Compaction Grouting

Compaction Grouting uses controlled displacement to increase the density of soft or loose soils. It is typically used for settlement control, structural re-leveling, and remediation of sinkholes. A small diameter (2” – 4”) steel casing is advanced through the zone to be improved, and a stiff mortar-like grout is injected at high pressure to displace and compact and the surrounding soils. Pumping is continued as the grout casing is withdrawn, forming a larger diameter (12” – 18”) column of interconnected grout bulbs. As they form, they intensely compact the soil around them. Compaction

piles can be formed in the same manner to create a continuous structural support for

foundations.

Due to relatively small injection pressure ports, compaction grouting can be performed with minimal disruption to building-use, without interference to other existing construction programs.

In our 25 years of geotechnical specialty work, Rembco has used compaction grouting to improve the ground beneath settling structures, provide excavation support, block the flow-path of viscous liquids, fill rock cracks, construct underpinning, densify footing soils, remediate threatening sinkholes, and re-level roads, bridges, towers and existing structures.

 

Grouting Literature

Core-drill a hole through the foot of the foundation.

Drive steel casing through drilled hole down to bedrock or to a pre-calculated soil friction depth.

Pump a thick, cementitious grout, at high pressure, down to the bottom of the steel casing.

Continue pumping at high pressure until the grout expands and forms a cohesive bulb at end of steel casing – displacing and compacting all soil around it.

Power lift steel casing approximately one foot while continuing to pump – forming a second grout bulb above the first one.

Withdraw the steel casing in a series of one foot “lifts” up to the footing of the foundation and  continue pressure injections, which creates an in-place concrete column of interconnected cement bulbs that is surrounded by intensely compacted soil.

Insert threaded steel bar into newly-formed compaction pile if additional column strength or support is needed.