JET GROUTED PILES

Jet grouting is a ground improvement procedure that can be utilized for underpinning, water control, earth retention, and other geotechnical challenges. It is an effective method across a wide range of soil types, including silts and most clays, making it one of the most adaptable techniques. Jet grouting is an erosion-based ground improvement technique that can be used to construct a variety of geometries, from thin vertical panels, to partial columns, to full columns of varying diameters. In some specific cases, jet grouting has offered new geotechnical solutions to practical problems, leading to a substantial improvement of the construction process and thus changing the design philosophy. Soil-cement properties such as hydraulic conductivity and strength can be modified by controlling various grouting parameters. Parameters that can be modified include drill rod extraction rate, rotation speed, grout pumping pressures, grout flow, and the specific gravity of the grout. The flexibility of equipment enables the technique to accommodate specific project requirements.

TECHNOLOGY

The jet grouting technology is based on the high-velocity injection of one or more fluids (grout, air, water) into the subsoil. The fluids are injected through small-diameter nozzles placed on a pipe that, in its usual application, is first drilled into the soil and is then raised towards the ground surface during jetting. The jet grouting process has many unique aspects that enable it to perform in ways that other ground modification techniques cannot. Jet grout is an erosional process which creates a relatively large column of soil-cement from a small borehole, the procedure enables one to treat the soil strata at depth without disturbing the soil layers above it. The mixing does not utilize a mechanical tool but with the use of fluid, which is allowed for treating against an existing structure such as bulkhead, shaft wall, or concrete pipe. Jet grouting is attractive because soil treatment can be performed even in difficult operating conditions and with relatively light equipment, working in confined spaces or in places difficult to reach by other means. Therefore, it can be conveniently used not only for the construction of new facilities but also for protecting or remediating existing ones.

APPLICATIONS

FOUNDATION RESTORATION

This involves settlement control. If the building is existing, jet grouted piles can be used as a safe foundation of the structure. If the building is not yet constrcuted, jet grouted piles can.

EARTH / ROCK ANCHORING

Jet grouted piles can be used as deadman or large diameter anchors because they have very high pullout capacity. The use of High Tensile Strands drilled into and subsequently grouted inside the jet grouted pile.

DAM SEALING

Because of very low permeability of jet grouted piles, they can be used in repairing the dam cores or enlarge cut-off walls below dams.

SHEET PILES

Jet Grouted Piles can be used as an impermeable barrier bacause of its ability to overlap in secant pile arrangement making it very water tight. Hence they can be used as sheet piles.

SHAFT SUPPORT

Jet Grouted Piles can be used as intersecting columns for ground water control whenever shaft encounter water bearing strata below. Also, jet grouted piles can be used for dividing different sections for excavation or for pipeline laying

ELEVATED ROADS AND BRIDGES

Jet Grouted Piles can be used to stabilize the soft soil below the foundation of elevated roads and bridges. Hence, they can be used as a safe foundation to reinforce existing foundations of the structure in order to prevent settlements of same.