A grouting simulation method for quick-setting slurry in karst conduit: The sequential flow and solidification method

Abstract

It is difficult to temporally and spatially track and characterize the slurry viscosity in flowing water during grouting simulation. In this study, a sequential flow and solidification (SFS) method considering the spatial-temporal evolution of slurry viscosity in flowing water in karst conduit is proposed. First, a time-dependent model for the threshold function of slurry viscosity is established. During the grouting process, the spatial-temporal evolution of slurry viscosity is revealed by tracking the diffusion behavior of the slurry injected at different times. This method is capable of describing the gradual solidification process of the slurry during grouting. Furthermore, a physical model of grouting in a karst conduit is developed. Second, the effectiveness of the SFS method in grouting simulation is verified by the experiment of grouting conduit in flowing water. The SFS method enables real-time monitoring of fluid velocity and pressure during grouting in flowing water and provides a feasible calculation method for revealing the grouting plugging mechanism in complex karst conduits at different engineering scales. In addition, it can be used to guide the design of grouting tests in flowing water, improve cost efficiency, and provide theoretical basis for optimizing grouting design and slurry selection.

Keywords

• Karst conduit
• Sequential flow and solidification (SFS)
• Quick-setting slurry
• Grouting simulation method
• Grouting in flowing water