Abstract
Biocementation through microbial carbonate precipitation is a new branch of microbial geotechnology
that deals with the applications of microbiological methods to produce cemented materials used in engineering. The
primary consideration of these applications is to improve the geophysical properties of soil so that it will be suitable
for construction and environmental purposes. The applications of biocementation would require an interdisciplinary
research at the confluence of microbiology, ecology, geochemistry, civil and environmental engineering. This new
field has the potential to meet society’s expanding needs for innovative treatment processes that improve soil
engineering properties. This paper presents an overview of biocementation, particularly through microbial calcium
carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation, and non-destructive geophysical techniques for real-time monitoring of soil
engineering properties. Focus is then narrowed to an example of laboratory-scale test of biocementation of sandy
soil and measurement of strength development by shear wave velocity (Vs). Other analytical results included
microscopic imaging by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and identification of CaCO3 precipitation presented in
biocemented sand by X-ray diffactometer (XRD) were discussed. Potential advantages and envisioned applications
of biocemented soil improvement are identified.