Mechanism and Control of Grout Propagation in Horizontal Holes in Fractured Rock

Abstract

It is important to control grout propagation and ensure the engineering effectiveness of the advanced regional grouting process in the Middle Ordovician limestone (MOL) aquifer. In our study, we found that the physical and mechanical properties of cement grout are affected mainly by the water–cement ratio, followed by water glass content and finally by hydro-chemical type. In a horizontal grouting hole inclined single fracture, the grout spread over time depended on the water–cement ratio, grouting pressure, width of fracture and angle between fracture and grouting hole and the rate of spread increased over time. However, when the grout propagation length was hundreds of meters or more, the length in the fracture above the grouting hole was greater than that in the fracture below. The sensitivity sequence of influencing factors of grout propagation length in an inclined fracture of a horizontal grouting hole was as follows, from large to small: width of fracture, fracture angle, water–cement ratio, grouting pressure.