Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

Abstract: Ground improvement techniques have been improved over recent years and
have more applicability in soils with weak geotechnical features. This paper focuses on the
ground improvement technique of Jet grouting, referring to its most relevant aspects. In this
context, a brief explanation of the various ground improvement techniques is presented.
References are also made to its various and most common applications. Their systems,
relevant parameters, procedures, equipment used, advantages and disadvantages and quality
control are also addressed. In order to achieve a better understanding of the ground
improvement technique operation - Jet grouting, a case study regarding the construction of
Cais do Jardim do Tabaco is presented. This construction was not the only aspect to take into
consideration, as the results of the quality control and instrumentation were also important
elements for a better characterization of the problems that may arise in geotechnical
constructions. The paper continues with a comparative analysis between some possible ground
improvements solutions, taking into consideration the objectives of the case study.

Key words: Ground improvement technique; Jet grouting; quality control; instrumentation.

1. Introduction
1.1.

Some of the existing ground improvement techniques

Chapter 1 presents a brief overview of the various ground improvement techniques in

existence as well as an explanation of the importance of the Jet grouting technique, in
particular. In addition, this chapter offers a definition and provides a description of the historical
evolution of the ground improvement technique under study.
The application of ground improvement techniques has become increasingly frequent in
recent times, given that urban areas suffer from a high level of occupation and that, when
available, these same soils tend to be of poor quality for construction. As such, a need to
develop various ground improvement techniques-was perceived.
Some examples of ground improvement techniques include: Preloading; Trench;
Vibrocompaction; Pile-driving; Pudding in situ; Dynamics and explosive pudding; Thermical
Treatment; Jet grouting e Deep Mixing; transfer plataforms. Among these drainage ditches,
vibrocompaction, Jet grouting and Deep Mixing are highlighted.
It is possible following an adequate analysis of the situation in question, to chose the most
suitable technique, according to the conditionals, including type of soil, water table, frontier
conditions, among others.

1.2.

Definition and Importance of the Technique

The ground improvement technique, known as Jet grouting, aims to improve the
geotechnical characteristics of the soil. This technique takes place solely within the soil without
previous excavation necessary, via the injection of cement grout under high pressure (from 20
to 40 MPa) and high velocity. The injection of cement grout takes place via horizontal jets,

Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

resulting from the transformation of potential energy from the pumping of the cement grout into
kinetic energy. This energy is able to disaggregate the natural structure of the soil, thereby
mixing the soil particles with the cement grout which, in turn, creates a substance with improved
mechanical characteristics and decreased permeability when compared to the original soil. [1]
It is worth noting that this technique does not require previous excavation and may be
executed in any type of soil (see figure 1), utilizing different directions, and within the soil layers
strictly necessary. This technique offers great potential when compared to other soil techniques,
making Jet grouting a very competitive alternative. [2]
Jet grouting should be used under the following conditions:

When the soil offers insufficient resistance to support a loading change, or shift, in its
respective stress state, via incrementation (cargo capacity) or relief (excavation);

When the soil is excessively permeable, unable to impede undesirable subterranean

water flow. [1]

Figure 1 - Jet Grouting versatility [1]

The Jet grouting techniques offers great versatility in what concerns soil improvement,
given that it can be applied to a wide variety of soil types. It may be used in incoherent soil,
such as sand, gravel, and duly recessed, as well as in cohesive soils such as clay and silt (see
figure 1);
Figure 2 illustrates the various possible applications of this technique.

a) Vertical impervious barrier wall using

overlapping jet grout bodies.

b)

Soil

improvement

underneath

existing buildings.

Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

c) Underpinning of existing buildings.

d) Horizontal canopy for tunneling.

Figure 2 - Some Jet Grouting applications [3].

2. Jet grouting
2.1.

Jet Systems

The Jet grouting technique has evolved significantly, in order to better suit the diverse
situations in which it has been applied. As such, there was perceived a need to develop various
injection systems, which are as follows:

Jet System 1 or simple;

Jet System 2 or double;

Jet System 3 or triple.

