Effects of cementitious grout components on rheological properties

Abstract The impacts of rheological properties of cementitious grouts on the quality of curtain and consolidation grouting cannot be ignored. A series of experiments are carried out to investigate the effects of the components of cementitious grouts on the rheological properties. Moreover, the rheological mechanism and applicable formations of the slurries are discussed. The results show that the rheological properties of clay-cement slurry (CCS) are related to the water/solid ratio and clay dosage. Using CCS to form grouting curtain in strata with large porosity can solve the problem of slurry leakage and dramatically reduce costs. The rheological properties of clay-cement pasty slurry (CCPS) are mainly related to the modifier dosage. With the increase of modifier dosage, the rheological phenomenon of the CCPS shifts from rheopexy to thixotropy. The fact that CCPS has a strong scouring resistance makes it applicable in strata that are rushed by dynamic water. The rheological properties of clay-cement-sand pasty slurry (CCSPS) are related to the sand/cement ratio and modifier dosage. Adding sand can remarkably increase the initial yield stress and viscosity. CCSPS can be the optimal grouting material for impervious grouting in strata where there is a high consumption of slurry or high velocity of groundwater flow.