This book gives careful attention to all aspects of the field covered, starting with the fundamental concepts on subsoil characteristics through to the accurate description of a large number of grouting methods, giving their respective advantages and drawbacks. The entire book is illustrated with clear figures with information summarised in tabular form.
The first part (chapters 2-5) describes the preliminary preparations prior to opening up a work site, as regards the nature of the ground (porosity, in-situ permeability) and characteristics of a wide variety of grouts. A comprehensive review of grouting products is followed by details of the grouting methods. Constant reference is made to fluid and rock mechanics, anisotropy of the rock environment and stress conditions in relation to grouting depth. This first part closes with a description of site plant and equipment: drill rigs and grout production and injection facilities.
Part two (chapters 6-9) gives case histories illustrating the range of use of grouting methods: cut-off curtains protecting dams or other structures, consolidation grouting of soil or rocks, in excavated foundations or underground. A specialist in karstic regions, the author describes the complexity and inherent difficulties of grouting in such formations, with pertinent remarks on the cost-effectiveness of certain works. He also provides valuable information on how to vary grout pressure, flow rate and composition in order to achieve maximum efficiency. His extensive treatment of the most difficult grouting situations means that less time has, justifiably, been devoted to other categories of terrain involving less extensive means and a lower budget.
Bonding and consolidation, anchoring of bolts and tie-rods, prestressing of penstocks and underpinning of miscellaneous structures are just some of the applications described, illustrated by numerous case histories. A detailed account is given of the techniques involved, including the possibilities of use in less well-known fields.
This handbook can, therefore, be considered to be relatively comprehensive and can be recommended, even to specialists, but more particularly to geotechnical engineers whose projects are almost always subject to this technique somewhere or other. This book will enable them to gain a more detailed insight into the range of applications, the performance and limits of various grouting techniques, with the added advantage of a detailed aide-memoire to help them in preparing contracts with grouting contractors.