Effect of Microbial Induction on the Shear Strength of Coarse Sand and Black Soil

This chapter investigates the complex interplay between microorganisms and soil properties, with a particular focus on the shear strength of coarse sand and black soil. Traditional soil stabilization methods, such as chemical additives or mechanical compaction, often fall short in certain soil conditions and can be environmentally damaging. This research explores microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) as an innovative and eco-friendly alternative. The study reveals that the application of bacterial solutions to coarse sand and black soil produces distinct effects on their shear strength characteristics. For both soil types, the bacterial treatment generally led to a decrease in shear strength, with the magnitude of this effect increasing at higher concentrations of the bacterial solution. The chapter also discusses the historical context of MICP, previous experimental approaches, and the potential advantages and challenges of implementing this technique in field applications. The findings highlight the need for further research to optimize the MICP process and develop effective delivery and monitoring techniques for real-world applications.