Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BIGALPS (Bio Inspired Geotechnical Applications to Launch Pan-European Solutions)
Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2024-09-30
Many geo-engineering problems are related to the stability of infrastructures and hold significant societal impact. Soil stabilization is intended to mitigate structural health risks associated with geohazards such as soil erosion and landslides. Soil erosion silently erases land threatening thousands of houses and infrastructure yearly. Simultaneously, landslides, whether triggered by natural factors or human activities, pose a serious threat to lives, property, and the environment. These problems have always existed, but with extreme weather, ageing infrastructure and rising sea levels, they are expected to intensify, leading to an expansion of the soil stabilization market. Additionally, rapid urbanization is also driving the growth of this market, owing primarily to scarcity of suitable land for development and the need to expand existing infrastructure to support increased populations in urban areas.
To tackle these challenges BIGALPS Project has set out on a mission to introduce biocementation technology based on organic binders aiming to address these pressing challenges and contribute to a safer and more resilient future for our communities and the environment. BIGALPS aims to position bio-cementation as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative that aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints while offering tailored solutions for diverse soil stabilization problems such as soil erosion, landslides, and poor foundation conditions. Through innovative approaches BIGALPS not only addresses technical barriers but also prepares for market entry by engaging stakeholders and validating business models. The project is expected to have a significant societal, economic, and environmental impact, enhancing infrastructure resilience, supporting sustainable construction practices, and fostering new market opportunities across Europe.
To tackle these challenges BIGALPS Project has set out on a mission to introduce biocementation technology based on organic binders aiming to address these pressing challenges and contribute to a safer and more resilient future for our communities and the environment. BIGALPS aims to position bio-cementation as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative that aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints while offering tailored solutions for diverse soil stabilization problems such as soil erosion, landslides, and poor foundation conditions. Through innovative approaches BIGALPS not only addresses technical barriers but also prepares for market entry by engaging stakeholders and validating business models. The project is expected to have a significant societal, economic, and environmental impact, enhancing infrastructure resilience, supporting sustainable construction practices, and fostering new market opportunities across Europe.
In the first year of the BIGALPS project, substantial progress was made in advancing biocementation technology, with a strong focus on testing, numerical modeling, designing, and execution of biocementation for three pilot sites in real environment addressing critical soil stability challenges: erosion (PP1), slope stability mitigation (PP2), and foundation soil improvement (PP3). The pre-execution phase involved comprehensive laboratory and on-site studies to develop tailored strategies for applying bio-cementation in real-world environments. These studies highlighted the need to refine and adapt the bio-cementation process across all stages—from site investigation and design to execution and quality control procedures. A key achievement was represented by the actual execution of the three pilot sites incorporating completely different technical and technological solutions for the three soil stability problems. The pilot projects execution marked a significant step in the advancement of the technology to higher TRL, with valuable insights gained that will guide the team for further development of customized biocementation solutions applicable to real future projects. Key takeaways from these activities lead to new innovations aimed at accelerating the maturation of the technology for real environment. To fully achieve the maturation of the technology, a robust testing, monitoring, and adaptation program was set, incorporating iterative adaptation processes, in-situ and laboratory tests as well as continuous monitoring of the pilot sites for next period. On the market side, a comprehensive analysis of the soil stabilization market and early engagement with stakeholders provided valuable feedback, essential for refining the technology and addressing barriers to its adoption in the real market. The first-year activities have set a strong foundation for advancing the maturation of bio-cementation technology, with a clearer path towards market entry and large-scale deployment.
A key achievement lies in the execution of bio-cementation technology for real-world soil stabilization challenges, including erosion, slope stability mitigation, and foundation soil improvement. For the first time, tailored execution approaches were developed and implemented for these three critical soil stability problems, achieving results that are beyond the state of the art. Notably, the technology was applied in a coastal saline environment, addressing the pressing issue of erosion in real conditions for the first time. In addition, biocementation was implemented on a highway development project, providing an innovative and sustainable solution for land protection and slope stability, further emphasizing the advanced capabilities of the technology for pressing real world applications. The project also delivered three new potential innovations critical for the maturation and scaling of biocementation. These innovations represent relevant progress, enhancing the adaptability, efficiency, and precision of biocementation in various real-world applications. The project's achievements highlight also key needs for further adaptation and development activities for advancing the biocementation.
Further Research and Demonstration: While important progress has been made, additional research is required to reach the maturation of the technology for the real environments. The maturation process for biocementation requires maturation of all the necessary steps needed for real-world projects, from design methods and tools and up to execution methods and quality control protocols.
Access to Markets and Commercialization: Establishing a realistic commercialization strategy and engaging with stakeholders across the construction industry is very important for market entry. Early engagement with industry players and stakeholders during the first year has provided valuable insights into market needs and acceptance.
Regulatory and Standardization Framework: Supporting the integration of bio-cementation technology into regulatory frameworks and developing applicable standards would significantly contribute to its wider adoption.
IPR Support and Internationalization: Support for protection of intellectual property is essential to maintaining the project’s competitive advantage. Support will be needed for securing the protection of the potential innovations emerging after the first year of project.
The results achieved during the first year represent a major step forward in the journey to market readiness and demonstrate the transformative potential of bio-cementation technology to address some of the most pressing soil stability problems.
Further Research and Demonstration: While important progress has been made, additional research is required to reach the maturation of the technology for the real environments. The maturation process for biocementation requires maturation of all the necessary steps needed for real-world projects, from design methods and tools and up to execution methods and quality control protocols.
Access to Markets and Commercialization: Establishing a realistic commercialization strategy and engaging with stakeholders across the construction industry is very important for market entry. Early engagement with industry players and stakeholders during the first year has provided valuable insights into market needs and acceptance.
Regulatory and Standardization Framework: Supporting the integration of bio-cementation technology into regulatory frameworks and developing applicable standards would significantly contribute to its wider adoption.
IPR Support and Internationalization: Support for protection of intellectual property is essential to maintaining the project’s competitive advantage. Support will be needed for securing the protection of the potential innovations emerging after the first year of project.
The results achieved during the first year represent a major step forward in the journey to market readiness and demonstrate the transformative potential of bio-cementation technology to address some of the most pressing soil stability problems.