Real-time characterization of the grouting diffusion process in fractured sandstone based on the low-field nuclear magnetic resonance technique

Abstract

Investigations of the flow and diffusion mechanism of grout slurry in underground fractured rock mass are of critical significance to guarantee the grouting reinforcement of deep soft rock tunnel and to ensure the construction safety. This paper reports a series of permeation grouting tests in fractured sandstone samples based on the low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) technique. During the grouting process, the NMR signal characteristics of the grout were monitored in real-time, and the parameters such as the slurry injection volume, effective grouting time and grout filling speed were comprehensively analyzed under various temperatures, confining pressures, flow velocities and numbers of fractures. The results show that the final injection amount of the grout decreases with increasing temperature and confining pressure. The effective grouting time is inversely proportional to the flow velocity, while it is positively related to the temperature. The filling speed decreases with increasing the temperature and confining pressure, while it increases with increasing the grout flow velocity. Compared to the single fractured sample, the sample with more fractures is injected with more grout slurry in a shorter effective grouting time and a higher filling speed. Under the conditions of high confining pressure (e.g., 15 MPa) or high flow velocity (e.g., ≥5 ml/min), the grout slurry preferentially transports into the micropores, and then the mesopores and macropores. However, the temperature and number of fractures have equal effects on the grout flow and diffusion in the three types of pores. The grouting filling performance becomes worse when the temperature and confining pressure are higher. The findings in this study provide meaningful guidance for the grouting reinforcement of deep soft rock tunnel.