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Injection grouting important
One of the major problems that most construction workers face is dealing with holes, cracks, fine pores, uneven surfaces, etc. These not only worsen the surface texture but also weaken the overall construction. The holes, cracks, and other depressions can become a thriving ground of germs, pests, and bugs.
So, the best way to get rid of these problems is injection grouting. It is a new form of filling up the holes instead of applying plaster on the overall wall once again. Although the process is quite useful, few know injection grouting. We have explained the process in this article below, along with the advantages and other related aspects.
What is injection grouting?
Induction grouting is a special process through which constructors fill up void areas, cracks and holes, honeycombs, and open joints in masonry and concrete structures. Huge pressure is applied to inject the grout material into the place so that curing occurs faster and the entire architecture becomes stronger.
In this process, special plastic material is used as the grout. It has a high viscosity and almost zero shrinkage to ensure the gaps or voids remain stable and closed, regardless of mechanical abrasion and extreme weather conditions.
Applications of injection grouting
- Filling the gaps and cracks in construction structures
- Repairing all cracks on column walls
- Applying the finish on the wall surface
- Settling the foundation columns
- Preparing any form of cracks or damage in masonry and concrete structures
- Honeycomb structures
- What waterproofing the walls
- Preventing water leakage from stone masonries
- Improving the strength of tunnel linings
What are the types of injection grouting?
There are several types of injection grouting, out of which five major categories are considered the most efficient and yielding in the construction industry. Before filling the holes and gaps, everyone must know how construction injection grouting is done differently based on given situations. In this section, we have briefly focused on the top five types of injection grouting usually implemented in the construction industry.
- Polymer injection grouting
This form of injection grouting is a process where vinyl Ester, epoxy, or acrylic resins are used as the grout material. It is mainly used for repairing concrete structures, and the desired characteristics of the grout are achieved by adding suitable modifiers to both curing agents and resins.
- Gas-forming injection grouting
It has a working principle according to which gas bubbles are introduced into the grout material. These expand to ensure no space is left behind if the grout shrinks post its application. Usually, the raw material is mixed with the cement slurry and injected into the gaps or cracks as soon as the grout is ready. This prevents gas bubbles from forming before curing the grout material. One of the major downsides of this form of injection grouting is that it is highly sensitive to temperature and not suitable where there will be high heat.
- Fiber-reinforced injection grouting
It is a special type of induction grouting where glass fiber, polypropylene, or steel is used as the grout material to strengthen different types of structural objects. As it is resistant to impact, the grout material offers excellent flexural strength and high ductility. It is used for repairing masonry and concrete structures but needs professional advice because the fibers can easily entangle and create a mess.
- Sulfoaluminate injection grouting
This is a process where anhydrous additives of sulfoaluminate are used as the grout to prevent shrinkage of the cement. It helps the grout to expand once the setting is complete, ensuring the curing process completes quickly. However, if the curing process is dry, it won’t be a suitable method for injection grouting.
- Cement sand injection grouting
It needs a combination of cement and water in a high amount. Although it is ideal for masonry and progress structures, the mixture of cement and water shrinks during the hardening phase, causing the grout to crack or split open. This is why it is mainly used in areas where strength increment is not the ultimate goal. Furthermore, it is also not preferred in areas where the repair work is huge because the mixture shrinks and creates gaps that further need refilling.
What are the advantages of injection grouting?
One should understand the advantages of injection grouting before opting for the process during construction work. Unless and until the advantages are clear, it won’t be easy to decide if the damage in masonry or concrete structures can be salvaged using this process or not. Considering this, we have listed some of the major benefits of injection grouting in construction.
- The materials used as a grout for injection grouting are easily available on the market. Therefore, it is cost-effective and does not increase the overall construction budget.
- Since no harmful chemical is used or the surfaces are sanded, pollution levels are kept in check. This is why injection grouting is also considered eco friendlier than another process of filling and repairing construction errors.
- It is the easiest way to repair and fill gaps and cracks in construction structures. The grout is usually injected into the open holes using pressure to cure properly and harden to prevent any internal space.
- Owing to different types of injection grouting, it is easier for you to choose a process based on the given circumstances of the construction project, like that type of structure, damage, budget, and so on.
- The material waste in the injection grouting process is almost minimal, ensuring no waste is generated from the construction project.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed major facts about injection grouting in construction, from its application to its advantages and types. As you are aware of the major facts, you can easily decide if you need this process of repairing gaps and cracks in masonry and concrete structures are not. In addition, you can also understand when to call for a professional because certain types of injection grouting require in-depth and special skill levels.
FAQs on Injection Grouting
What chemicals are used in injection grouting?
Injection grouting typically employs a variety of chemicals, including cement-based grout, polyurethane (PU) grout, sodium silicate, and acrylic resins. The choice of a chemical depends on the specific application and the desired properties of the grout. For instance, cement-based grout is commonly used for structural strengthening and soil stabilization, while PU grout is often preferred for waterproofing applications.
What is the procedure for grouting?
The grouting procedure involves drilling holes into the structure or soil to be treated. Grout is then injected into these holes under pressure, which forces it to penetrate the voids and cracks. The grout expands and solidifies, filling the voids and creating a barrier that improves the structural integrity or waterproofing of the material.
What is the purpose of grouting?
Grouting serves several purposes like,
- Structural strengthening: Improving the load-bearing capacity of structures.
- Waterproofing: Preventing water infiltration into structures.
- Soil stabilization: Enhancing the stability of soil for foundations and embankments.
- Leak sealing: Repairing leaks in pipes, tunnels, and other structures.
What is the spacing for injection grouting?
The spacing for injection grouting varies depending on the specific application and the desired results. Generally, the holes are drilled at intervals ranging from 0.5 to 2 meters. A closer spacing is often required for waterproofing applications, while a wider spacing may be sufficient for structural strengthening.
What is the method of injection grouting?
There are two primary methods of injection grouting:
Low-pressure grouting: This method involves injecting grout at a low pressure, which is suitable for more permeable materials.
High-pressure grouting: This method involves injecting grout at a high pressure, which is used for less permeable materials or when rapid penetration is required.
What is PU injection grouting?
PU injection grouting is a technique that uses polyurethane resin as the grouting material. PU grout is a highly reactive material that expands rapidly when injected, making it ideal for sealing cracks and voids. It is commonly used for waterproofing applications, such as sealing leaks in underground structures and preventing water infiltration into basements.
What is the recommended pressure for injection grouting?
The recommended pressure for injection grouting depends on various factors, including the type of grout, the permeability of the material being treated, and the desired penetration depth. Generally, the pressure ranges from a few bars to several hundred bars. It is important to monitor the pressure during the grouting process to ensure effective penetration and avoid over-pressurization.