Review of ground improvement using microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP)

TLDR

Mechanical compaction and chemical grouting are common ground‑improvement methods, yet their high cost, energy use, and environmental impact motivate the development of microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP). This review evaluates the use of MICP for ground improvement. The authors describe the MICP process, survey its key technical aspects, summarize engineering applications, and discuss current challenges and potential solutions. They propose recommendations to broaden the adoption of MICP in geotechnical practice.

Abstract

Mechanical compaction and chemical grouting are the two most widely used methods in geotechnical engineering for ground improvement. However, the disadvantages of the methods including high cost, high energy consumption, and potential environmental pollution are obvious. A new ground treatment technique, i.e., microbial induced carbonate precipitation, was developed recently. Review of ground improvement using microbial induced carbonate precipitation technique was performed in this study. The mechanism of microbial induced carbonate precipitation-treated soils was first introduced followed by the review of many aspects of the microbial induced carbonate precipitation technique. Thereafter, the related engineering applications were presented and summarized. Moreover, some problems existing in current theoretical and experimental studies as well as the possible solutions for future development were also discussed. Some recommendations were proposed for a wider application of this technique.