Micro-continuum modelling of injection strategies for microbially induced carbonate precipitation

Abstract

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation is a promising technique for ground improvement. In order for MICP to progress from a lab-scale process to a commercially viable alternative ground improvement option, a combination of field-trials and field-scale modelling of the process is required. We present the results of a field-scale model in which differing injection strategies are evaluated and find that longer treatment times make more efficient use of reagents, but may come with higher operational costs, and that utilising multiple strains of bacteria with different reaction kinetics and transport properties may improve efficiency.