Fundamental properties of epoxy resin-modified cement grouts

The use of additives to improve the quality of cement grouts and their effects on strength, durability and resistance to chemical erosion of grouted soil or rock mass is crucial for geotechnical engineering, especially in foundation construction. The main objective of the current laboratory project was to comprehensively investigate the potential use of a two-component water soluble epoxy resin to improve the properties of thick superplasticised cement grouts. The experiments were conducted using different epoxy resin dosages with cement grouts proportioned with a water to cement ratio of 0.5, 0.4 and 0.33. The results indicated that the addition of epoxy resin increases the 28- and 90-day compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and elastic modulus by up to 21%, 84% and 190%, respectively, despite the extension of the setting time. Additionally, the toughness, stability and resistance to acid attack of epoxy resin-modified grouts appeared to improve significantly. On the other hand, grouts containing epoxy resin exhibited higher viscosity and yield stress values ranging from 0.09 to 0.67 Pa s and 10-45 Pa, respectively. This has to be considered when the viscosity of the grout is essential.