Influence of technological parameters on the properties of jet grouting columns detected with full scale experiments

Abstract

Jet grouting induces a complex interaction between soil and injected fluids, and thus the properties of columns are dictated by a combination of the two systems. Aiming to improve the efficiency of projects and optimize execution, past research has focused on the prediction of the column properties understanding the mechanisms underlaying treatment execution. For the complexity of phenomena and the uncertain determination of soil properties, the question can be only partially addressed on the theoretical level, being important answers left to the empiricism of field trials, i.e. full scale experiments carried out to test specific jet grouting solutions on specific sites. The present paper reports the results of a field experiment whose peculiarity consists in being conceived to investigate the role of technology on a wider spectrum. Single and double fluid injection systems with various parameters have been simultaneously performed on a subsoil characterized by in situ tests. Columns have then been discovered to measure their diameter and samples of cemented material have been cored and subjected to uniaxial compressive tests. Results are herein summarized and compared with literature solutions to point out strength and deficiencies of currently adopted conceptual models.

Keywords

• jet grouting
• single fluid system
• double fluid system
• field trial tests
• geometry prediction of jet grouting columns