Control of rock jacking considering spread of grout and grouting pressure

• Theoretical approach for grouting rock fractures has been discussed.
• Ultimate and elastic jacking limits were established based on spread of grout.
• Different cases were studied and performance of this approach was validated.
• A methodology proposed based on this theory to optimize injection pressure.
• This theory is superior to empirical methods in optimizing grouting works.

This paper describes a theoretical approach for monitoring fracture dilatancy (or “jacking”) during grouting. From this, a methodology to optimize the grout pumping pressure has been developed, based on the required penetration length (i.e. the distance that the grout spreads from the grout hole into the network of fractures within the rock mass). Empirical rules are put forward to prevent the damage that may result from uncontrolled deformation (Jacking) of the fractures, by limiting either pumping pressure or the injected grout volume, or by a combination of both. The state of the fractures and the spread of the grout when these limits are reached are discussed. The theoretical approach, which is referred to here as the Real Time Grouting Control Method, enables the estimation of grout penetration length or “spread” in real time. This gives an opportunity to monitor fracture dilation as it happens and, for the purpose of this paper, the allowable limits of elastic deformation and jacking have been estimated based on the grout spread. Two case histories are analyzed, for which the physical reaction of the fracture deformation with time and grout spread are determined from the recorded pressure and flow. By comparing the observed physical reaction with the theories for jacking presented here, the Real Time Grouting Control Method has been validated, and it is shown that this theoretical approach is superior to commonly used empirical methods, in that it allows the optimization of the pumping pressure to achieve a given penetration length in the shortest time and with an acceptable fracture dilatancy. This approach is a major step forward in customizing grouting works.