Annotated Summary Draft #1

Li, B. (2015). Geotechnical properties of biocement-treated sand and clay. Doctoral thesis, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10356/62560


This article focuses on the applications of Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation(MICP) in Singapore, which includes a feasibility study on using biocement to improve the mechanical properties (Shear strength and Compressive strength) of clay as well as sand. Evaluation of different implementations of MICP for soil was made, and in particular, the results obtained from using injection techniques to simulate those anticipated in practice yielded cementation efficiency of more than 90% in sand. The strength of MICP treated clay was also evaluated, and results for unconfined compression strength fell within the range of 150% - 400% gain when compared to the initial. The article highlighted that even though the initial cost estimates for the chemicals supersedes that of conventional cement, material cost can be lowered by ordering chemicals on an industrial scale.
The article provides a useful platform for our research project on the use of biocement to strengthen weak soils during underground construction. From the aspect of sustainability, the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the above-mentioned MICP process, as shown by the research in the article, is a CO2 sequestering reaction. This would make biocement serve two purposes: (Strengthen soil and eliminate CO2 from the atmosphere). While the experiments were only performed and tested in a lab setting, the thesis still provides useful information and statistics on the stabilization of soil using MICP, which is a relevant aspect for our research project.

Comments

  1. Hi Brien,

    Your annotated summary was very interesting and informative. Your points consistently flowed well throughout the summary.

    Just a question on the strength gain of the cement. What is the duration needed for the cement to gain its optimum strength (compressive and tensile)?

    I believe that the article is relevant and provides useful information for your project work.

    I hope to read more of your writings in the future.

    Warm regards,
    Muhd Sharifuddin

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Brien,

    Your annotated summary is well written and informative. There is also a strong connection between your research article and research project.

    Some things that you may want to takes note of:

    1. "This would make biocement serve two purposes: (Strengthen soil and eliminate CO2 from the atmosphere)."

    You may want to consider using "This process will strengthen the soil and eliminate CO2 from the atmosphere.", as I am unsure if the usage of colon and parentheses is correct.

    2. I believe that APA in-text citation should be used in your annotated summary, for example "(Li, 2015)" and "According to Li (2015)". However I am not sure if that is necessary.

    Otherwise, good job!

    Regards,
    Jamie

    ReplyDelete

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