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Introduction of Microbial Biopolymers in Soil Treatment for Future Environmentally-Friendly and Sustainable Geotechnical Engineering

Author

Listed:
  • Ilhan Chang

    (Geotechnical Engineering Research Institute, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Goyang 10223, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Jooyoung Im

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Gye-Chun Cho

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Soil treatment and improvement is commonly performed in the field of geotechnical engineering. Methods and materials to achieve this such as soil stabilization and mixing with cementitious binders have been utilized in engineered soil applications since the beginning of human civilization. Demand for environment-friendly and sustainable alternatives is currently rising. Since cement, the most commonly applied and effective soil treatment material, is responsible for heavy greenhouse gas emissions, alternatives such as geosynthetics, chemical polymers, geopolymers, microbial induction, and biopolymers are being actively studied. This study provides an overall review of the recent applications of biopolymers in geotechnical engineering. Biopolymers are microbially induced polymers that are high-tensile, innocuous, and eco-friendly. Soil–biopolymer interactions and related soil strengthening mechanisms are discussed in the context of recent experimental and microscopic studies. In addition, the economic feasibility of biopolymer implementation in the field is analyzed in comparison to ordinary cement, from environmental perspectives. Findings from this study demonstrate that biopolymers have strong potential to replace cement as a soil treatment material within the context of environment-friendly construction and development. Moreover, continuing research is suggested to ensure performance in terms of practical implementation, reliability, and durability of in situ biopolymer applications for geotechnical engineering purposes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ilhan Chang & Jooyoung Im & Gye-Chun Cho, 2016. "Introduction of Microbial Biopolymers in Soil Treatment for Future Environmentally-Friendly and Sustainable Geotechnical Engineering," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:3:p:251-:d:65490
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Abdul Munaf Mohamed Irfeey & Hing-Wah Chau & Mohamed Mahusoon Fathima Sumaiya & Cheuk Yin Wai & Nitin Muttil & Elmira Jamei, 2023. "Sustainable Mitigation Strategies for Urban Heat Island Effects in Urban Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-26, July.
    2. Jing Ni & Gang-Lai Hao & Jia-Qi Chen & Lei Ma & Xue-Yu Geng, 2021. "The Optimisation Analysis of Sand-Clay Mixtures Stabilised with Xanthan Gum Biopolymers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-17, March.
    3. Ilhan Chang & Minhyeong Lee & Gye-Chun Cho, 2019. "Global CO 2 Emission-Related Geotechnical Engineering Hazards and the Mission for Sustainable Geotechnical Engineering," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-21, July.
    4. Antonio Soldo & Marta Miletić, 2019. "Study on Shear Strength of Xanthan Gum-Amended Soil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-13, November.
    5. Quadri Olakunle Babatunde & Dong Geon Son & Sang Yeob Kim & Yong-Hoon Byun, 2023. "Effect of Curing Condition and Solvent Content on Mechanical Properties of Zein-Biopolymer-Treated Soil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-13, August.
    6. Chunhui Chen & Zesen Peng & JiaYu Gu & Yaxiong Peng & Xiaoyang Huang & Li Wu, 2020. "Exploring Environmentally Friendly Biopolymer Material Effect on Soil Tensile and Compressive Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-13, December.
    7. Quadri Olakunle Babatunde & Yong-Hoon Byun, 2023. "Soil Stabilization Using Zein Biopolymer," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-12, January.

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