Physical modeling of grout spreading in discrete fractured rocks

One of the best techniques employed in ground reinforcement is grouting which concerns complex characteristics and factors. There are few reported researches about physical modeling of grout spreading in fractured media. However, they have not addressed the effect of multiple operational and structural parameters on grout spreading in different discrete fracture network patterns around an injection wellbore. Since there are many different parameters, which control grout spreading in fractured media, laboratory experiments can help to identify the most effective ones. In this research, Taguchi experimental design was used to study grouting on laboratory scale. The experiments consider various discrete fracture network features. Fracture network, grout viscosities, injection pressure, and time were considered to calculate grout spreading in a pipeline system. According to the statistical analysis and the confident level of the statistical tests, the effect of operation parameters on grouting is more significant compared to that of the geometrical properties of fractured rock mass. In other words, geometrical parameters of fracture network affect grouting process to some extent but the impact of operational parameters is more dominant.