Estimation of grout distribution in a fractured rock by numerical modeling

• Main Author: Rahmani, Helia
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/7380

Grouting has been used over the past two centuries to increase the strength, decrease the deformation and reduce the permeability of soils or fractured rocks. Due to its significance in engineering and science predicting grout effectiveness in fractured rocks is of interest. There are different approaches to estimate the effectiveness of grouting, one of which is numerical modeling. Numerical models can simulate distribution of grout inside fractures by which the effectiveness of grout can be estimated. Few numerical studies have been carried out to model grout penetration in fractured rocks. Due to complexities of modeling grout and fracture most of these studies have either used simplifying assumptions or been bound to small sizes of fractures, both resulting in unrealistic simulations. The current work aims to eliminates some of the simplifying assumptions and develop a model that can improve the reliability of the results. In reality grouts are believed to behave as a Bingham fluid, but many models do not consider a full Bingham fluid flow solution due to its complexity. Also, real fractures have rough surfaces with randomly varying apertures. However, some models consider fractures as planes with two parallel sides and a constant aperture. In the current work the Bingham fluid flow equation are solved numerically over a stochastically varying aperture fracture. To simplify the equations and decrease the computational time the current model substitutes two-dimensional elements by one-dimensional pipes with equivalent properties. The model is capable of simulating the time penetration of grout in a mesh of fracture over a rather long period of time. The results of the model can be used to predict the grout penetration for different conditions of fractures or grout.