State of the art in European grouting

Abstract

European grouting methods are undergoing rapid change at all levels, from site survey to ultimate quality control. Recent developments are mostly the outcome of environmental conservation pressures. Certain conventional grouts that are potential sources of pollution have been almost completely abandoned in many countries in favour of pure mineral grouts containing no organic materials. Computer power is benefiting grouting in widely different areas, such as soil survey by new geophysical methods, computer-aided design, computer-aided grout pump control, database display of all grouting parameters, and in situ monitoring and control by logging and geophysics. Modern grouts display better durability and less creep. Soil treatment is more closely controlled during and after grouting. It will soon be possible to design projects with grouted soil foundations that have well-defined, durable geotechnical properties.