Evaluating strength and erosion resistance of EICP-Stabilised silt using soybeans crude extract as urease source

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Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) has recently garnered attention as a sustainable and eco-friendly method for soil improvement. In this study, various molar concentrations of urea and calcium chloride were employed alongside soybeans crude extract as an economical source of urease enzyme for EICP stabilisation of a silty soil. A series of index, mechanical, and durability tests were conducted to assess the impacts of EICP on the applicability of the soil as a building material. The results revealed significant reductions in soil plasticity and particle agglomeration within the finer fraction of the soil, with increasing carbonate content due to EICP treatment. Furthermore, EICP led to a decrease in soil’s potential for compression and swelling, with compression and swelling indices reduced by up to 3.5 times and 3.8 times, respectively. Substantial enhancements in unconfined strength were also noted in both dry and lab-equilibrated conditions. Lastly, treated samples demonstrated significant resistance against water erosion in durability tests, with treated samples only failing contact tests.