Shear resistance of MICP cementing material at the interface between calcareous sand and steel

Abstract MICP (Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation) technique was firstly adapted to treat the interface between calcareous sand and steel. The influences of cementing material and surface roughness on the interface shear resistance were investigated experimentally. Results show that biomaterial produced by MICP exists mainly in the form of spherical and block crystals, which bonding and coating sand particles. The peak shear resistances of the interface treated by MICP and Gypsum are similar, while the resistance mobilized at 5 mm displacement of interface treated by MICP is the highest. The surface roughness plays a significant role in enhancing the interface cohesion of MICP-treated sample. This work proves that MICP technique is feasible to improve the calcareous sand-steel interface resistance in an environment-friendly way.