Study on workability and durability of calcined ginger nuts-based grouts used in anchoring conservation of earthen sites

In this study, calcined ginger nuts (CGN) grouts admixed by fly ash (F) and quartz sand (S) was investigated on its suitability for anchoring use in earthen sites. According to requirement for the consistency of grout, the mix proportions were determined with 0.45 for CGN_F, 0.33 for CGN_S and 0.35 for CGN_F_S, by mass, to study their physical and mechanical property and durability. Test results indicated that use of fly ash can prolong the initial setting time of grout and admixture by fly ash and quartz sand leaded to lowest density and shrinkage, higher porosity, and highest strength. Accelerated aging tests indicated that admixture by fly ash led to a high resistance to fluctuation of temperature and humidity, sulfate attack and alkali environment; meanwhile, admixture by quartz sand resulted in high resistance to freeze-thaw action and water environment. As a compromise, CGN_F_S can get predominant durability. The paper shows that CGN_F_S grout is basically compatible to earthen sites and suitable for anchoring use in the conservation of earthen sites in terms of workability and durability.