Using fracture grouting to lift structures in clayey sand

Abstract

An inclined seven-story reinforced concrete building was leveled by a fracture grouting technique with quick-setting grout on a differential thickness of a clayey sand layer. The permeability and strength of clayey sand were controlled by clay content, although sand was the primary component of the foundation soil. The elevations of the building columns at basement level were closely monitored to record both the heaved volume of mat foundation after grouting and the settled volume during pore pressure dissipation. During the stabilizing stage of grouting, the foundation soil was densified by the repetitive fracturing process, which resulted in the lateral movement of the foundation soil. When the grout is less able to push soil laterally than upwards, the building starts to lift, the so-called lifting stage of grouting. The grouting efficiency is influenced by soil type, soil stress history, and foundation pressure. A final grouting efficiency of 27% and a linear relationship between grout use and percentage of elevation were obtained when this building was successfully and permanently leveled.