Mechanisms and Influencing Factors in Xanthan Gum-EICP Treatment of Calcareous Sand

The primary material for expanding the South China Sea islands and reefs is calcareous sand, which contains up to 90% calcium. This sand exhibits physical properties such as porous particles, high brittleness, easy cementation, and irregular shapes. However, its mechanical properties are relatively poor, characterized by low bearing capacity and susceptibility to deformation, necessitating reinforcement to meet subsequent construction requirements. In recent years, biopolymer soil reinforcement and enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP) have emerged as popular environmentally friendly methods for foundation treatment. Numerous studies have attempted to combine these two techniques to achieve optimal reinforcement effects, but the influencing factors for combined reinforcement are complex, and the reinforcement mechanisms differ from the original methods. To explore the feasibility, influencing factors, and reinforcement mechanisms of combining xanthan gum (XG) with EICP for calcareous sand reinforcement, this paper first investigates the potential of such combined reinforcement.