Numerical simulation of pressure-controlled cavity expansion process in clay at constant volumetric expansion rate

Abstract

The cavity expansion theory is being applied to describe many geotechnical engineering processes. Many of these processes are controlled by the cavity volumetric expansion rate in practice. As soil is not an elastic material, the injection pressure is a non-linear function of the cavity volume, rendering it very difficult to produce the appropriate time history of injection pressure so that the controlled cavity volumetric expansion rate can be simulated. In this technical note, an algorithm to develop the time history of injection pressure using appropriate soil properties to generate the required cavity volumetric expansion rate in clay is presented. The simulation and experimental results of a series of laboratory-scale compaction grouting experiments are presented as an example to demonstrate the validity of the approach.