Experimental Analysis of Bio-Cementation Effectiveness on Silica Sand with Varying Initial Water Content

Bio-cementation binding processes in soil particle pores are using ureolytic bacteria as the main ingredient to substitute cement. Environmental parameters around bacteria affect their activity, including soil water content. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of water content on the cementation process in silica sand on a laboratory scale. The sand was placed in an acrylic box with dimensions of 15x10x11 cm 3 and perforated drainage on the left and right sides. It was prepared in three conditions: dry, partially submerged, and fully submerged. Each sandbox receives periodic injections containing Sporosarcina pasteurii and cementation reagents for 15 days. After injection, the distribution of cementation products was visually examined, and the bonds between sand particles were stronger under lower initial water content. The total amount of CaCO 3 proportion was measured, and most formed in dry conditions.