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High-strength bio-cemented soil via single-application enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation-clay compositing solidification

delete2026-08-01
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OA
AI
S
Sheng Zhang
吴创周 (Chuangzhou Wu) *
H
Huaming Lai
何满潮 cover
何满潮 (Manchao He)
F
Fengshou Zhang
DOI:10.1016/j.jrmge.2026.06.017delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Engineering-scale application of bio-cementation is limited by low efficiency and high cost. This study proposes a single-step treatment combining EICP (enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation)-clay-compaction for high-strength soil reinforcement. It simultaneously accomplishes mixing, compaction, and cementation, avoiding the inefficiencies, costs, and environmental drawbacks of repeated processing. Systematic tests show that at equivalent calcium carbonate content (CCC), unconfined compressive strength (UCS) increases by an order of magnitude (up to 11 times that of traditional methods). At 1% CCC, the UCS can reach 2446 kPa, and does not rely on other additives. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and electrical resistivity tests confirm composite uniformity and integrity. X-ray computed tomography enables multi-phase segmentation and quantitative analysis of soil particles, cement, and pores, providing a basis for optimizing bio-cementation and clay filling. CCC tests quantify cementation efficiency, and SEM/EDS reveals that clay provides nucleation sites, promoting uniform CaCO3 precipitation and synergistic reinforcement with EICP. This method not only optimizes the cementation network and pore structure, but also changes the force chain transmission mechanism between particles. Unlike the traditional point-to-point CaCO3 cementation that easily leads to stress concentration and brittle failure, the newly formed “clay-CaCO3” composite creates continuous interfacial contacts. This mechanism thus improves both the macroscopic strength and microscopic compactness of the soil. This method provides an important reference for the rapid and eco-friendly application of bio-cementation technology in on-site engineering.
Keywords:
enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP)
gravel soil
clay
single-step treatment
compaction
high strength

Journal

Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering cover
Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
IF:
10.2
Papers:
2.6K
Citations:
1.2W

Organization

C
china university of mining and technology
Scholars:
4.8K
Papers: 1.7K
Citations: 0
T
tongji university
Scholars:
7.5W
Papers: 5.8W
Citations: 98
Z
zhejiang university
Scholars:
17.0W
Papers: 11.9W
Citations: 152
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