New microbial-function-based reinforcement method for embankment

Abstract

In recent years, erosion control has been increasingly implemented for land embankments of public roadways (e.g., express highways). In the field of geo-environmental engineering, it is important to develop an easy-to-use maintenance method for such embankments based on a natural process. This study aims to develop an eco-friendly and inexpensive maintenance method for embankment management. In this paper, the general concept of the newly proposed method is presented based on the results of laboratory tests and numerical simulations. The most important advantage of this method is the enhancement of urease activity in the in-situ microorganism community. Laboratory tests showed that microbial carbonate precipitation (MCP)-treated sand can increase the liquefaction strength. The numerical simulation results show that an MCP-treated embankment surface shows a rigid frame structure. These results show that the proposed method is suitable for use as an embankment maintenance method.