A Review on the Utilisation of Silica Fume and Metakaolin as Novel Grout Materials

Abstract

One of the approaches for solving challenges related to foundations, open cut excavations, landslides, rock slopes, fractured rocks and tunnelling is enhancement of soil via grouting. Two main components of soil enhancement are reduced permeability and increase in strength. To overcome reduced strength and permeability in soils and rock fissures, it has always depended on cement and lime treatment. To replace cement and lime, chemical and ultra-fine cementitious grouts are often employed to break through highly fissured rocks or fine sands. This document gives a censorious evaluation of chosen studies that used unconventional cementitious grouts in order to assist practicing engineers and promote best practice. In sand and cohesive soils, sodium silicate, colloidal silica, metakaolin, silica fume, fly ash, resins, polymers, and microfine substitutes were evaluated as grouting material. The intent of the article is to procure effective data for consultants and contractors who will be building injection works that use non-cementitious fluids in the future.