Work

Experimental study on grouting injectivity in high-temperature environments for deep underground structures

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Deep underground structures have been extensively developed due to urban expansion and constraints on surface land use. In deep rock masses (500–1000 m), the presence of numerous joints, fractures, and high-temperature environments poses significant challenges (e.g., groundwater inflow). Accordingly, rock grouting is necessary to enhance hydraulic impermeabilities and mechanical stabilities of rock formations. For successful grouting, using grouting materials and mixing designs optimized for application under high-temperature conditions is important to ensure effective injection. In this study, the injectivity characteristics of grouting materials under high-temperature conditions were verified through viscosity and injection tests. Micro-cement and Portland cement were used as grouting materials, with water-cement ratios (W/C) of 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0, and temperatures ranging from 20 to 60 °C were employed. Viscosity measurements were conducted to analyze the effects of cement type, W/C, time, and temperature on the rheological properties of grouting materials. An experimental setup simulating a 0.5-mm single joint was utilized to evaluate injectivity by examining the injection distance and flow rate. According to the experimental findings, micro-cement with a W/C range of 2.0–3.0 was proposed as an optimal grout design for rock grouting in high-temperature environments.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2026.109348

Authors: Jo-Hyun Weon, Jong-Won Lee, Tae-Min Oh

Institutions: Pusan National University, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources

Language: English

Topic: Grouting, Rheology, and Soil Mechanics

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940