AN OVERVIEW ON GROUTING TECHNIQUE

REPORT OF SEMINAR

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

In

CIVIL ENGINEERING
By

RINKU MEENA (201CV143)

Under the guidance of

Dr. DEBABRATA KARMAKAR

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 DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES & OCEAN ENGINEERING
NATIONAL INSTITUE OF TECHNOLOGY KARNATAKA
SURATHKAL, MANGALORE-575025
NOVEMBER 2022
DECLARATION

I declare that the report of the Seminar (CV390) entitled “AN OVERVIEW ON

GROUTING TECHNIQUE”, which is being submitted to National Institute of

Technology Karnataka, Surathkal in partial fulfilment of requirements of the Degree of

Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering is a bonafide report of the project work

carried out by us. The material contained in this report has not been submitted to any

university or Institution for the award of any degree.

RINKU MEENA (201CV143)

Place: NITK, Surathkal

Date:

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 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this report entitled AN OVERVIEW ON GROUTING

TECHNIQUE being submitted by RINKU MEENA (201CV143) is accepted as the
record of work carried out by them as the part of SEMINAR (CV390) in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Technology in Civil
Engineering of the Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology
Karnataka, Surathkal, Mangaluru.

Dr. Debabrata Karmakar Dr. B R Jayalekshmi

Assistant Professor Head and Chairman (DUGC)
Department of Water Resources and Ocean Department of Civil
Engineering Engineering
National Institute of National Institute of
Technology, Technology
Karnataka Karnataka

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is with great reverence that we express our gratitude to our guide “Dr.
Debabrata Karmakar ”, Assistant Professor in the Department of Water Resources &
Ocean engineering, for his precious guidance for his expert guidance, valuable
suggestions, reference materials provided, and continuous encouragement throughout our
project work. The credit for the successful completion of this project goes to his keen
interest in timing guidance and valuable suggestions otherwise our endeavor would have
been futile.

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 ABSTRACT

Grouting is a technique utilized in construction, which involves the injection of fluid or

cementitious materials into the ground or structures to fill voids and reinforce soil or
rock. This method has a wide range of applications in the construction industry, such as
creating barriers for water seepage, enhancing ground stability, and providing support to
structures like tunnels, bridges, and dams. The grouting process includes drilling, mixing
the grout, injecting it into the ground, and monitoring the injection process. The success
of the grouting technique is influenced by various factors, such as the type of grout
material, injection method, and ground or structure characteristics. In recent times, due to
the rapid expansion of infrastructure in major cities and limited usable land, engineers
have had to improve soil quality to support the load transferred by infrastructure like
buildings, bridges, roadways, and railways. To increase the soil's carrying capacity and
minimize settlement, engineers use different approaches for ground improvement,
including removal and replacement, pre-compression, vertical drains, in-situ
densification, grouting, stability using admixtures, and reinforcing with materials like
steel, stainless steel, aluminum, fibers, fiber glass, nylon, polyester, and polyamides in
various shapes like strips or grids.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION
CERTIFICATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………… 7
1.1 GENERAL 7
1.2 DEFINATION OF GROUTING 7
1.3 A BRIEF HISTORY OF GROUTING 7
1.4 IMPORTANCE OF GROUTING 8

2. TYPES OF GROUTING....................................................................................8
2.1 CEMENTITTIOUS GROUTING 8
2.2 CHEMICAL GROUTING 9
2.3 BENTONITE GROUTING 9
2.4 POLYMER GROUTING 10

3. APPLICATIONS OF GROUTING....................................................................10

3.1 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 10

3.2 CIVIL ENGINEERING 10
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 3.3 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 10
3.4 MINING INDUSTRY 11

4. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF GROUTING...........................11

4.1 ADVANTAGES 11
4.2 DISADVANTAGES 11

5. GROUTING TECHNIQUES..................................................................................12
5.1 PRESSURE GROUTING
5.2 CHEMICAL GROUTING
5.3 PREPLACED AGGREGATE GROUTING
5.4 COMPACTION GROUTING

6. CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................15

CHAPTER- 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 General
Grouting is a process of injecting a fluid or semi-solid material into the soil or rock
formations to fill voids, strengthen the ground, or stabilize the structure. The grout
material can be a cement-based mixture, chemical solution, bentonite slurry, or
polymer resin, depending on the application and the soil conditions. Grouting has
been used for centuries in various forms to improve the performance of
foundations, retaining walls, tunnels, dams, and other civil engineering structures.
The use of grouting has increased significantly in recent years due to the
development of new materials and technologies that allow for more precise and
efficient injection methods.

