Bio-carbonation of reactive magnesia cement in geotechnical engineering practice: a state-of-the-art review

Biogeotechnology has been widely applied to soil stabilization in the field of geotechnical engineering, compensating for the shortcomings of traditional geotechnical engineering materials. In this regard, the newly proposed bio-carbonation method of Reactive Magnesia Cement (RMC), based on Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP), has significant advantages in terms of energy conservation, carbon capture, and rapid soil solidification. However, this method lacks the combination of theory and practice. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the current research status of the bio-carbonation method in geotechnical engineering practice. Firstly, the paper systematically explains the concept and mechanism of the bio-carbonation method. Secondly, the paper summarizes various influencing factors affecting the bio-carbonation process and analyzes the engineering properties of bio-carbonated geo-materials. Finally, the paper concludes with the application scope of the bio-carbonation method in the geotechnical engineering field. It should be noted that the bio-carbonation method currently has some challenges, hence, further exploration of soil stabilization and crack repair is urgently needed in the future.