Grouting, as applied to civil and geotechnical construction, involves the injection under pressure of a liquid or suspension into the voids of a soil or rock mass or into voids between the soil or rock mass and an existing structure. The injected grout must eventually form either a solid or gel within the injected voids.
The purpose of pressure grouting a soil or rock mass is to improve the strength and durability of the grouted mass and/or to reduce its permeability.
Permeability Reduction
Grouting applications relating to permeability reduction include:
-
Reduction of hydrostatic forces acting on the base of water retention structures or tunnel linings
-
Reduction of reservoir water loss
-
Reduction of erosion of foundations and embankments
-
Excavation shoring by stabilization, consolidation, and water control
Improvement of Mechanical Properties
Grouting applications relating to mechanical property improvement include:
-
Enhancement of bearing capacity
-
Consolidation of an overburden of either soil or fractured rocks to
facilitate an underground excavation.
-
Void filling either at the surface or subsurface
-
Stabilization and lifting (jacking)
Types of grouting done, and specifically by the Judy Company, include:
-
Pressure
-
Compaction
-
Chemical
-
Jet
-
Microfine injection
-
Consolidation
Grouting is a valuable tool in geotechnical construction and the type of grouting chosen should be determined by an evaluation of the pertinent aspects of a problem including engineering needs, subsurface conditions, materials and access available, and economic considerations.
