Diffusion mechanism of grouting in porous fractured sandstone under high-temperature conditions
ZHOU Yuan1, ZHAO Xinwang1, 2, LIU Xuewei1, LIU Bin1*, TIAN Maolin2, YIN Zhaoting1, 2
(1. Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; 2.College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China)
Abstract：Deep underground engineering often occurs in environments with high ground temperatures, which significantly impact the diffusion characteristics of grout in fractured rock masses. Understanding the diffusion mechanism of grout in these conditions is crucial for the design of grouting reinforcement parameters in deep high-temperature engineering projects. This study utilizes the Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR) monitoring system to conduct Bingham-type grout diffusion experiments under varying temperature conditions. Real-time observations and analyses were performed on the diffusion characteristics—including grouting volume evolution, permeability, and relative filling degree—of grout in porous fractured sandstone at different temperatures.
Furthermore, using the Finite-Discrete Element Method (FDEM) numerical simulation, this research investigated the effects of temperature on the diffusion characteristics (diffusion distance, grouting pressure evolution, and flow rate) of Bingham-type grout in porous fractured sandstone, as well as the evolution of fracture aperture. By integrating experimental and numerical simulation results, we elucidated the diffusion mechanism of grout in fractured rock masses at elevated ground temperatures. The findings reveal that high temperatures accelerate the hydration process of grout, resulting in increased plastic viscosity and significantly inhibiting the diffusion performance of the grout. At 80 °C, the grouting volume decreased by 40.5% compared to 20 °C, while the permeability of both the effective grouting section and the overall section declined by 33.7% and 31.1%, respectively. Higher temperatures correspond to shorter grout diffusion distances over the same time period and greater grouting pressure requirements for achieving similar diffusion distances (the grouting pressure in the hole increased by 70% at 80 °C compared to 20 °C). This phenomenon is attributed to the increased hydrolysis reaction rate of ethylene glycol diacetate at elevated temperatures, which generates more acetic acid, accelerates its polymerization reaction with sodium silicate, and produces additional gel. This process raises the plastic viscosity of the grout and enhances the shear interaction between the grout and the fracture walls, significantly increasing the grouting pressure necessary to advance the grout front. Under these conditions, the effective diffusion distance of grout in fractures is markedly shorter than at room temperature. With the continuous application of grouting pressure, the grout at the expansion front tends to penetrate into the surrounding rock matrix, continuously consuming the grout’s kinetic energy and thereby diminishing its capacity to further promote front expansion. The results of this research provide a theoretical foundation and technical reference for grouting engineering in high-temperature strata.
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2026, Vol. 45 
