Study on the Processes of Water and Grout Seepage in Porous Media Using Resistivity Method

Abstract

In this study, we simulated the process of water and chemical grout seepage into porous media using a mix of quartz sand, calcite powder, and neutral silicone adhesive as a microscopically porous media and transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) tube to make the test model. During the test, we monitored multisectional electrical resistances of the porous media in real time, realized the visualization of the processes of water and grout seepage as well as grout solidification, and investigated the characteristics of changes in resistivity and seepage during water and grout injection into porous media. The study showed that (1) in the process of water injection into the unsaturated porous media, the water-seepage interface was clearly observed and changes in resistivity of the model material can be used to determine water-seepage velocity and interface position; (2) in the range of grout diffusion into the saturated porous media, the concentration of grout gradually decreased from along the diffusion direction, showing no obvious interface between the grout diffusion and nondiffusion areas; and (3) the resistivity of the saturated porous media in the grouting process greatly changed, and this change could be used to determine grout diffusion range, relative concentration in the diffusion range, and solidification degrees. This study provides a new way to monitor the grouting process and help guide the grouting design.