Experimental Study of Epoxy Resin Repairing of Cracks in Fractured Rocks

Abstract

Cracks in rock mass have always posed a big threat on the durability of fractured rocks in shear zone. Cracking of rock mass in shear zone is a random process, highly variable and influenced by many factors. Cracks in fractured rocks can be repaired by injection of epoxy resin in order to bond the crack and restore its structural integrity. Epoxy resins are used to repairing the shear zone at the Jinping Hydropower Station. An improved polymer grouting material is adopted and the polymerization process is determined. The polymer grouting materials is consisted of resin (component A) and hardener (component B). Polarizing microscopy (PM) tests and mechanical experiments are adopted to evaluate the filling situation of epoxy resin in rock and the mechanical properties of epoxy-repaired rock, respectively. Experimental test results show that, the cracks and pores are filled by epoxy resin, and also the crack surface are boned. The mechanical properties of epoxy-repaired rock are improved by the polymer grouting and the permeability coefficient is decreased.