Biogeochemical processes and geotechnical applications: Progress, opportunities and challenges

J. T. Dejong, K. Soga, E. Kavazanjian, S. Burns, L. A. Van Paassen, A. Al Qabany, A. Aydilek, S. S. Bang, M. Burbank, L. F. Caslake, C. Y. Chen, X. Cheng, J. Chu, S. Ciurli, A. Esnault-Filet, S. Fauriel, N. Hamdan, T. Hata, Y. Inagaki, S. JefferisM. Kuo, L. Laloui, J. Larrahondo, D. A.C. Manning, B. Martinez, B. M. Montoya, D. C. Nelson, A. Palomino, P. Renforth, J. C. Santamarina, E. A. Seagren, B. Tanyu, M. Tsesarsky, T. Weaver

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

Consideration of soil as a living ecosystem offers the potential for innovative and sustainable solutions to geotechnical problems. This is a new paradigm for many in geotechnical engineering. Realising the potential of this paradigm requires a multidisciplinary approach that embraces biology and geochemistry to develop techniques for beneficial ground modification. This paper assesses the progress, opportunities, and challenges in this emerging field. Biomediated geochemical processes, which consist of a geochemical reaction regulated by subsurface microbiology, currently being explored include mineral precipitation, gas generation, biofilm formation and biopolymer generation. For each of these processes, subsurface microbial processes are employed to create an environment conducive to the desired geochemical reactions among the minerals, organic matter, pore fluids, and gases that constitute soil. Geotechnical applications currently being explored include cementation of sands to enhance bearing capacity and liquefaction resistance, sequestration of carbon, soil erosion control, groundwater flow control, and remediation of soil and groundwater impacted by metals and radionuclides. Challenges in biomediated ground modification include upscaling processes from the laboratory to the field, in situ monitoring of reactions, reaction products and properties, developing integrated biogeochemical and geotechnical models, management of treatment by-products, establishing the durability and longevity/reversibility of the process, and education of engineers and researchers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBio- and Chemo- Mechanical Processes in Geotechnical Engineering - Geotechnique Symposium in Print 2013
EditorsLyesse Laloui
PublisherICE Publishing
Pages143-157
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9780727760531
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event17th Geotechnique Symposium in Print - London, United Kingdom
Duration: Jun 3 2013 → …

Publication series

NameBio- and Chemo- Mechanical Processes in Geotechnical Engineering - Geotechnique Symposium in Print 2013

Other

Other17th Geotechnique Symposium in Print
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period06/3/13 → …

Keywords

  • Chemical properties
  • Environmental engineering
  • Ground improvement
  • Remediation
  • Soil stabilisation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Soil Science
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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