Mechanism of Sand Cementation with an Efficient Method of Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation

This paper presents an efficient method of microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) for cementation of sand particles. First, the influence of initial pH value of the culture medium on the growth of bacteria was discussed. Then, the compressive strength and calcium carbonate content of cemented sand columns with different sand particle sizes were measured to indicate the cementation effectiveness. The microstructure of cemented sand columns as well as the mineral composition and distribution of calcium carbonate were characterised by means of scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the urease-producing bacteria S. pasteurii can be cultured at the initial pH values of 7-10, while a higher pH (e.g., 11) would hinder its growth and decrease its urease activity. The injection method of MICP with high standing time can cement sand columns effectively. Small average sand particle size of sand columns and high injection cycles can facilitate the gain of compressive strength, while calcium carbonate content of sand column higher than 8% can promote the increase of compressive strength. XRD results indicate that the fine grains generated on the surface of sand particles are calcite. The distribution of calcite on sand particles' surface is broad and uniform. First, calcite was precipitated on the surface of sand particles, and then a precipitation layer was formed, which would connect sand particles through its high enough thickness and contribute to the development of compressive strength of the whole sand column.