Experimental and numerical study on a grouting diffusion model of a single rough fracture in rock mass

Abstract

Grouting reinforcement is an important method used to solve problems encountered during tunnel construction, such as collapse and water gushing. The grouting diffusion process is greatly influenced by the structural characteristics of the fractures in a rock mass. First, an analytical grouting diffusion model of a single rough fracture under constant-pressure control is established based on the constitutive equation of a Bingham fluid. Second, the “quasi-elliptical” grouting diffusion pattern under the influence of roughness is revealed through a grouting diffusion experiment, which is conducted with an independently developed visualized testing apparatus. Furthermore, the analytical formula of roughness-corrected grouting diffusion characterized by the saw tooth density is established. Finally, an elaborate numerical simulation of the diffusion process of cement slurry (Bingham flow type) in a single rough fracture is carried out by introducing the Bingham–Papanastasiou rheological model. The temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the velocity field and pressure field during the grouting diffusion process are analyzed as well. Moreover, the method and range of the roughness correction factor in the analytical grouting diffusion model are proposed based on the fracture roughness unit.