Cross-scale correlations in biocement test samples
Cross-scale correlations in biocement test samples
Cementation by microbes through microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) shows promise for the construction of cemented structures in an environmentally-friendly, non-energy-intensive manner. Due to the nature of the chemistry, in our case MICP through the ureolytic pathway, biocements are potentially formed in undisturbed soils, creating new paradigms for manufacturing with cement. However, it is not trivial to translate lab-scale experimental results to success in the field or at larger scales. In this work, the results of testing laboratory samples built into multiple form factors are compared with results obtained from small-scale field experiments. Of our tested form factors, we place the most confidence in a laboratory specimen size that is 24 in. deep with a 2.5 in. x 2.5 in. cross section. In this form factor, unconfined compressive strength and calcium carbonate mass fractions can be measured as a function of depth and correlate with laboratory California bearing ratio (CBR) measurements. However, despite a good correlation with laboratory CBR measurements, the laboratory results do not predict cementation depth or hardness in the open flow conditions of small-scale (3 ft. x 3 ft.) field samples.
Rhett L. Martineau; Brandon M. Bradow; Matthew J. Tuttle; Michael S. Carter; Josh A. Mancini; Maneesh K. Gupta
2025 International Conference on Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (ICBBG2025)
General session: Bio-mediated methods for infrastructure construction
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICBBG2025-97
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