Field and Meter-scale Application of MICP to Enhance Resilience of Flood Defense Structures

Both man-made flood defense structures and natural barriers such as dune systems are subjected to repetitive and accelerating impacts of erosive forces. The increasing rate of population growth and climate change intensifies the detrimental effects of such forces. Therefore, the use of natural construction materials and soil improvement techniques with minimal environmental impacts and monetary costs are preferred. In recent years, microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), has shown a great potential to be a natural and eco-friendly soil stabilization technique. This paper describes two successful case studies of field and large-scale implementation of MICP to improve the strength and erosion resistance of loose sand. In both cases, significant soil erosion resistance and strength improvement resulted from the application of MICP. Durability of the treated soil over one year against inclement weather conditions, as well as simulated hurricane wave conditions, was verified through in-situ tests.