Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) to mitigate contact erosion in earth embankment dams and levees
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Journal Title
2018 Proceedings: 38th USSD Annual Conference & Exhibition
Conference Name
38th USSD Annual Conference & Exhibition (2018)
Publisher
United States Society on Dams
Type
Conference Object
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VoR
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Clara Saracho, A., & Haigh, S. Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) to mitigate contact erosion in earth embankment dams and levees. 2018 Proceedings: 38th USSD Annual Conference & Exhibition https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.41847
Abstract
Internal erosion of water retaining structures (such as earth embankment dams, levees and dykes) is a major geotechnical problem. Contact erosion is a specific type of internal erosion that occurs at the interface between fine and coarse soils, for instance along the downstream edge of the core-filter interface, and can lead to earth dam failure due to internal erosion. Although in new dams this may be avoided by fulfilling the filter criteria or with the construction of barriers, retrofitting older structures often entails significant design and construction costs due to the uncertainties surrounding their materials and behaviour. In this context, microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP), a bacteria-induced bio-mineralisation process capable of binding soil particles in situ, provides a cost-effective alternative for contact erosion control. However, it is necessary to establish a solid understanding of how biogenic cementation occurs at the interface between fine and coarse sands and its influence on the erosion and hydro-mechanical characteristics.
Sponsorship
The author would like to acknowledge Mr Chris Knight for the production of the EFA device and EPSRC for funding this studentship as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (EP/L016095/1).
Funder references
EPSRC (1651514)
EPSRC (1651514)
Identifiers
This record's DOI: https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.41847
This record's URL: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/294745
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