Use of Instrumented Grouting Packer on Us Army Corps of Engineers Projects-Video

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Video Summary

The presentation describes the development and use of instrumented packers to measure actual pressures during dam grouting, reducing uncertainty from calculated estimates. The technology evolved through several versions at Wolf Creek Dam, East Branch Dam, and Rough River Dam, where karst foundations made pressure control especially important. Later designs improved field servicing, resistance to clogging and snagging, and ease of calibration.<br /><br />At Rough River, packers were calibrated weekly and used for water-pressure tests and grouting. They helped identify hydraulic connectivity between boreholes, allowing crews to pause work promptly and resume safely. Measurements also revealed that actual injection pressures could be lower than calculated, potentially leading crews to believe grouting was complete too soon.<br /><br />Across the projects, instrumented packers did not reduce production rates and helped limit washing and redrilling. The presenter concludes that their modest added cost is worthwhile for more reliable pressure data and greater confidence in grouting.

Keywords

instrumented packers

dam grouting

pressure measurement

karst foundations

Rough River Dam