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1.2 Definition of grouting
Grouting is a construction technique that involves the injection of a fluid material,
typically a cementitious or chemical solution, into the ground or into the voids or
cracks of existing structures. The purpose of grouting is to fill these spaces with a
material that provides increased strength, stiffness, and durability, as well as
reduced permeability and improved water control. Grouting is commonly used in a
variety of applications, including soil stabilization, ground improvement,
foundation repair, tunneling, and concrete repair, among others

1.3 A brief history of grouting

Grouting is a technique that has been used for thousands of years to strengthen and
stabilize structures. The ancient Egyptians used a type of grout made from gypsum
to stabilize the foundations of their buildings.
In the 19th century, a British engineer named Charles Neate developed the first
modern hydraulic grouting system, which used a mixture of cement and water to fill
voids and stabilize soil. This system was used to stabilize the foundations of the
London Bridge.
During the early 20th century, grouting became more widely used in construction
and mining. In 1924, the first commercial grout mixer was introduced, making the
process more efficient and effective.
In the 1950s and 60s, grouting technology advanced rapidly. Epoxy and polyester
resins were introduced as grouting materials, allowing for more precise control of
the grouting process. Grouting techniques were also used in the aerospace industry
to bond and seal components.
Today, grouting is used in a wide range of applications, including building and
bridge construction, mining, tunneling, and soil stabilization. Advanced grouting
techniques, such as jet grouting and soil mixing, continue to be developed and
refined to meet the needs of modern construction and engineering projects.

1.4 Importance of grouting

Grouting is important because it helps to fill gaps and spaces between structures,
creating a more stable and secure foundation. It can also prevent water and other

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 materials from seeping into these gaps, which can cause damage and compromise
the structural integrity of the building or infrastructure. Grouting is commonly used
in construction, mining, and tunneling projects to improve the strength and
durability of the structures being built.

CHAPTER 2
TYPES OF GROUTING
There are four main types of grouting based on the type of material used:
cementitious grouting, chemical grouting, bentonite grouting, and polymer grouting.

2.1 Cementitious Grouting

Cementitious grouting involves the use of a cement-based mixture that is injected into the
ground to fill voids and improve soil or rock properties. The mixture typically consists of
Portland cement, water, and sometimes additives such as sand, fly ash, or pozzolans. The
grout hardens over time and forms a solid mass that binds the soil particles together and
provides additional strength and stiffness to the ground. Cementitious grouting is
commonly used in foundation repair, soil stabilization, and tunnel grouting.

Fig 1. Cementitious grouting

2.2 Chemical Grouting

Chemical grouting involves the use of a chemical solution that reacts with the soil or rock
to form a solid mass or gel. The solution can be injected into the ground under pressure,
and the reaction occurs within the soil pores, filling them with grout material. Chemical
grouting is typically used to seal leaks in concrete structures, stabilize soil or rock
formations, and improve the bearing capacity of foundations. The chemical grouts can be
categorized as acrylamide, urethane, or silicate grouts based on their chemical
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composition.

Fig 2 : Chemical Grouting

2.3 Bentonite Grouting

Bentonite grouting involves the use of a bentonite slurry that is injected into the ground to
form a low-permeability barrier or to stabilize soil or rock formations. Bentonite is a type
of clay mineral that swells
when wet and forms a gel-like substance that can fill voids and cracks in the ground. The
bentonite slurry is typically prepared by mixing bentonite powder with water, and
sometimes with additives such as polymers or salts to enhance its properties. The slurry is
then pumped into the ground under pressure, displacing the surrounding soil or water and
forming a barrier or plug. Bentonite grouting is commonly used in groundwater control,
tunneling, and dam construction.

