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Bio Inspired Geotechnical Applications to Launch Pan-European Solutions

Project description

Bio-cementation technology for soil stabilisation

Soil degradation poses a significant challenge to our society. An innovative soil improvement technique known as bio-cementation harnesses microorganisms to generate calcium carbonate, binding soil particles together. This method can serve as an alternative to soil improvement techniques that consume substantial energy and result in pollution, and it thereby contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The EU-funded BIGALPS project has a mission to transform soil stabilisation by introducing cutting-edge biotechnology for soil treatment. This eco-friendly solution has the potential to address critical soil stability concerns associated with societal challenges like landslides, erosion and foundation soil stabilisation. Bio-cementation technology aims to supplant traditional cement-based soil improvement methods by offering a practical, well-invested and market-disrupting solution in the fields of geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering.

Objective

BIGALPS aims at creating a market breakthrough in the soil stabilization field by offering a unique bio-technology for soil treatment, a complete environmentally friendly solution with the capacity to treat some of the most critical soil stability problems related to current societal challenges (landslides, erosion, foundation soil stabilization, etc.). Bio-cementation is an innovative nature-inspired soil improvement technique, based on the metabolic activity of microorganisms to produce calcium carbonate that binds the soil particles together. The technology has the potential to substitute energy-intensive and polluting soil improvement methods currently available that are hazardous to the natural environment, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The project builds up on two previous ERC projects (Advanced ERC and Proof of Concept) that allowed among others the development of three patents. BIGALPS is the natural continuation of previous accomplishments and will further mature and validate the bio-cementation technology to achieve full compatibility with real environment, existing norms and industry standards while explore the most efficient business model. The work will address two interconnected objectives: (1) mature and validate the bio-cementation technology in solving real engineering problems related to current society needs (landslides, erosion and foundation soil stabilization) and (2) achieve the market uptake as an alternative to traditional cement-based soil improvement techniques. Three pilot sites will be used to mature and demonstrate the technology in real environment as well as to introduce the technology in specific markets of Europe with direct feedback and help from main players of the industry. The goal is to have a market-ready solution which will be investment ready and “de-risked” to ultimately create a market breakthrough and grow into the next big thing in geo-technical and geo-environmental engineering.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2022-TRANSITION-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA CLUJ-NAPOCA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 932 620,00
Address
STR MEMORANDUMULUI 28
400114 CLUJ NAPOCA
Romania

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Region
Macroregiunea Unu Nord-Vest Cluj
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 932 620,00

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Partners (1)

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