@inproceedings{cb4c7de58fcf499fa8231b1c457f6a81,
title = "Potential of Biopolymer-Enhanced EICP Biocementation in Rock Mass",
abstract = "Mechanical properties of rocks can be altered due to biocementation processes. This approach utilizes biologically induced chemical reactions to alter rock characteristics. For biocementation to occur, biological agents like biopolymers and enzymes (EICP) are required to facilitate this process. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on the potential of biopolymer-enhanced enzyme biocementation in rock masses. Therefore, this work studied the potential of biopolymer-enhanced EICP (BP-EICP) biocementation and its impact on the mechanical properties of rocks. First, biocementation treatment of sandstone samples was conducted using enzymes and biopolymers over a 3-day period. Subsequently, the mechanical properties were obtained using a uniaxial compression test. Finally, the pre- and post-biocementation changes in the rock samples were analyzed to better understand the mechanical behavior of biocemented rock masses. The results indicate that BP-EICP biocementation has the potential to improve the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of weak rocks (+210\%) than existing EICP biocementation method.",
author = "Ngoma, \{Mary C.\} and Oladoyin Kolawole",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} ASCE.; Geo-Congress 2026: Site Characterization, Rock Mechanics, and Unsaturated Soils ; Conference date: 09-03-2026 Through 12-03-2026",
year = "2026",
doi = "10.1061/9780784486740.043",
language = "English (US)",
series = "Geo-Congress 2026: Site Characterization, Rock Mechanics, and Unsaturated Soils - Selected papers from Geo-Congress 2026",
publisher = "American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)",
pages = "427--434",
editor = "Jack Montgomery and Cox, \{Brady R.\}",
booktitle = "Geo-Congress 2026",
address = "United States",
}