Behaviour of enzymatic soil stabilization at elevated temperatures using advanced micro structural investigations

Soil moisture variation plays a key role in maintaining the engineering properties of soils. One of the main factors that impact the soil moisture content is the temperature, which has a strong impact to change the initial or design moisture and results in significant soil volume changes. This study aims to investigate the effects of temperature on the performance of enzymatically stabilised soils. The enzyme used in this study is Eko-soil and the soil used is clayey silt of low plasticity (ML). The mechanical behaviour was first assessed through the unconfined compression strength and weight measurements based on samples exposed to a series of operational temperatures. X-ray μCT tomography images were then used to assess the microstructure. Porosity, size and geometrical shape of the pores were analysed at elevated temperatures. Results revealed that the enzyme is effective in maintaining the initial pore structure under the tested temperature range.