Polymer Grouting: an Alternative to Cementitious Materials-PDF

PDF

Pdf Summary

The report evaluates a single-component, water-activated polymer (WAP) as an alternative to cement-based grout, which often cannot penetrate soils with high fines content. The low-viscosity liquid reacts with moisture to form solid polyurethane. Laboratory tests assessed its viscosity, pore penetration, groutability, strength, and effect on soil voids.<br /><br />The polymer passed through membranes with pores as small as 0.22 μm. Its viscosity remained relatively low during the first 30 minutes, supporting the recommendation to complete injection within that period. At pressures up to about 400 kPa (4 atm), the WAP successfully grouted tested soils containing up to 50% fines; soil with 60% fines was not successfully grouted under the study’s conditions. Grouting reduced void ratio by approximately 51–73%, and the treated soils gained substantial compressive strength, reaching at least 4,000 kPa.<br /><br />The findings suggest WAP could extend grouting to finer soils than conventional cementitious materials. However, the work was laboratory-based, and permeability testing was unsuccessful because the injection tube remained in the specimens. The authors recommend further research on higher pressures, soils with greater fines content, and practical field procedures.

Keywords

water-activated polymer

polyurethane grout

soil grouting

high-fines soil

low-viscosity polymer

pore penetration

groutability

compressive strength

void ratio reduction

laboratory testing