Soletanche Bachy is developing Biocalcis®– a biotechnology capable of copying a natural phenomenon – for its worksites.
This innovative biotechnology emulates natural calcification processes to cement soil in situ while maintaining its initial porosity. A number of bacteria present in the natural environment are known to precipitate a variety of calcium carbonate minerals that build up over centuries to form calcareous concretions with excellent mechanical properties.
Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria are non-pathogenic and environmentally harmless. They are cultivated using an industrial protocol developed by Soletanche Bachy. Calcite precipitation achieved by causing the bacteria to react with a calcifying nutrient solution.
Possibility of implementation into non-injectable fine soils, in which cement or chemical grouts could not be used
Implementation using conventional injection methods (Tube à Manchette – Slotted pipes)
Use of soil in situ
Increase in the mechanical resistance of soils and their cohesion without any significant impact on their initial permeability
Much lower carbon footprint than conventional cement-based solutions
The calcifying solution injection cycle can be repeated several times depending on the desired level of biocalcification.
The Biocalcis® process may be used as an alternative to injection treatments in soils that are difficult to inject with conventional grouts. It can also be a good alternative to jet grouting or other techniques used for anti-liquefaction applications. It is a non-intrusive and environmentally-friendly solution.
Soletanche Bachy is a world leader in foundations and soil technologies, operating in 60 countries via a network of 80 subsidiaries and branches. The Group delivers the full range of geotechnical processes and provides innovative, effective solutions as either a lead or specialist contractor for turnkey projects with a geotechnical focus or specialist works.