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Geological Journal of China Universities ›› 2026, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (05): 718-728.DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2025052

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Model-scale Test on Microbial Grouting Strengthening of Granular Strongly Weathered Granite in Seawater Environment

LIN Wenbin1,2,3,LIU Jiahao1,GAO Yupeng4,ZHANG Zhichao2,3,LUO Chenghao5*,LU Yanbao5,LUO Lijin6   

  1. 1. Institute of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou 350118, China;
    2. Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention of Hilly Mountains, Fuzhou 350002, China;
    3. Key Laboratory of Geohazard, Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China;
    4. Construction Engineering Quality and Safety Supervision Station, Huocheng County Bureau of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture 835200, China;
    5. Fujian Yonking Construction Geotechnical Co., Ltd., Longyan 364000, China;
    6. Fujian Institute of Microbiology, Fuzhou 350007, China
  • Online:2026-10-20 Published:2026-10-20

Abstract: Model-scale solidification tests were conducted on granular strongly weathered granite using microbially induced
calcite precipitation (MICP) grouting technology. The physical-mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of the solidified specimens were systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that MICP successfully consolidated the modelscale granular strongly weathered granite (Φ25×50 cm) into a stiff coherent structure. Physical-mechanical analyses revealed spatial heterogeneity of cementation performance: optimal in the middle section, moderate in the lower section, and poorest in the upper section. The solidified specimens exhibited an average calcium carbonate content of 12.42% and a dry density of 1.85 g/cm3. The permeability coefficient decreased by an average of 76.1% compared to untreated material. The maximum unconfined compressive strength reached 5.01 MPa, with an average value of 3.42 MPa. The mean ultrasonic velocity was 2.919 km/s along the diameter direction (13.5% higher than untreated specimens at 2.571 km/s) and 2.957 km/s along the axial direction. Microscopic analyses indicate that MICP grouting mainly produces calcite cement with columnar, acicular-clusters, and platy morphologies, alongside minor spherical vaterite and rhombohedral magnesium-calcite. Cementation within the mid-lower sections shows relatively uniform distribution and dense packing, forming a compact network, whereas the upper section is relatively loose. This study provides theoretical basis and experimental data support for MICP-mediated solidification of granular strongly weathered granite. 

Key words: MICP, model-scale, solidification, granular strongly weathered granite, microscopic test

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