2.4 Polymer Grouting

Polymer grouting involves the use of a polymer resin that is injected into the ground to
create a high-strength, flexible, and impermeable barrier or fill material. The polymer
resin can be either a two-component system that is mixed at the injection point or a pre-
mixed single-component system. The injection process can be done under low or high
pressure, depending on the application and the soil conditions. Polymer grouting is
commonly used in soil stabilization, ground improvement, and concrete repair.

CHAPTER 3

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APPLICATIONS OF GROUTING

Grouting has a wide range of applications in various industries, including

construction, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, and mining. Some of the
common applications of grouting are:

3.1 Construction Industry

In the construction industry, grouting is used to repair and strengthen concrete
structures, fill voids in foundation soils, and prevent water infiltration in underground
structures such as parking garages and basements. Grouting can also be used to
improve the bearing capacity of foundation soils, reduce settlement, and control
ground water.

3.2 Civil Engineering

In civil engineering, grouting is used to stabilize soil and rock formations, improve
the stability of retaining walls and slopes, and control groundwater. Grouting is also
used in the construction of tunnels, underground structures, and dam foundations.

3.3 Geotechnical Engineering

In geotechnical engineering, grouting is used to improve the strength and stiffness of
soil and rock formations, reduce permeability, and control groundwater. Grouting is
commonly used in the construction of embankments, slopes, and retaining walls, as
well as in soil improvement techniques such as jet grouting.

3.4 Mining Industry

In the mining industry, grouting is used to control groundwater, stabilize mine
workings, and prevent subsidence. Grouting can also be used to improve the stability
of tailings dams and to fill abandoned mine workings.

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CHAPTER 4
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF GROUTING

Like any construction method, grouting has both advantages and disadvantages. Here
are some of the key benefits and drawbacks of grouting:

4.1 Advantages
⦁ Improves the strength, stiffness, and durability of soil and rock formations
⦁ Fills voids and cracks in the ground, reducing the risk of settlement or
collapse
⦁ Reduces permeability and controls groundwater, preventing erosion and soil
loss
⦁ Can be used to repair and strengthen existing structures, extending their
lifespan
⦁ Can be customized to suit the specific application and soil conditions
⦁ Can be performed without excavation, minimizing disruption to the
surrounding area

4.2 Disadvantages
⦁ Can be expensive, especially for large-scale projects
⦁ Requires specialized equipment and expertise to perform effectively
⦁ May not be suitable for certain soil or rock types
⦁ Can cause unintended consequences if not performed correctly, such as
excessive pressure or displacement of soil

CHAPTER 5
GROUTING TECHNIQUES
There are several techniques used in grouting, each with its own advantages and
disadvantages. The most common grouting techniques are:
5.1 Pressure Grouting
Pressure grouting involves injecting the grout material into the ground under

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pressure, forcing it into the voids and cracks. The pressure can be applied from the
surface or through a borehole, depending on the application
The pressure can range from low pressure (less than 0.2 MPa) to high pressure (up to
70 MPa), depending on the soil conditions and the grout material.
This technique is commonly used for soil stabilization, ground improvement, and
concrete repair.
There are several types of pressure grouting, including:
Permeation Grouting: a low-pressure injection technique used to fill the pores and
cracks in soil or rock formations to increase their strength and stiffness.
Compaction Grouting: a high-pressure injection technique used to densify loose or
poorly compacted soil by filling voids with grout material.
Jet Grouting: a high-pressure injection technique used to create a column of soil-
cement mixture by mixing the soil in place with the grout material.

