Wind erosion behaviors of biocemented aeolian sand with artificial defects

Abstract

Desertification is a major global environmental challenge caused by wind erosion. Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) has been demonstrated to be effective in enhancing the wind erosion resistance. However, the behavior of EICP-treated aeolian sand with defects remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the effects of EICP treatment on the strength and wind erosion resistance of EICP-treated desert aeolian sand with artificial defects. Penetration resistance tests and wind erosion experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of EICP treatments with different solution concentrations. Results indicate the effectiveness of EICP treatment in improving both the mechanical properties and wind erosion resistance of the sand. Specimens treated with lower-concentration EICP solutions exhibited higher mechanical performance at the same calcium ion dosage, along with a more uniform distribution of precipitates and the formation of a dense cemented layer. Specimens with artificial slots could withstand wind velocities of 14 m/s when treated with EICP solutions below 2 mol/L. In contrast, untreated specimens and those treated with higher-concentration EICP solutions were more susceptible to cracking and spalling, resulting in severe sand particle loss. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanical and wind erosion performance of biotreated sands with defects.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

EICP / aeolian sand / penetration resistance / wind erosion / crack susceptibility

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