Soilcrete Jet Grouting
Pictures
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Contact information
- Dominic Gibbon
- 01937 541118
- geotechnique@keller.co.uk
Process
Jet grouting is a procedure for the insitu construction of solidified ground of pre-determined shape, size and depth, to a designed characteristic (strength, permeability, flexibility). This solidified ground is known as Soilcrete.
Advantages
- A more predictable degree of soil improvement.
- A high level of permeability control.
- Geometric flexibility.
- Improved cost forecasting over alternative processes.
- Minimal vibration and noise.
- Ability to operate in headroom as low as 3.0m.
- Minimum site disturbance and limited working space required.
- Only environmentally acceptable grouts are used in the process.
- Installation beneath foundations from outside building.
- Encapsulation of obstructions including services.
Method
Soil is loosened by the jetting action of high pressure water often sheathed in a cone of air. The loosened soil is partially removed to the surface via air-lift pressure as the remaining soil is simultaneously mixed with grout.
Product
A homogeneous Soilcrete mass with the following typical characteristics:
Quality Control
- Site monitoring of lift speeds, rotation, depth and the pressures and flow rates of grout, water and air.
- Trial columns where appropriate.
- Grout mix quality control tests.
- Insitu sampling where appropriate.
- Measurement of the specific gravity of the grout waste slurry.
Grout types
Environmentally acceptable and durable cement-based or cement/bentonite grouts are used.
British Museum, Great court project - Soilcrete jet grouting has been used to maximise development space permit the construction of a 9m deep underground conference centre immediately adjacent to the British Library Round Reading Room. Working in very restricted space, Soilcrete jet grouting was used for underpinning and to form gravity retaining walls, as well as control ground water within the deep excavation.
