Turbulent fluid jet excavation in cohesive soil : with particular application to jet grouting

This thesis reviews the jet grouting methodology, and the current state of practice and research. Current methods of prediction of jet grout diameters are highly empirical and site specific, and do not take into account the jet hydrodynamics and soil properties explicitly. A rational model to describe the jet excavation mechanism for cohesive soil is presented in this thesis, with the aim of providing an improved prediction tool that can be used in jetting design. The model is based on the assumption that the velocity distribution in the cutting jet is equivalent to that of a free jet with boundaries corresponding to the dimensions of the cavity excavated in the ground. The shape of the cavity formed depends on the erosional properties of the soil and jet expansion is limited by the resistance at the jet-soil interface. It is hypothesized that the shape of the cavity excavated follows the locus of the jet radius satisfying the condition of constant wall shear stress. The model predicts that the limit of jet penetration is reached when the dynamic pressure at the jet tip becomes equal to the ultimate soil bearing resistance. The model was validated by laboratory jetting tests, using soil specimens manufactured from powdered kaolin clay, cement and water. Cement-soil ratios (CSR) of 2.5 to 7.5% were used to produce specimens with undrained shear strength (Su) ranging from 5 to 45 kPa. A period of at least 3 days was allowed for the specimen to cure in the test tank before jetting was commenced. The tests were conducted using different nozzle diameters, jetting pressures, rotation speeds and soil strengths. The specimens were exhumed after completion of each test to map the shape of the cuts excavated.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Ho, Chu Eu

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Andrew J. Whittle and John T. Germaine.

• Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/32416
• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Identifier URI

http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/32416

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/32416