Laboratory tests for studying the performance of grouted micro-fine cement

Abstract

In geological engineering, grouting with Portland cement is a common technique for ground improvement, during which micro-fine cement is applied as a slurry, such that it intrudes into soil voids and decreases soil porosity. To determine the utility and behavior of cements with different Blaine values (index of cement particle fineness) for stabilization of fine sand, non-destructive and destructive tests were employed, such as laser-ray determination of grain size distribution, and sedimentation, permeability, and compressive strength tests. The results of the experimental study demonstrated a suitable mix design for the upper and lower regions of the cement-grading curve that are important for grouting and stabilization. Increasing the fineness of the cement decreased the permeability and increased the compressive strength of grouted sand samples considerably after two weeks. Moreover, relative to finer (higher Blaine value) or coarser (lower Blaine value) cements, cement with a Blaine value of 5,100 cm2/g was optimal for void reduction in a grouted soil mass. Overall, study results indicate that cement with an optimum Blaine value can be used to satisfy the designed geotechnical criteria.