Search Results (6)

Homogenized micro-crack crushing is an optimal rehabilitation technology for concrete pavement; however, when there are weak road base issues, some measures need to be taken to treat the diseases. Grouting is a common technique for addressing weak road base issues. This study developed a new visual indoor grouting test system to analyze the diffusion and consolidation of slag-based geopolymer slurry. The reactants of the geopolymer and the consolidation state of the slurry and aggregate were observed. Moreover, the reinforcement effect of the slurry on a weak road base was studied through the on-site grouting and excavation of the test pit. The results show that, during indoor grouting tests, as the size of the aggregate decreases, the slurry diffusion depth gradually decreases: only 9.5–4.75 mm aggregate formed a complete cylindrical specimen. In the tests of unformed cylindrical specimens, the 9.5–4.75 mm aggregate will develop 20–50 mm splitting surfaces, while the 4.75–2.36 mm aggregate will develop slurry bulbs and veins of different sizes, but the development is not obvious in the 2.36–1.18 mm aggregate. Fine aggregate grouting will exhibit the pressure filtration effect—especially for the 2.36–1.18 mm aggregate, the pressure filtration effect is the most obvious. An SEM microstructural analysis demonstrated that the geopolymer with a water–slag ratio of 0.4 has a faster hydration and dissolution, which results in a decrease in the density of local reactants. However, the polymerization of geopolymers is more complete. The pores of the coarse aggregate are larger and the slurry filling is denser, while the pores of the fine aggregate are smaller and the consolidation is loose locally. The consolidation of aggregates has cracks at local locations, but the width of the cracks is relatively small. On-site grouting applications revealed that the geopolymer slurry filled the bottom voids of pavement slabs and deep gaps in the road base layers, and the average deflection of the driveway decreased from 104.8 (0.001 mm) to 48 (0.001 mm) after grouting. Weak road base conditions were successfully treated, leading to a significant improvement in bearing capacity. Full article

Splitting grouting is a highly effective technique for reinforcing tunnels and underground structures, ensuring their operational stability and facilitating long-term maintenance. It has been widely adopted in the prevention and remediation of geological hazards. However, the theoretical research on the diffusion mechanisms of split grouting lags behind its practical applications. This study addresses several key scientific challenges in understanding the diffusion behavior of split grouting. By integrating experimental design, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis, we conduct a systematic investigation into the diffusion process and vein morphology of split grouting in both homogeneous and heterogeneous formations. We first employed a self-developed two-dimensional grouting test system to perform diffusion experiments on cohesive strata, focusing on the influence of various factors such as grout density, water/cement ratio, soil consistency, and fracture characteristics. The results provide insights into the diffusion patterns, morphology, soil pressure distribution, and surface uplift behavior of the grout veins. Subsequently, a numerical simulation program, developed in-house, based on the finite element method (FEM) and the volume of fluid (VOF) approach, was employed to model the entire process of fracturing grouting within clay strata. The experimental and numerical results indicate that grout vein diffusion in layered soil follows a Y-shaped pattern with an inclined deflection. In uniform strata, the surface uplift curve displays both symmetrical and asymmetrical “convex” elevations, while in heterogeneous soft and hard strata, the uplift is characterized by distinct “convex” deformations. Finally, based on these findings and the principles of contact mechanics, we analyze the underlying mechanisms. The results suggest that weak contact zones undergo tensile cracking and horizontal deflection prior to the formation of grout veins. Additionally, local stress rotations in the soil can induce tilting and deflection. The theoretical insights derived from this study provide valuable guidance for practical engineering applications. Full article

Grouting is an effective method to reduce permeability and improve the mechanical performance of sand layers, preventing a disastrous inrush of sand and water. A scientific grouting design scheme is the premise for satisfying grouting reinforcement requirements. Due to a lack of theoretical basis for current grouting designs, grouting projects are conducted empirically and blindly. This paper presents a quantitative design method for grouting in sand layers. Based on this method, a quantitative design is realized for judgment of the grouting mode, determination of grouting range and calculation of grouting reinforcement effect. Moreover, for the fracture–compaction grouting mode, a theoretical model is proposed to calculate the grouting process, considering the coupling effect of grout flow and sand layer deformation. Meanwhile, a calculation method for reinforcement is put forward, which can connect macroscopic performance of the grouted body and individual performance of grout veins, compacted sand and undisturbed sand. In order to verify the efficiency of the grouting design method, it has been used in a sand grouting project in Qingdao Metro Line 2. In this project, judgment of the grouting mode, selection of grouting type and determination of grouting parameters have been completed based on the design method. Several inspection approaches have been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the grouting design, showing that engineering stability was guaranteed after the grouting operation. Full article

