Abstract
Permeation grouting is a ground improvement method commonly used for strengthening and/or reducing permeability of soils with minimal disturbance to the existing soil structure. Cement/microfine cement grouts are the most common form of grouts used for sandy soils; however, the effectiveness and uniformity of the grout propagation is often hindered by filtration of cement particles during flow. Finding the right balance of low viscosity and high internal stability of grout mixes is site specific and can be the difference between a successful ground improvement application or not. However, the current methods used for measuring grout stability are based on index tests and might not always reflect the grout performance in the field, particularly with all the recent advancement in manufacturing finer grained cements and super plasticizers. This paper presents a combination of three digital imaging-based experimentations to help provide a better “inside-look” into grout stability and permeation. First, image analysis on bleed testing is used to reveal the internal stability of grouts by evaluating the w:c ratio along the height of the grout column rather than simply measuring the clear water bleed at the top. Second, a 2-D grout permeation testing is utilized to show the difference in grout-front propagation over time for stable versus unstable grouts, relative to the expected theoretical front. Last, stable and unstable grouts are permeated through transparent soil columns to provide a true “inside-look” of what deep-bed filtration looks like. This last visualization of deep-bed filtration is a direct look into the filtration process as it develops, something not commonly seen, although often predicted from post-permeation decrease in strength as we move away from the injection source. The outcome of these three complementary methods allow for a holistic understanding of internal grout stability and its impact on uniformity of grout delivery into sands.
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Funding
This work was supported by the National Science Foundation, Geomechanics and Geomaterials program and Geotechnical engineering program, under Grant No. 1254763. This support is gratefully acknowledged.
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El Mohtar, C., Jaffal, H., Miller, A.K. et al. Implementing Digital Imaging for Improved Understanding of Microfine Cement Grout Permeation and Filtration. Geotech Geol Eng 40, 4473–4485 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-022-02164-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-022-02164-z