SUSTAINABILITY AND DURABILITY OF BIO-ENZYMATIC STABILIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR COLLAPSIBLE GYPSEOUS SOILS: A REVIEW

Samer J. Abdullah; Mohammed Y. Fattah; Aqeel S. G. Al-Adili

doi:10.21009/jpensil.v15i1.62734

Authors

Samer J. Abdullah Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad
Mohammed Y. Fattah Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq
Aqeel S. G. Al-Adili Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21009/jpensil.v15i1.62734

Keywords:

Bio-Enzyme, EICP, MICP, Collapsible Gypseous Soils, Sustainability, Leaching, Durability

Abstract

This review examines the mechanisms, effectiveness, sustainability, and durability-critical design considerations of bio-enzymatic stabilization for collapsible gypseous (gypsum-bearing) soils. These soils are common in arid and semi-arid regions and may undergo abrupt settlement upon wetting because gypsum dissolution weakens interparticle bonding and triggers fabric collapse. Conventional binders (cement, lime, pozzolans) can improve strength but are associated with high embodied CO2 and performance losses under leaching and wetting–drying exposure. Bio-enzymatic routes, including bio-enzyme stabilisation (BES) and bio-cementation via enzyme- or microbially induced carbonate precipitation (EICP/MICP), enhance soil performance by forming CaCO3 bridges and pore infills, reducing pore connectivity and permeability, and improving fabric stability. Recent developments such as non-ureolytic, ammonium-free pathways further improve environmental compatibility. Evidence from recent studies on Iraqi gypseous soils indicates marked reductions in collapse potential and meaningful gains in shear strength and stiffness when treatment distribution and curing are controlled. The review synthesizes durability trends under wetting–drying cycles, soaking, leaching, and temperature variations, and proposes a practical evaluation framework to support field adoption in gypsum-rich deposits.

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