Stabilization of Permeable Sandy Soils Using Polyurethane Grouts: Fid-Bau Portal

Stabilization of Permeable Sandy Soils Using Polyurethane Grouts

Anderson, Scott B. / Crosby, Vicki C.

A need exists in the grouting industry to define the necessary steps in successful soil stabilization by chemical grouting. Although some excellent research was done by Reuben Karol in the latter part of the 20^th century, the majority of technique used today is a mixture of conjecture, rules of thumb, and misinformation. To address this need, a reproducible method for demonstrating the reaction within a sand soil matrix when injected with polyurethane grout was developed. Stabilization of sandy soils with polyurethane grout was investigated at a mock-up scale, representative of in-situ field conditions. Qualitative parameters were established for the predictability of the size and shape of the grout formations in sand based soils using various delivery techniques. Within the paper, the resulting differences in grout mass formation were examined for delivery by probe pipes, strainer pipes and tube-a-manchettes. Several methods of pumping to determine the effect of constant pressure on the resultant grout formation were explored. A protocol for presenting a mock-up scale was demonstrated. This paper is being submitted to Track B/Properties of Grouted Materials.