Electrokinetic biocementation of an organic soil

Organic soils are a continuing challenge to civil engineers, as they subject settlements, negatively impacting on engineering infrastructure. To improve the in situ properties of these, chemical soil stabilisers (e.g. cement or lime) can be commonly used. Although successful minimising severe damage, these may have environmental side-effects and lime production is linked 7%–8% overall CO2 emissions). Therefore, development innovative, superior, cost-effective more sustainable improvement techniques field ongoing research effort. In this context, paper studies electrokinetic (EK) biocementation problematic soft organic UK railway network using indigenous ureolytic bacteria. The focuses aspects relevant for effective implementation treatments, namely effect degree saturation different ways treatment implementation. results terms unconfined compressive strength CaCO3 content, proved feasibility EK an microorganism, either premixed with injected electrokinetically. Higher gains were recorded degrees region 85%–95%. Strength increased contents compared control samples also noted when duration was halved one week although strengths further by 13–17% after two-week treatment. Overall, study gives promise applicability EK-biocementation technique under existing Further optimisation variables refinement details could enhance efficiency process.