to identify the level of cementation induced in the treated sand. Results included the general cementation pattern of MICP and the level of cementation as affected by induced seepage velocity and density. The relationship between the measured level of cementation, the shear wave velocity, and the cone tip resistance is presented and discussed.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
Funding from the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program is appreciated. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program. Part of this work was performed at the Analytical Instrumentation Facility (AIF) at North Carolina State University, which is supported by the State of North Carolina and the National Science Foundation (ECCS 1542015). The AIF is a member of the North Carolina Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network, a site in the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure.
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Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 147 • Issue 10 • October 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Mar 25, 2020
Accepted: May 14, 2021
Published online: Jul 28, 2021
Published in print: Oct 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Dec 28, 2021
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