Bio-Enzyme Based Eco-Friendly Soil Stabilization for Strengthening Existing Footings: A Review Article

Abstract

Amid growing environmental concerns and infrastructure demands, sustainable soil stabilization has emerged as a pivotal frontier in geotechnical engineering. The
performance and serviceability of foundation systems are strongly governed by the engineering behavior of supporting soils. A large number of existing structures
worldwide are founded on weak or expansive soils, resulting in excessive settlement, cracking, and durability issues worldwide. Conventional soil stabilization
methods such as cement and lime treatment, though effective, are associated with high carbon emissions and limited suitability for retrofitting existing foundations.
Bio-enzyme-based soil stabilization has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative capable of improving soil properties without rigid cementation. This review critically
examines the mechanisms, effectiveness, durability, environmental impact, and limitations of bio-enzyme soil stabilization with particular emphasis on its potential
application for strengthening existing footing systems. A comprehensive synthesis of global research trends, material behavior, comparative performance, and
future research needs is presented, highlighting bio-enzymes as a promising sustainable solution for foundation engineering.