Effects of Non-uniform Distribution of Calcium Carbonate in Sand Column by Enzyme Induced Calcite Precipitation Using Discrete Element Method

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4. Effects of Non-uniform Distribution of Calcium Carbonate in Sand Column by Enzyme Induced Calcite Precipitation Using Discrete Element Method

The non-uniform distribution of CaCO₃ has become a major challenge limiting the widespread adoption of enzyme induced calcite precipitation (EICP). In this study, the unconfined compression strength (UCS) test for sand modified by EICP was simulated using discrete element method (DEM), taking into account the particle morphology of the sand and the variation in the content of CaCO₃ (CCC) at different depths of the sand column. In UCS test, the failure mode, crack development and strength of sand columns were analyzed. The results show that as the distribution of CaCO₃ becomes uniform gradually, the contact force chains tend to align vertically, with no significant stress concentration. When the ratio of CCC is 8:3:4, corresponding to the distribution of CCC in the upper, middle, and lower sections of the sand column, the cracks peaks along the orientation of =80°, with high-density crack zones ultimately forming a slip band. From a macroscopic perspective, the stress-strain behavior of the samples exhibited three distinct stages including loading, failure, and fracture. Strength increases progressively with enhanced uniformity of CaCO₃ distribution, which is peak reaching 0.78 MPa.

2025 International Conference on Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (ICBBG2025)

General session: Fundamental research on biogeotechnics