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Title: Biocementation for All, Anywhere: A New Experiment for Introductory Soil Mechanics Courses
This paper presents a novel laboratory experiment that can be incorporated into introductory soil mechanics courses to introduce students to the field of biogeotechnical engineering and the use of biostimulated microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP). Applying MICP to granular soils results in an increase in peak strength and shear stiffness of the soil as a result of the precipitation of calcium carbonate on soil particle surfaces and at soil particle contacts. The authors developed protocols to treat small volumes of soil and to test the effectiveness of the treatment using a simple strength test based on ASTM D3967-16. In fall 2020, the experiment was piloted as a four-week, course-based research experience that can be conducted by students remotely or in a traditional laboratory environment. This paper provides an introduction to MICP and describes the protocols for conducting the experiment. The paper also suggests approaches for how the experiment can be incorporated into a traditional introductory soil mechanics course.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1632963
PAR ID:
10335451
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Geo-Congress 2022: Advances in Monitoring and Sensing; Embankments, Slopes, and Dams; Pavements; and Geo-Education
Page Range / eLocation ID:
472 to 484
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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