Jet Grouting?Uses for Soil Improvement

Welsh, Joseph P.; Burke, George K.; ,

Jet Grouting?Uses for Soil Improvement

by Joseph P. Welsh, Hayward Baker Inc, Odenton, United States,
George K. Burke, Hayward Baker Inc, Odenton, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Geotechnical Engineering Congress?1991

Abstract:

The frequency of use of any engineering technique depends mainly on the technical feasibility and economics of the system. In geotechnical engineering, the more problems a construction technique can solve, and the more soil types in which it is effective, the more applications will be available for the system's use. Jet Grouting was first utilized in the United States in the early 1980's and its steady growth has been based on its many geotechnical applications and its effectiveness in a wide range of soils. There are three types of Jet Grouting: the single rod, the double rod and the triple rod systems. This paper will discuss the triple rod system, which uses a high pressure, horizontal water/air jet to cut and remove the soil while the void created is simultaneously filled by the injection of an engineered grout. The final product, called Soilcrete, has the required engineering characteristics to support foundation loads with minimal settlement, to function as excavation support, or to serve as both foundation and excavation support in a single operation. With underpinning of foundations frequently being performed adjacent to proposed excavations, this dual capability increases the system's economic viability. Complementing the triple rod system's versatility is the continued development of equipment capable of working in very tight conditions, including low headroom or within operational buildings. The growing need to solve waste problems offers the latest challenge to the engineering community, including the geotechnical engineer, particularly when contaminants are uncovered beneath existing structures.

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