Dr. Eric Seagren from Civil & Environmental Engineering will present “Biomediated Geomechanical Processes”
Friday-November 30, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Ballroom B of the MUB
Geoengineers have relatively recently become aware of the potential of biological applications for improving the mechanical properties of soils. The National Research Council (2006) report, “Geological and Geotechnical Engineering in the New Millennium,” recognized the great potential of microorganisms for modifying soil properties in field applications and improving the practice of geoengineering in the 21st Century through biomediated geomechanical processes. Biomediated processes can significantly impact the geomechanical behavior of earth materials. Examples of microbially-mediated processes that have been investigated for their influences on geomechanical properties, include mineral precipitation, biofilm formation and use of biopolymers, mineral transformation, and biogenic gas production. These activities and others can directly or indirectly alter the physical properties of soils, either permanently or temporarily. Potential impacts of these processes on soil behavior include reductions in hydraulic conductivity, and increases in the strength and stiffness of soils. This presentation will provide an overview of what is currently known with respect to the biomediation of geomechanical processes in soils and other construction materials.
Refreshments will be served