Polyurethane Grouting Technologies: Jan Bodi, Zoltan Bodi, Jiri Scucka and Petr Martinec

Chapter 14
Polyurethane Grouting Technologies

Jan Bodi, Zoltan Bodi, Jiri Scucka and Petr Martinec
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/35791
1. Introduction
Grouting with polyurethane [PU] resins represents an effective method of improvement of
mechanical and sealing properties of soil and rock environment and constructions. The
principle of grouting technologies is injection of liquid grouting material into the rock
environment or construction under pressure. During the grouting process, fissures and
pores are filled with the grouting material, which subsequently hardens and connects the
disintegrated parts of the rock mass or grains of loose material. Polyurethane grouting
technologies started to be used in the 80s of the 20th century in the mining industry. In the
last recent years, PU grouting technologies spread significantly from the mining
applications to civil engineering and geotechnics. The application possibilities have a rising
tendency and new possibilities occur. Currently, grouting technologies are used mainly in
the following fields:
Underground constructions, tunneling
filling of caverns and voids
protection when crossing fault zones
stabilization of loose material in the foreland of excavation
securing of excavation during tunnel construction
preventive improvement of mechanical properties of the rock mass in the line of

the workings
sealing and stopping of water inflows into the construction
anchoring of soil and rocks
strengthening and stabilization of overburden and etc.

Mining
strengthening and stabilization of deposit layers before exploitation
crossing of fault zones
securing of the overburden
stabilization of the surrounding of the mine workings
lowering of permeability of the rock mass

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308 Polyurethane
strengthening of coal in areas with rock burst risk
limitation of the mine wind blowing
anchoring of soil and rocks
stabilization and sealing of old mine pits and etc.

Geotechnical works
stabilization of slopes, embankments, excavations
anchoring of retaining walls
construction of underground barriers with low permeability
stabilization of unconsolidated soil
sealing of dilatation joints
micropiling of foundations
stabilization of landslides
Civil engineering
strengthening of subsoil (also under groundwater level)
securing of stability of structures threatened by mining or construction

works
strengthening of brick or stone masonry
restoration of insulation of structures
sealing of utility entries into constructions
sealing of joints
stopping of water inflows into constructions and etc.

Foundation of buildings
sealing and anchoring of bottoms and walls of construction pits under

groundwater table
anchoring of walls of construction pits
improvement of subsoil conditions before starting of the construction
micropiling in soil with low bearing capacity
foundation of buildings in undermined areas

Water management works
sealing of joints on dams
anchoring and sealing of flood dams, anchoring of bottom of water canals
anchoring and strengthening of embankments
repair of concrete structures under water

limitation of underflowing of dams
Bridges and roads
strengthening and sealing of brick and stone masonry on bridges
repair of cracks in the constructions
improvement of subsoil parameters under pillars (also in rivers)
anchoring and micropiling of foundations
This chapter contains brief description of PU grouting technologies and characteristics of

basic grouting material types. It further presents practical findings of the authors obtained
throughout their long term experimental research, design work and application of PU
Polyurethane Grouting Technologies 309
grouting technologies. The findings are based also on development of PU grouting systems
Geopur, Geocream and Supermin from the production of company GME, s.r.o.
2. PU grouting resin types

PU grouting materials can be divided according to their chemistry to three main groups:
1.
two-component (PU) organic resins:
component A polyol in mixture (polyetherpolyol, catalysts, additives),

component B isocyanates in mixture (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate [MDI], homologes,
isomeres).
After curing they form solid PU resins or foam.
2.
one-component organic resins:
react with moisture present in the environment or construction and form an organic resin
(material is on the basis of prepolymer MDI)
3.
two-component organic-mineral resin (OMR):
component A polysiliceous acid (natrium water glass, catalyst and additives),