The choice of the injection system should be the most appropriate, taking into consideration
the characteristics of the soil, the objectives of the intervention, the deadline of the construction
and associated costs, thereby achieving the desired characteristics and providing the best
possible column behaviour. With respect to the simple jet system, this system injects only
cement grout at high pressure in coherent soils with a 5 <Nspt <10 and in incoherent soils with
a Nspt <20, (figure 3). Regarding the double jet system, this system provides not only a cement
grout jet but also a second water or compressed air jet. This system is applied in coherent soils
with a Nspt <10 and in incoherent soils with a Nspt <50. The procedure is similar to that used by
the simple jet system. However, various coaxials are utilized, that is to say that during the
injection phase, the cement grout circulates via the interior feed rods at high pressure and the
compressed air, generated by a compressor, passes through the ring space, with the two feed
rods serving as frontiers. At the common exit site, the grout jet is surrounded by compressed air,
thereby increasing its range. This system is used to stabilize soils, impervious panels and to
foundations reinforcement (figure 4). Lastly, the triple jet system likewise possesses two
nozzles. One injects cement grout while the other injects compressed air and water (see figure
5). This method aims to halt the effects of soil erosion and to fill and/or mix the disaggregated
soil. Each jet possesses a different purpose. [5]

The water jet is used to destroy the structure of the soil. Part of the injected water exits
via the hole, bringing with it some of the eroded soil.
3

Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

Air nozzle: Air is injected through the same water nozzle surrounding it and increasing
the disruptive effect. The air jet also causes the emulsion of the mixture water and soil
erosion reducing its density and facilitating their exit to the outside.

Grout nozzle: The grout injected through a second nozzle positioned below the air and
water nozzle, mixes with the soil, resulting in a solidified body.

It can be performed in consistent soil of Nspt <15 and in incoherent soils of Nspt <50. It is
generally used in foundation building, excavations, soil permeability reduce and soil
stabilization. [5]

Figure 3 - Jet System I. [6]

Figure 4 - Jet System II. [6].

Figure 5 - Jet System III. [6]

Table 1 depicts the typical values for the different parameters that vary depending on the
system:
Table 1 - Jet Grouting parametrs.
Simple system

Doublesystem

Triple system

Mn.

Mx.

Mn.

Mx.

Mn.

Mx.

Grout injection pressure (MPa)

20

60

30

60

Grout flow (l/min)

40

120

70

150

70

150

Air injection pressure (MPa)

0.6

1.2

0.6

1.2

Air flow (l/min)

2000

6000

2000

6000

Water injection pressure (MPa)

20

50

Water flow (l/min)

70

150

1.5

1.5

1.5

Rotation speed (rpm)

10

25

10

10

Uplifting speed (rpm)

10

50

30

30

Grout injection
(mm)
Diameters

Water injection
(mm)
Air injection (mm)

Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

2.2.

Jet Grouting parameters

To better adapt the technique to the soil it is necessary to perform geotechnical analysis to
determine soil conditions. So through that information can adopt the most appropriate system
Jet to the soil type. The essential characteristics of the geotechnical analysis are aggregate
grading, density, water content, cohesion and soil friction angle. It is through these factors that
the system and the construction process are defined. Knowledge of characteristics is possible
through in situ and laboratory tests. [1]
It appears that the larger aggregate grading greater diameters are obtained for the
columns. Soils that have a higher amount of fines clays and silts resulting in smaller column
diameter since it has greater plasticity and therefore greater consistency and cohesion, thus
increasing the difficult of disintegration the grain and unite them to cement. It cases the
application of higher pressures in grouting. However, the opposite happens with grosser soil
sands and gravels as it has almost no cohesion, thus facilitating their disintegration. Note that
the initial soil characteristics are one high importance aspect since this technique doesnt result
from the replacement of soil but a mixture of binder with soil. [1]
When it wants to perform a Jet grouting work is necessary to define a set of parameters in
the project design, such as:

Uplifting speed;

Rotation speed;

Binder fluid pressure;

Grout injection;

Flow injected;

Number of nozzles;

Water/cement ratio.

