Bio-Mediated Ground Improvement: From Laboratory Experiment to Pilot Applications

Currently, several in situ ground improvement methods are being developed in which natural biochemical processes are stimulated, which change the geomechanical properties of soils, like reducing permeability to seal leaks in water retaining ground structures (biosealing) or increasing the strength and stiffness of unconsolidated sands and gravels (biogrouting). This paper gives an overview of the latest research and developments on bio-mediated ground improvement in The Netherlands, including the first pilot application of biogrouting to stabilize horizontal boreholes through gravel layers.