5.2 Chemical Grouting

Chemical grouting is a technique used in construction and civil engineering to

improve the properties of soils, rock, and other porous materials by injecting a
chemical solution into the ground. The chemical solution typically consists of a
reactive polymer or resin that solidifies when it comes into contact with water or
moisture.
Chemical grouting is commonly used to stabilize soils and prevent water infiltration
in construction projects such as tunnels, dams, and foundations. It can also be used to
repair cracks and voids in concrete and masonry structures.
The process of chemical grouting involves drilling holes into the ground or structure
and injecting the chemical solution under pressure. The solution then reacts with the
water or moisture present in the ground to form a solid, impermeable mass. The
injection process is carefully controlled to ensure that the chemical solution is
distributed evenly throughout the soil or structure.
Chemical grouting has several advantages over traditional grouting techniques, such

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as its ability to penetrate fine-grained soils and the fact that it can be used to fill voids
and cracks of any size and shape. It is also relatively quick and easy to install, and
can be used in areas with limited access.
Overall, chemical grouting is a highly effective and versatile technique for improving
soil and structural stability and preventing water infiltration.

5.3 Preplaced Aggregate Grouting

Preplaced aggregate grouting involves the placement of a layer of aggregate or sand
into the voids or cracks in the ground, followed by the injection of a grout material to
fill the remaining voids. This technique is commonly used for the stabilization of
loose soils or the filling of voids in concrete structures. Preplaced Aggregate
Grouting (PAG) is a method of ground improvement used in geotechnical
engineering. It involves the placement of a coarse aggregate (such as gravel) in the
soil, which is then grouted with a cement or chemical grout. This creates a reinforced
column or zone of improved soil strength, stability and reduced permeability. PAG
can be used to improve the load-bearing capacity of soil, stabilize slopes, and reduce
settlement in weak or loose soils. It is often used in construction projects such as
bridge abutments, retaining walls, and foundation support systems.

5.4 Compaction Grouting

Compaction grouting is a ground improvement technique that involves injecting a
stiff mortar-like material into the ground under high pressure to compact and
stabilize loose, soft or liquefiable soils. The grout material typically consists of
cement, water and sometimes additional additives such as sand or fly ash.
The process starts by drilling a small diameter hole into the ground at the desired
injection location. The grout material is then injected into the hole under high
pressure, causing it to displace the surrounding soil and compact it. The grout then
hardens, creating a more stable soil mass.
Compaction grouting is often used to improve the load-bearing capacity of soils for
foundation support or to mitigate settlement and liquefaction hazards. It can also be

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used to stabilize slopes, fill voids, and control groundwater flow.
One advantage of compaction grouting is that it can be performed with minimal
disruption to existing structures and infrastructure. However, it requires careful
planning and execution by experienced professionals to ensure that the grout is
injected at the right depth and in the right quantity to achieve the desired results.

CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION
Grouting is a versatile and effective construction method that can be used to improve
the strength, stiffness, and durability of soil and rock formations, fill voids and
cracks, reduce permeability, and control groundwater. The choice of grouting
technique depends on the specific application and soil conditions, as well as the
desired outcome. While grouting has many advantages, it also has some
disadvantages and requires specialized equipment and expertise to perform
effectively. Overall, grouting is a valuable tool in the construction industry that can
extend the lifespan of structures and improve the safety and stability of the
surrounding environment. Grouting is a process of injecting a fluid material into the
ground or a structure to fill voids, strengthen the surrounding soil or rock, and seal
cracks or joints. There are several types of grouting, including cementitious grouting,
chemical grouting, bentonite grouting, and polymer grouting. Grouting is important
in various industries, including construction, civil engineering, geotechnical
engineering, and mining. Grouting techniques include pressure grouting, vacuum
grouting, permeation grouting, and jet grouting. Factors that affect grouting include
soil and rock conditions, grout properties, injection pressure and rate, and grouting
equipment and technique. Quality control and monitoring are important to ensure the
effectiveness of the grouting process.
Future developments in grouting technology may include the use of advanced
materials, such as nanomaterials, to create stronger and more durable grouts.
Additionally, there may be advancements in grouting equipment and techniques, such
as the use of robotics and automation to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the

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grouting process.
Grouting is an important process in various industries, providing structural support,
preventing water infiltration, and improving the stability and durability of structures.
With continued advancements in technology and materials, grouting will continue to
be an important tool for engineers and construction professionals.

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