Effect of fiber reinforcement on the mechanical behavior of bio-cemented sand

To explore the possibility of providing additional reinforcement to bio-cemented sand through fiber inclusions, a series sand-fiber mixtures were prepared by mixing with three types fibers (polypropylene fiber, basalt and carbon fiber) at different contents (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 0.8% volume sand). Each mixture was subjected two cycles controlled microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) treatments. Unconfined compression tests calcium carbonate content performed characterize their mechanical properties amounts, respectively. Stress-strain results indicate that inclusions change soil from brittle ductile failure modes. Basalt highest tensile strength most effective increase unconfined compressive (UCS) mixture. Due higher elongation breakage, polypropylene is superior other for energy absorption during softening phase, resulting in residual strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs reveal spatial distribution precipitations inter-particle contacts, on grain surfaces, which primarily contributes roughening surface texture particles increases internal friction bonding.