Study on the Effects and Mechanism of the Reinforcement of Soft Clay via Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation

Abstract

A series of microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) experiments were conducted using Sporosarcina pasteurii to reinforce coastal soft clay in Zhejiang. By analyzing the physical and mechanical parameters of samples of varying ages, specifically focusing on each sample’s unconfined compressive strength, triaxial shear strength, and permeability coefficient, it was revealed that MICP technology can be used effectively to reinforce coastal clay. The unconfined compressive strength of treated soil increased by 23% compared to untreated soil, while the permeability coefficient decreased by 75%. The internal friction angle of the clay remained almost constant, whereas cohesion significantly increased by approximately 53%. One-dimensional compression experiments were also performed, yielding consolidation parameters such as the compression coefficient, compression index, and consolidation coefficient. The results indicated a notable decrease in the soil compression index. Furthermore, microscopic analysis revealed that clay particles were cemented by calcium carbonate, whose precipitation was induced by the bacteria. Our XRD results also indicated that the bacteria facilitated the conversion of Ca2+ present in the soil into calcium carbonate.