Mid-scale biocemented soil columns via enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP)

Biocemented soil columns were created at a reduced scale (mid-scale) using enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) as a prelude to field scale deployment. Approximately 0.3 m diameter × 0.75 m long columns were created using a tube-à-manchette grouting technique in 0.6 m × 0.6 m × 1.2 m boxes filled with a dry washed quarry sand. Treatment solution composition and treatment protocol, including number of cycles of treatment and time interval between cycles, were established based upon laboratory testing. The urease enzyme used in the treatment solution was extracted from jack beans in a just-in-time manner on site. The biocemented soil columns were characterized in situ using shear wave velocity, needle penetrometer and pocket penetrometer testing, dimensional measurements, and by unconfined compression strength (UCS) and carbonate content measurements on specimens recovered from the columns. The in situ measurements indicated the target UCS of 500 kPa was achieved. However, the UCS tests on recovered specimens had inconsistent results, which may be attributed to sample disturbance. Overall, the results demonstrate that EICP is a viable method for creating biocemented soil columns for ground improvement.