Abstract

In order to reduce the cost of microbial-induced carbonate precipitation, an in situ soil improvement technique, two cost-effective methods have been developed. At first, possible replacement of costly yeast extract medium with sodium acetate for Sporosarcina pasteurii growth was evaluated. Thereafter, a sequencing batch mode of injection has been introduced. The unconfined compressive strength of 525 kPa with uniform CaCO3 distribution was obtained even for poorly graded coarse sand using the proposed injection method. According to economic considerations, by using this injection method, a substantial cost saving (53.4%) has been achieved, inducing the feasibility of biocementation technology for practical applications.