"The new technology – invented by a team from the University of Idaho’s Biology and Civil Engineering departments – was shown to double the strength of soils at depths greater than two meters below the surface. The technique, which uses readily available and easy-to-manufacture components to stimulate biologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation, has been shown to increase strength from 2.5 MPa (360psi) to 6 MPa (870psi). The method works in almost any soil and the materials can be delivered and mixed on site – substantially reducing freight costs compared to stabilizers that ship by the gallon or drum. For its part, the University of Idaho will gain access to TerraFusion’s six-continent-wide distribution network and team of professional construction sales executives.

“This is an exciting and important partnership the university is embarking on, which will benefit TerraFusion, our faculty and researchers and the general public,” said Gene Merrell, University of Idaho associate vice president of research. “The technology and research developed here in Idaho has the potential to increase soil stabilization around the world and make the process easier, less expensive and safer. This is another reminder of why partnerships between commercial ventures and the university are important to invest in.”

The discovery, besides possessing a great commercial potential, can also help save lives. As recent events such earthquakes in Haiti and China demonstrate, a structurally sound foundation is absolutely necessary for the long term soundness and safety of any building or community. Providing a developing country with an affordable and dependable method of stabilizing its infrastructure can mean the difference between limited damage and a humanitarian disaster. That is the ultimate goal of this technology.


http://www.prlog.org/10759557-terra...-joint-and-commercialization-partnership.html

Actually, the increase in shear strength was 3-fold. Our latest test have results that are much stronger in shear strength.

 

In our latest experiment that I analyzed the data for today, we had an improvement in soil strength that was greater than 10-fold and the treatment period was only half as long as the results reported in the press release. :)

 

Brother Joe,

I have talked to a geotechnical engineer who works for the city of Seattle. He is very interested in the technology but the biggest contract will likely come from China or from the UN via Haiti.