Microbial induced calcite precipitation of dune sand using a surface spray technique

Raphael Crowley, Matthew Davies, Terri N. Ellis, Nick Hudyma, Paige Ammons, Christian Matemu

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

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hurricanes Irma and Matthew caused significant damage to the coastal dune systems in northeast Florida. Dunes are the first line of protection in storm events for the prevention of beach erosion and inland floods. It would be beneficial if a sustainable, rapidly-deployable strengthening mechanism could be used to fortify the dunes prior to hurricanes to help mitigate damage. One potential technology for dune protection is microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP). Dune sand was collected from Neptune Beach, FL, and the feasibility of treating the sand using a surface-spray technique was investigated. Specifically, microbes, urea solution, and calcium chloride were applied to a bench-scale synthetic dune surfaces using a garden hose attachment. The treated dunes were allowed to cure for 48 hours. Results showed this application technique may provide erosion protection via three mechanisms. An erosion resistant crust formed along the outer surface of the dune; large blocks of cemented material are formed on the interior of the dune; and treatment appears to increase median grain size diameter. However, the increase in grain-size diameter may have a relatively small effect on erosion mitigation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeotechnical Special Publication
EditorsChristopher L. Meehan, Sanjeev Kumar, Miguel A. Pando, Joseph T. Coe
Pages213-222
Number of pages10
EditionGSP 309
ISBN (Electronic)9780784482117
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
Event8th International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering: Soil Improvement, Geo-Congress 2019 - Philadelphia, United States
Duration: 24 Mar 201927 Mar 2019

Publication series

NameGeotechnical Special Publication
NumberGSP 309
Volume2019-March
ISSN (Print)0895-0563

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering: Soil Improvement, Geo-Congress 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia
Period24/03/1927/03/19

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