Influence of Freezing–Thawing Cycles on Biotreated Sand Using MICP

Abstract

Microbe-induced calcite precipitation recently acquired consideration as a potential technique for soil stabilization. The endurance of biotreated sand while exposed to freezing–thawing cycles is yet to be explored thoroughly. This study is conducted to examine the impact of freezing–thawing cycles on biologically cemented sand, biotreated in non-sterile and environmentally uncontrolled environments that naturally occur in actual ground settings. Poorly graded, liquefiable Narmada sand was augmented with Sporosarcina pasteurii. The frequency of cementation solution injection was kept as 12 and 24 h keeping variable pore volumes, i.e., 1, 0.75, and 0.5 PV. The treatment was pursued for up to 18 days, and the permeability of each specimen was tested. Further, the biologically cemented specimens were placed in freeze–thaw chamber for exposing to 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 freezing–thawing cycles. The samples were examined for ultrasonic pulse velocity and unconfined compressive strength after freezing–thawing cycles. The calcite precipitation was measured using a calcimeter. Results showed that the biocementation can be achieved even under-stimulated field conditions and the biocementation was found to be durable with significant strength despite 20 freezing–thawing cycles. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.