Study on erosion stability enhancement of sands using enzymes

The addition of enzymes is seldom used to improve the resistance of geotechnical structures against erosion by rain and wind action. Within the framework of an initial study, laboratory investigations on silty sand improved by enzymes have been carried out. Results of uniaxial and triaxial compression tests are reported. Tests on cubical samples exposed to simulated erosion processes are described, and the evolution in time of the removed mass is reported for unimproved and enzyme-improved soil. Medium-scale model tests for a vertical slope improved by enzyme-soil columns show the beneficial effects of this novel ground improvement method.