Investigation of Biopolymer Treatment Feasibility to Mitigate Surface Erosion Using a Hydraulic Flume Apparatus

Abstract

Microbial biopolymers have recently been widely studied as a new class of environmentally friendly materials that can be used to enhance the strength of geotechnical engineering structures but also to reduce the use of cement. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using microbial biopolymers to reduce water-induced erosion of cohesionless soils. Water erosion was simulated by inducing overtopping hydraulic flow on small-scale levee models under different surface treatment conditions using a laboratory hydraulic flume apparatus. The results show that a microbial biopolymer has significant potential to improve surface erosion resistance of sand due to their interparticle bonding and infiltration control characteristics. Thus, a microbial biopolymer can be beneficial in reducing surface erosion of waterfront earthen structures such as dams, levees, and dikes.