Soil stabilization

About: Soil stabilization is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3161 publications have been published within this topic receiving 48437 citations.

State-of-the-Art Review of the Applicability and Challenges of Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) and Enzyme-Induced Calcite Precipitation (EICP) Techniques for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Applications

Abstract: The development of alternatives to soil stabilization through mechanical and chemical stabilization has paved the way for the development of biostabilization methods. Since its development, researchers have used different bacteria species for soil treatment. Soil treatment through bioremediation techniques has been used to understand its effect on strength parameters and contaminant remediation. Using a living organism for binding the soil grains to make the soil mass dense and durable is the basic idea of soil biotreatment. Bacteria and enzymes are commonly utilized in biostabilization, which is a common method to encourage ureolysis, leading to calcite precipitation in the soil mass. Microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) and enzyme-induced calcite precipitation (EICP) techniques are emerging trends in soil stabilization. Unlike conventional methods, these techniques are environmentally friendly and sustainable. This review determines the challenges, applicability, advantages, and disadvantages of MICP and EICP in soil treatment and their role in the improvement of the geotechnical and geoenvironmental properties of soil. It further elaborates on their probable mechanism in improving the soil properties in the natural and lab environments. Moreover, it looks into the effectiveness of biostabilization as a remediation of soil contamination. This review intends to present a hands-on adoptable treatment method for in situ implementation depending on specific site conditions.

Literature review on cement kiln dust usage in soil and waste stabilization and experimental investigation

Abstract: The globally growing demand of cement results in towering collection of kiln dust from cement plants. The disposal of this fine dust is very difficult and poses an environmental threat. To overcome this problem, research is being carried out in different parts of the world to find out economical and efficient ways and means of using cement kiln dust (CKD) in various applications like soil stabilization, cement production, pavements, waste product stabilization, agriculture and cement products, etc. This study presents a research review on CKD usage in soil and waste utilization and the results of experimental investigation on its usage in building block manufacturing and soil stabilization. The experimental results clearly showed that the use of 34% CKD may bring the pH of sludge above 10, which is enough to stabilize the sludge. Furthermore, the final concentrations of heavy metals were found to be within acceptable international limits. Tests conducted on blocks made using aggregates in the Eastern Province (Type-N) and light-weight pozzollanic aggregates (Type-P) indicated that addition of CKD to cement results in significant gain in strength of the blocks.

Feasibility study for slope soil stabilization by microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) using indigenous bacteria isolated from cold subarctic region

Abstract: Microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is relatively an innovative soil improvement technique, learnt from the bio-mediated geochemical reactions that naturally occur in the earth surface. During the MICP, CaCO3 is metabolically precipitated in soil pores, cement the particle contacts and improves the strength and stiffness of soil. Environment temperature is one of the most key factors that determines the efficiency MICP. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of stabilizing the slope soil of cold subarctic region (Hokkaido, Japan). The implication of MICP in cold subarctic zones remains as a major challenge, as the enzymatic performance of the bacteria typically declines during lower temperatures hence insufficient formation of CaCO3 in soil matrix. Therefore, as a potential approach, this study attempted to investigate the feasibility of using the bacteria which have been adapted to native cold climatic conditions. The objectives of this paper are evaluating (1) the effect of temperature in bacterial response, and (2) the effect of grain size distribution in cementation mechanism. The observations suggest that the enzyme activity of the bacteria is negligible at and above 30 °C, whereas it is significant at relatively lower temperatures. The comparison of treated soils suggests that the fine content in slope soil increased number of particle contacts, facilitated effective packing, and promoted the effectiveness of MICP compared to that of uniformly graded sands. Finally, the technical feasibility in slope soil stabilization was well demonstrated using model solidification test. The limitations in stabilizing the slope are also discussed in detail.

Fiber and fly ash stabilization methods to treat soft expansive soils

Abstract: This paper presents a summary of test results from two separate studies conducted on expansive soil stabilization using recycled waste materials. Fly ash and polypropylene fibers were evaluated in these studies. Two different expansive soil types were used as control soils. Both methods increased strength and decreased shrinkage strains of raw expansive soils. Fly ash method also reduced plasticity and free swell characteristics. Both stabilizers are recycled waste products and therefore their use in soil stabilization will reduce landfilling costs and enhance recycling efforts.