A novel numerical method for grouting simulation in flowing water considering uneven spatial and temporal distribution of slurry: Two-Fluid Tracking (TFT) method

Abstract

To address the issue of uneven spatial and temporal distribution of slurry viscosity in the grouting process, we propose a novel numerical method for grouting in flowing water based on the Euler-Euler framework: two-fluid tracking (TFT) method. The proposed method is capable of capturing the entire grouting process. First, we develop a time transport model that can calculate the transport time of the slurry at any location. Subsequently, the numerical verification proves that the simulated results of transport time can reflect the residence time of the slurry. We then combine the transport time and time-varying viscosity equation to reveal the spatial-temporal evolution of slurry viscosity. Furthermore, the effectiveness and accuracy of the numerical method in different injected media are verified by comparing against laboratory tests, analytical solutions, and simulation results in the literature. In addition, the diffusion behavior of the slurry under different water flow velocities is analyzed, and the effects of water flow velocity and grout flow rate on grouting pressure are discussed. This study can provide useful guidance and reference for slurry selection and parameter optimization in grouting engineering practices.