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<p>River sand is widely used in geotechnical applications but suffers from low cohesion and brittle behavior. This study investigates the combined effect of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) and polypropylene (PP) fiber reinforcement on improving the strength and energy absorption capacity of river sand. Cylindrical specimens were prepared with varying fiber contents (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) and subjected to up to three MICP treatment cycles. The results demonstrated that while MICP alone improved mechanical strength, the addition of PP fibers significantly enhanced the mechanical behavior of the treated sand, particularly by increasing its post-peak strain capacity and energy absorption. Notably, samples reinforced with 0.25% fiber and treated with three MICP cycles exhibited the highest improvement in deformation behavior, indicating superior resistance to sudden failure and better load redistribution. Meanwhile, specimens with 0.5% fiber content and two treatment cycles achieved the highest peak strength response. Samples with 1.0% fiber consistently showed stable and enhanced mechanical performance across all treatment cycles, with balanced energy absorption and post-peak strain capacity. Microstructural analyses via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed calcite precipitation enveloping both sand particles and fibers, forming a cohesive and integrated matrix. Elemental mapping detected the co-presence of calcium and carbon, confirming the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which acts as the cementing agent. Furthermore, statistical Pearson correlation analysis corroborated strong positive relationships between fiber content and improvements in compressive strength and toughness. These findings collectively highlight a synergistic effect between MICP treatment and fiber reinforcement, leading to enhanced strength, toughness, and deformability of river sand. This composite approach presents a promising, sustainable ground improvement method for geotechnical applications such as subgrade stabilization, foundations, and retaining structures, optimizing both mechanical performance and material efficiency.</p>

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Combined Effects of MICP and Polypropylene Fiber Reinforcement on the Mechanical Behavior of River Sand

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月23日

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  • Hadeel S. Sulaiman,
  • Muayad A. Al-Sharrad,
  • Ban Z. Raoof

摘要

River sand is widely used in geotechnical applications but suffers from low cohesion and brittle behavior. This study investigates the combined effect of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) and polypropylene (PP) fiber reinforcement on improving the strength and energy absorption capacity of river sand. Cylindrical specimens were prepared with varying fiber contents (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) and subjected to up to three MICP treatment cycles. The results demonstrated that while MICP alone improved mechanical strength, the addition of PP fibers significantly enhanced the mechanical behavior of the treated sand, particularly by increasing its post-peak strain capacity and energy absorption. Notably, samples reinforced with 0.25% fiber and treated with three MICP cycles exhibited the highest improvement in deformation behavior, indicating superior resistance to sudden failure and better load redistribution. Meanwhile, specimens with 0.5% fiber content and two treatment cycles achieved the highest peak strength response. Samples with 1.0% fiber consistently showed stable and enhanced mechanical performance across all treatment cycles, with balanced energy absorption and post-peak strain capacity. Microstructural analyses via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed calcite precipitation enveloping both sand particles and fibers, forming a cohesive and integrated matrix. Elemental mapping detected the co-presence of calcium and carbon, confirming the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which acts as the cementing agent. Furthermore, statistical Pearson correlation analysis corroborated strong positive relationships between fiber content and improvements in compressive strength and toughness. These findings collectively highlight a synergistic effect between MICP treatment and fiber reinforcement, leading to enhanced strength, toughness, and deformability of river sand. This composite approach presents a promising, sustainable ground improvement method for geotechnical applications such as subgrade stabilization, foundations, and retaining structures, optimizing both mechanical performance and material efficiency.