Feasibility of bacterial-enzyme induced carbonate precipitation technology for stabilizing fine-grained slope soils

Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) has recently become a new technology for stabilizing the slope surface. The applicability of MICP, however, is limited in fine-grained soils due to restrictions regarding transportation bacteria cells. purpose this study was assess feasibility an alternative called Bacterial-Enzyme (B-EICP) soils. Unlike MICP strategy (involving whole-cells bacteria), proposed B-EICP utilizes bacterial urease induce bio-cement formation within soil. whole-cell culture Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus subjected cyclic sonication extract free suspension. treatment performed columns prepared using two different obtained from representative expressway slopes. cementation responses were compared with that typical method, especially following viewpoints, (i) adaptability soil high content, (ii) conditions under which can be effectively applied and (iii) low temperature. results revealed solution had higher activity original culture, remained more stable at temperature (15°C). further confirmed method suitable large amount fine particles. Comparing resulted unconfined compressive strength (over 1200 kPa) deeper silty sand. Microscale analysis suggested could smaller calcium carbonate crystals than by but number significantly more, thus contributed increased particle-particle cementation.