A study on the applicability of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation on soil-sand stabilization through the bio-cementation process

Abstract

Abstract Soft or loose sandy soils, particularly in ground slopes and high rainfall zones, are potentially dangerous and have caused many problems such as damage, landfall, or even erosion. Bio-cementation through bacterial mineralization can be considered a “green” and “eco-friendly” solution toward sustainable development. Urelytical bacteria that decompose urea for calcium carbonate precipitation were selected as the primary agent for the bio-cementation process. This study clarifies the effects of particle sizes on bio-cementation. Moreover, the Vietnam isolated species and the commercial one were investigated to compare the biomineralization capability. A simulated rainfall model was set up to evaluate the sand samples by the water prevention and erosion and wash-out tests. Also, the microstructure observations were conducted through optical microscopes, scanning electron microscopes, and phase composition analysis.