Jet grouting technique is unique in that it can be applicable in almost any situation, since no
excavation is required for its implementation and equipment are relatively small when compared
with other equipment in civil engineering. The technique can be applied with several geometries
depending on the objective, such as: [1]

Circular columns;

Semi-circular columns;

Circular sector columns;

Simple panel;

Mixed solution with panels and columns.

Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

2.3.

Constructive process and equipment

As mentioned in chapter 1, Jet Grouting technique has the purpose of disintegrateing the
original soil and mix it with cement grout, improving soil qualities.
This process comprises three main phases: [5]

Cut: The initial soil structure is disintegrated and the soil fragments are dispersed by the
action of one or more horizontal jets of high velocity.

Mixing and partial replacement: Some soil particles or soil fragments are replaced and
the others are mixed with the injected grout.

Cementing: The soil particles or soil fragments are bonded together becoming
consolidated body.

However, the building process begins at drilling and, afterwards, the grout is injected as
described above, and finally the column is sealed. [5]
The equipment used in the application technique are the cement silo, central mixer,
injection pump, compressor (Jet 2 and Jet 3) and the drilling/injection machine. [1]

2.4.

Quality control

The quality control has a high relevance in a project since it is difficult to ensure that the
parameters described at design, regarding the Jet Grouting technique, correspond to those
obtained.
Thus, it is necessary to perform test-columns in order to define if the adopted parameters
are acceptable. After a test column is executed, the visual geometry is inspected and
subsequently some specimens are collected, in order to perform laboratory test such as the
uniaixal compression test. During the execution of the Jet Grouting technique, the following
parameters are observed, through equipment software: drilling speed; drilling pressure; drilling
depth; cement quantity consumed; injection pressure and pass.
The importance of the occurrence of reflux must be addressed. If there is no reflux, the
information of jet columns may be compromised by the formation of balls instead. Reflux must
submit a soil, thus demonstrating that the soil-cement mixture is developing as desired. [1]

2.5.

Advantages and disadvantages

The versatility of this technique must be highlighted, since it can be applied to a wide range
of soil types and is not conditioned by the soils permeability in question, as well as works
efficiency is greater when compared with traditional solutions.
Jet grouting technique presents a very wide applicability, since it can be used in places of
limited space, such as excavations and tunnels, as well as in places of difficult accessibility. Jet
machines can be small and not very heavy therefore easy to move. Another very important
aspect when building in urban areas are noise and vibration control. The Jet grouting came
improve these effects resulting in reduced noise and vibration. [1]

Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

However, the limited tensile resistance, as well as the techniques strict quality control are
needed in order to obtain an element in Jet grouting with the characteristics set out in draft. The
risks of ground lifting, subsoil settlement and subsoils chemical aggressiveness are the main
constraints of this technique that should be avoided through a strict quality control. [5]

3. Study case
The main tasks studied in the scope of the present study are related to the closure and fill
of the dock which had undertaken the soil improvement with columns Jet grouting. This contract
was the of a consortium consisting of the following companies: Somague, Seth and OFM.
Hagen was the company responsible for work on Jet grouting.
Regarding geological settings, the results of soils classification were obtained through a
site exploration, more specifically through CPTU tests. This categorizes the soil in various
geotechnical areas, as seen in table 2
Table 2 - Soil classification.

Geotechnical
Area

Classification

- Streght
angle ()

C -Apparenent
Cohesion (KPa)

- Wet Specific
3
Weight (KN/m )

E (MPa)

Aterros

30

18

10

ZG3

Lodos argilosos

19

15

ZG2

Lodos arenosos

25

10

17

20

ZG1

Areias Siltosas

30

10

18

10

During execution the project several constraints were taken into consideration, namely the
geological and geotechnical conditions, the surrounding hydrographic and construction
conditions, affected services as well as the execution time.
Foundations design was performed taking into consideration of reinforced concrete
structure of the underground Docking. Thus, according to the structure loads, it was expected to
support all the structural piers with tubular steel N80 - API5A 244, 5x16, 0 150mm
(A500/A550) micropiles , sealed inside 1800mm Jet grouting columns duly recessed to the
level of sandy silts in the transition to the Miocene substrate so as to allow transmission of loads
primarily by lateral friction.
The docks closure was assured through a curtain of sheet piling, resting on a reinforced
concrete structure founded on piles. It also presented the Jet grouting 1200 mm / / 1.0 m
curtain implementation along the alignment within the walls of the dock, minimizing the influx of
water inside the dock during the swash hours. Despite this concern, there was a localized top
rupture, which required repair and reinforcement solutions that minimized the risk of recurrence
the identified pathologies. [7]
Taking into account the studied solution for the underground car park indirect foundation
implementation, the following constructive phasing was proposed:

Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

1- Docks closure through a curtain of sheet piling resting on a reinforced concrete structure
founded on piles;
2- Execution of Jet grouting columns test in order to verify the considered parameters;
3- Execution of part of the docks fill, including the area along the walls to a height of +4.5
m (ZH), for the execution of Jet grouting columns of the peripheral curtain;
4- Execution of the peripheral curtain of Jet grouting 1200 mm / 1.0 m columns in order,
to decrease the permeability of the ground along the underside of the front walls of the dock;
5- Execution of the temporary work platform inside the dock to a height of +1.95 m
(ZH).This platform consists of two biaxial geogrid (SS30 + SS20 geotextile) and two layers of
tout-venant (both approximately 50 cm thick). At the first geogrid placement (geotextile) two
layers with different directions were placed in order to prevent the removal of various pieces of
geogrid when the scraper moves;
6- Execution of 1500 mm Jet grouting columns for mud treatment and support of the
temporary weight transfer platform. The columns consists of horizontal alignments or triangles
(zigzag) to improve the stability of the work platform;
7- Throughout the work execution, tests have been made for quality control.
8- Placement of granular material to a height of +4.00. The pudding is performed by
hydraulic compression and, in the last 0.50 meters, by dynamic compression.
In the course of the work several tests were performed in order to verify that the columns
had the correct appearance.
Table 3 - Jet Grouting parametrs.

Column

Pressure Jet type Nozzle

Cement

[bar]

(1/2)

[mm]

C/A

Kg/m

1/1200

340

0.8

4/1500

380

4.5

1.2

Lenght [m]
3

Pass

Hole

Column

I [cm]

t [seg]

300

3.5

10

600

3.5

16

Table 4 - Results of uniaxial compression tests.

Sample
Test
specimen
Reference
age
[days]
Coluna 4/1500 P1
36
Coluna 4/1500 P2
36
Coluna 1/1200 P1
56
Coluna 1/1200 P2
56

Date

18/12/2009

E [GPa]

Stress rupture,
[MPa]

0.67
0.70
0.52
0.50

4.37
5.68
3.57
2.88

Table 3 presents some selected parameters form 1200 mm and 1500 mm, while table 4
present the results obtained from the uniaxial compression tests performed in order to evaluate
which present the most adequate behavior.
8

Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

According to the quality control planning, tests were conducted in several columns and the
results were quite satisfactory (Stress rupture >3.7 MPa and E>0.5 GPa). All tested parameters
values were higher than those defined in the project, as it can be seen in table 4.
The Instrumentation and Monitoring Plan is a key element in this work and intends to
prevent and manage risk, ensuring that the interventions are performed safely and on budget,
analysis as well the behavior of nearby structures and infrastructure during and after the
execution.
Through the equipment installed at the work site has been possible to obtain results of four
topographical marks. The instrumentation and monitoring plan of the work allowed the
observation of the progress and understanding of the entire operation. The first visit to the work
took place on November 13, 2009 and three columns had been performed although there was a
lot of instability on the fill that was acceptable despite the discomfort.
The visit was aimed at observing the technique since the start of drilling until the grouting
began. The second visit took place on November 20, 2009. The geogrid and the fill had been
extended, a machine was grouting and the Northeast side of the dock hadnt yet started work on
the Jet grouting. The Grouting parameters remained similar to those observed on the first visit.
In the following visits the evolution of work, on both the Northwest and Northeast, was
observed.
Some stages of the grouting technique, observed in the work visits are present in table 5.

Work visits

Date

1 Visit

November 13, 2009

2 Visit

November 20, 2009

3 Visit

December 4, 2009

4 Visit

December 10, 2009

5 Visit

December 18, 2009

6 Visit

January 27, 010

Fill evolution

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Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

Table 5 - Stages of the work.

