Effects of Biostabilization on Engineering Properties of Geomaterials

Biostabilization is a newly proposed method to improve the strength and durability of geomaterials, it can serve as an alternative chemical mechanical stabilization. The objectives this study are perform biostabilization treatments for selected roadway construction geomaterials evaluate effects on engineering properties geomaterials. Three types were selected, two them compacted soil from unpaved road surface. Bacillus pasteurii, bacterium, was used induce mineral precipitates within geomaterial pore spaces, where performed. Two liquid incubation media, containing NH4Cl or (NH4)2 SO4, applied bacteria culturing. Unconfined compression, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), diffraction (XRD) measurements conducted results. From unconfined sample performance improved by treatments; benefits pronounced relatively long culturing time oven-dry procedure; medium performed better than SO4. After biostabilization, SEM photographs provided direct evidence induced space. either connected adjoined particles partially covered particle surface, which increased surface roughness. EDS XRD results indicated that calcite, dolomite, albite major produced during treatments. In conclusion, ameliorated microstructures their strength. Future research topics should include applications in situ construction.