Investigating the properties of jet grouting columns with fine-grained cement and silica fume

Abstract

In Jet Grouting (JG) applications, manufacturing of jet grouted columns which answer the purpose, is possible by designing proper injection fluid which is a cement grout in most cases. In this study, the impacts of three different binder types on the performance of JG columns was investigated. Fine-grained cement (DMFC-800), Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and the mixture of OPC cement including 10% silica fume (SF) by weight were used as binders. Grouting mixtures were prepared at various water/cement (W/C) ratios, then JG columns were manufactured. Whilst the maximum unconfined compressive strength (UCS) value was obtained from fine grained cement induced samples (max. UCS = 24.6 MPa for W/C = 1.0), very high strength values were detected for OPC + 10%SF induced samples as well. The maximum splitting tensile strength (STS) values for OPC + 10% SF induced samples were found to be (min. STS = 3.62 MPa for W/C = 1.25). Furthermore, after the permeability tests, it was observed that the columns with DMFC-800 and OPC + 10% SF induced mixtures exhibit the lowest permeability coefficients as compared to columns made from the other binders (min. k = 0.1124 × 10−8 m/s for DMFC-800). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image analysis revealed that DMFC-800 cement and OPC + 10% SF induced mixture reduced the voids between particles and enhanced the binding ability of the grouting mixture.