Field-Scale EICP Biocemented Columns for Ground Improvement
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 8
Abstract
Field-scale biocemented soil columns were installed in dry, poorly graded sand using enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) and tube-à-manchette (TAM) permeation grouting. Column diameters ranged between 0.3 and 1.0 m, and column heights ranged from 1.0 to 2.4 m. Urease enzyme was obtained in the field from jack beans using tap water and a crude extraction process, with and without dehusking the beans. The biocementation treatment solution was injected in three cycles at approximately 24-h intervals. Test results showed that leaving the husks on the jack bean during extraction did not affect either injection or cementation. The plate load test showed an increase in bearing capacity by a factor of 3 and an increase in stiffness by a factor of 3 following treatment. Downhole seismic readings showed an increase in shear wave velocity of at least in the biocemented soil. Measurements on exhumed columns showed that the column dimensions were similar to the target dimensions. Needle penetrometer readings taken during exhumation indicated an unconfined compressive strength of at least 500 kPa. Carbonate content measurements on exhumed specimens varied from more than 4% (by weight) close to the TAM to less than 2% at the design radius, and an increased injection rate provided more uniform carbonate content. This field-scale program demonstrates that EICP can be employed using conventional grouting equipment and a simple enzyme extraction method to create biocemented columns with diameters of 0.3 to 1.0 m and a target strength of at least 500 kPa in 3 days.
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Data Availability Statement
All data generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under NSF Cooperative Agreement Number EEC-1449501. The authors would like to thank John Wolosick from Keller; Will Jacques from Strata-tech; and Peter Bowen, Anthony Rasmussen, Alex Leibold, Alic Adams, Ilmar Weemees, and Shawn Steiner from ConeTec for their advice and assistance with executing this field-scale program. Additionally, this work could not have been completed without the assistance of the graduate students, professors, and industry partners at the CBBG, with particular thanks to Miriam Woolley, Peter Zelkowski, Brice Desvasages, and Robin Cheng Ng.
Disclaimer
Any opinions or positions expressed in this paper are those of the authors only and do not reflect any opinions or positions of the NSF.
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© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 23, 2023
Accepted: Feb 6, 2024
Published online: Jun 11, 2024
Published in print: Aug 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Nov 11, 2024
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