Bio-Grouting: Advancing Soil Stabilization for Eco-Friendly Infrastructure

The burgeoning demand for sustainable infrastructure necessitates the adoption of innovative soil stabilization techniques that are both effective and environmentally benign. This study introduces bio-grouting, a novel approach utilizing biologically induced calcite precipitation (BICP) mediated by Bacillus pasteurii, to enhance soil strength and durability. By incorporating naturally occurring soil bacteria, bio-grouting not only improves soil mechanical properties but also significantly reduces permeability, thereby extending the longevity of infrastructure and minimizing environmental impacts. Extensive laboratory tests and field trials demonstrate that bio-grouting provides substantial improvements in unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and decreases soil permeability by up to 90% across various soil types, including sandy loam, clay, and silty sand. Moreover, durability tests under environmental stresses confirm the treated soil’s resilience, underscoring bio-grouting’s potential as a sustainable and scalable solution for geotechnical engineering applications.