In view of the deficiency of the split grouting theory for the filling area, a 3D simulated grouting test system was designed to explore the slurry diffusion law, reinforcement mechanism of split grouting in a filling soil, and effect of grouting reinforcement. The test system included an experiment bench system, grouting system, and information monitoring system, using which experimental research on split grouting in a filling soil was conducted. The grouting model experiment procedure was introduced first, following which the diffusion rule of slurry in the filling medium and the reinforcement mechanism of split grouting were analyzed according to the properties and distribution characteristics of grouting veins after grouting reinforcement. Finally, a uniaxial compression test, light dynamic contact test, permeability test, and laboratory geotechnical test were conducted on the soil before and after grouting. The relationship between the zoning characteristics of different properties of veins and the mechanical properties of filling soil were discussed. The results showed that there were three types of grouting veins: trunk grouting, branch grouting, and permeable grouting. The injected soil body was strengthened by the three-stage grouting vein network of the mentioned vein types and the compaction between soils. After the grouting, the uniaxial compressive strength of the filling soil increased by an average of 186%, and the permeability coefficient decreased by an average of 47 times. The cohesion and internal friction angle increased by 45.3% and 44.9%, respectively. Additionally, density, water content, and other indicators of filling were improved. The bearing characteristics reflected by a dynamic contact test were consistent with the distribution of grouting veins. The research results offer significant guidance for the reinforcement mechanism of split grouting and the evaluation of the grouting effect. Full article

Subsection split grouting technology can effectively improve the grouting efficiency and homogeneity of grouting in a target reinforcement area. It is therefore necessary to clarify the reinforcement mechanism and characteristics of the soft filling medium under the condition of split grouting. A three-dimensional grouting simulation test of segmented split grouting in a soft filling medium was conducted. The distribution characteristics and thicknesses of the grouting veins were obtained under the condition of segmented grouting. The mechanical mechanism of segmented split grouting reinforcement, based on the distribution characteristics of different grouting veins, was revealed. After grouting, a uniaxial compression test and an indoor permeation test were conducted. Based on the method of the region-weighted average, the corresponding permeability coefficient and the elastic modulus of each splitting-compaction region were obtained. The quantitative relationship between the mechanical properties and the impermeability of the soft filling medium before and after grouting was established. The results revealed that three different types of veins were formed as the distance from the grouting holes increased; namely, skeleton veins, cross-grid grouting veins, and parallel dispersed grouting veins. The thicknesses of the grouting veins decreased gradually, whereas the number of grouting veins increased. Moreover, the strikes of the grouting vein exhibited increased randomness. The reinforcement effect of segmental split grouting on soft filling media was mainly confirmed by the skeleton support and compaction. The elastic modulus of the grouting reinforcement solid increased on average by a factor that was greater than 100, and the permeability coefficient decreased on average by a factor that was greater than 40 in the direction of the parallel grouting vein with the most impermeable solid. The research results may be helpful in the investigation of the split grouting reinforcement mechanism under the condition of segmented grouting. Full article

Fracture grouting has been a mitigation measure widely used against seepage in the Yellow River Embankment. However, there is currently a lack of systematic investigations studying the anti-seepage effect of the fracture grouting employed in this longest river embankment in China. Therefore, in this work, laboratory and in situ experiments are carried out to investigate the reinforcement effect of fracture grouting in the Jinan section of the Yellow River Embankment. In particular, laboratory tests concentrate on studying the optimum strength improvement for cement–silicate grout by varying the content of backfilled fly ash and bentonite as admixtures. Mechanical strength and Scanning Electron Microscope photographs are investigated for assessing the strength and compactness improvement. Subsequently, based on the obtained optimum admixtures content, in situ grouting tests are carried out in the Jinan section of the Yellow River Embankment to evaluate the reinforcement and lapping effect of fracture grouting veins, where geophysical prospecting and pit prospecting methods are employed. Laboratory results show that, compared with pure cement–silicate grouts, the gelation time of the improved slurry is longer and gelation time increases as fly ash content increases. The optimum mixing proportion of the compound cement–silicate grout is 70% cement, 25% fly ash, and 5% bentonite, and the best volume ratio is 2 for the investigated cases. Geophysical prospecting including the ground penetrating radar and high-density resistivity method can reflect the lapping effect of fracture grouting veins on site. It shows that the grouting material mainly flows along the axial direction of the embankment. The treatment used to generate directional fracture is proved to be effective. The injection hole interval distance is suggested to be 1.2 m, where the lapping effect of the grouting veins is relatively significant. For the investigated cases, the average thickness of the grouting veins is approximately 6.0 cm and the corresponding permeability coefficient is averagely 1.6 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s, which meets the anti-seepage criterion in practice. Full article