Work visits

Date

7 Visit

February 9, 2010

8 Visit

March 9, 2010

9 Visit

May 20, 2010

10 Visit

Augost 12, 2010

11 Visit

Fill evolution

September 15 ,
2010

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4. Comparative analysis
This chapter includes a comparative analysis between techniques that can be developed in
the cope of the case study presented. The non-use of gravel columns is explained with more
emphasis.
Based on the calculation models produced by a finite element program and through
analysis, it was found that the phenomena of sludges (silt) consolidation induce increases
stresses and significant strain in micropiles of walls heading. This phenomenon is due to
displacements when the chosen soils treatment technique is vibrocompaction. Thus alternative
soils treatment solutions were considered. [8]
After an analysis of the various ground improvement methods, the solutions which are more
compatible with the proposed target are soil-cement panels or columns of Jet grouting and
initially gravel columns which was rules for the reason mentioned earlier. [8]
By examining the hypotheses of Jet grouting and soil-cement panels, it can be concluded
that are very similar although, for political/administrative reasons, Columns of Jet grouting
were chosen.
As previously stated in chapter 3, Jet grouting columns are the solution which enables the
flexibility and compatibility with the raised floors structural solution and minimizes risks to
structures and surrounding infrastructures.

5. Conclusions
Jet grouting technique depends on several factors in order to achieve the intended final
result, among which the soil characteristics, the Jet grouting parameters and objective of the
implementation stand out. In order to select the appropriate Jet system and define the ideal
parameters is necessary to gather all the relevant geotechnical information. The test columns
are performed in order to validate the correspondence between the values registered in situ and
what is defined in the project. In this context, quality control in stage procedure is of special
relevance.
The paper provides a first approach to the comprehension of the Jet grouting techniques, in
particular by following a real case study. Throughout the work, strict quality control and rigorous
analysis of the results obtained by the instrumentation installed in the fill of the Dock were
performing.
Thoughout the filling of the Dock, test columns were executed in order to evaluate the
visual aspect and collect the specimens to tested under uniaxial compression in the laboratory,
thus determining the soil-cement tensile strength (3,7 [MPa]) and deformabilidade (0,5 [GPa]).
In addition to the test column performed to measure the diameter and the grouting parameters
was conducted one more test in February. The results of these test showed quite favorable
values.
Through the instrumentation equipment installed in the Dock, the pathologie related to the
closure of the docks were evaluated. The method chosen to evaluate undesirable situations in

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Ground Improvement Technique Jet Grouting

this type of work is the analysis of the obtained displacements. Observation and instrumentation
is a simple method to understand the behavior of Jet grouting columns.
The development of Jet grouting technique may be associated with the evolution of drilling
and grouting control software and with instrumentation development. As previously state, the
quality control and the instrumentation are factors of utmost importance so is with the
improvement of these elements that the Jet grouting technique may be perfected.
Comparing different possible solutions with the solution adopted in Study Case it possible
to conclude that the Jet grouting technique is the most adequate taking into account the
proposed objectives. However, if the structural design of raised floors has been finished, the
execution of micropiles incorporated in Jet for medium loads could have been a possible
solution. In the case of high loads the pile-driving would also be a possibility to consider.

References
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Pinto, Alexandre e Falco. Lisboa : Tuneis e obras subterneas em meio urbano.Sociedade
portuguesa de getecnia., 2010;
[3]. Bilfinger Berger Foundations. [Online] Bilfinger Berger Foudantions. [Citao: 30 de
Junho

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[4]. Novatecna. Historial. Novatecna. [Online] Novatecna. [Citao: 20 de Junho de 2010.]
[5]. Jet Grouting. Uma tecnica em desenvolvimento. Carreto, Joana. Porto : VII Congresso
Nacional de Geotecnia - Faculdade de Eng. do Porto, 2000;
[6]. Hayward Baker. [Online] [Citao: 30 de Junho de 2010.];
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[8].Pinto, Alexandre e Tomsio, Rui . Influencia da consolidao forada dos lodos da
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