component B - isocyanates (MDI, homologes and isomeres).
The main difference between the above materials is, that material on the basis of polyol
isocyanate react with moisture present in the environment, while material on the basis of
polysiliceous acid isocyanate are inert to moisture or water.
In case of OMR material, the mixing of the components plays an important role in the
grouting process. The component A is inorganic - formed by water glass and additives. It is
very different form the component B, which is of organic character on the basis of MDI.
During mixing the water glass disintegrates to small drops in the organic phase of MDI and
an inhomogeneous system is formed. Two different components A and B are in contact with
each other only at the surface of individual drops. Chemical reaction proceeds better, the
smaller the drops of component A are (the contact of the components is more intense). The
reaction can be influenced also by additives, which lower the surface tension of water glass
(e.g. silicones). The best results are achieved when mixing by ultrasound. Formed product of
hardening process is a resin with solid closed pores of polysilicious acid gel.
In case of PU material, the intensity of mixing does not have fundamental impact to the
reaction proceeding. A homogenous solution is formed by the mixing, which cures quite well.
The hardening process, following the mixing and injection of the PU mixture into the rock
mass, takes from several minutes up to few hours, according to the type of used grouting
resin. Currently, a wide variety of PU grouting materials of various producers exist on the
market. Physical and mechanical properties of individual systems differ and it is often quite
difficult to choose the appropriate system for particular application. In table 1 we present for
example technical data of universal PU grouting system Geopur (Bodi, 2003), produced
and used since 1994.
310 Polyurethane
Type
Component
Geopur 082/1000 Geopur 082/600 Geopur 082/350 Geopur 082/290

A
1075
1235
1075
1235
1075
1235
1075
1235
150-300
170-230
150-300
170-230
150-300
170-230
150-300
170-230
Mixing ration A/B

weight.
100
126
100
126
100
126
100
126
Mixing ratio A/B

volume.
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Volume weight, 20
C [kg/m3]
Viscosity, 20 C
[mPas]
Foaming factor*
1 - 1,2
1,5 - 2
2-4
4-5
1000 20
600 20
360 20
290 20
Temperature of the
curing reaction max
[C]
do 132
do 132
do 132
do 132
Beginning of foaming
at 20 C [sec]
120 2
120 2
120 2
120 2
Type
Geopur 082/180
Geopur 082/90
Geopur 230
Geopur 240
Volume weight of the

foam [kg/m3]
Component
1075
1235
1075
1235
1090
1235
1075
1235
Viscosity, 20 C
[mPas]
150-300
170-230
150-300
170-230
150-300
170-230
150-300
170-230
Mixing ratio A/B

weight.
100
126
100
126
100
126
100
126
Mixing ratio A/B

volume.
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Volume weight, 20
C [kg/m3]
Foaming factor
5-6
9 - 11
10 - 15
a 40
Volume weight of the

foam [kg/m3]
180 20
90 20
90 30
35 3
Temperature of the
curing reaction max
[C]
do 132
do 132
do 140
do 132
Beginning of foaming
at 20 C [sec]
120 2
120 2
120 12
120 3
Table 1. Technical data of the grouting system Geopur produced by the company GME
3. Grouting equipment
Injection of grouting material into the rock massive is performed by grouting pumps.
Usually piston type pumps with electric or pneumatic drive are used. There are one
component and two component pumps available. An example of a grouting pump is
presented on Fig. 1 below.
Figure 1. Two component electric grouting pump DV 97.
Grouting elements are used during the injection of the grouting material into the rock mass.
These are technically designed to transfer the pressure of the grouting material, preventing
back flow of the material out from the borehole. They are usually equipped with a back
valve. According to the method of fastening in the borehole, we distinguish mechanically
fastened once, hydraulically, drilled, pushed in, vibrated or glued. They are called grouting
packers, grouting anchors or bolts, grouting tubes and etc.
4. Grouting technology
Mixing of the PU mixture is made in mixing chamber, which is located behind the pump.
This is located as close as possible to the borehole. Grouting pump sucks both components
of the grouting resin from separate tanks or the components flow in gravitationally. The
pump takes the components in appropriate ratio and delivers them separately to the mixing
chamber. In the mixing chamber, components are mixed and subsequently injected through
the packer into the rock mass. The resin penetrates under the pressure into surrounding
fissures and cavities up to the distance of a few meters from the borehole. As a result sealing
and strengthening of the rock mass or construction is achieved. After finishing of the
grouting, it is necessary to flush the pump, hoses and accessories and clean the equipment.
In case of longer regular use, it is possible to leave the components in the pump and hoses.
The work team is usually formed by a couple of trained workers. Parameters of the grouting
works are recorded during the work like e.g. location of boreholes, grouted quantities,
grouting pressure and temperature.
Injection of material into the rock environment proceeds:
312 Polyurethane
without reshaping of the grouted rock mass or

with reshaping of the grouted rock mass.
Grouting without reshaping of the rock mass may be of penetration or filling character.
Penetration grouting works are performed in sandy soil or in constructions. Filling grouting
is used in fissured rock and coarse grained soil like sand or gravel.
Water intake Flexural
after 28days strength
[vol. %]
[MPa]
Elasticity
modulus
[MPa]
Compressive
strength
[MPa]
21
0,5
2,8
54
2,8
7,4
192
5,9
1,2
8,3
241
9,5
589
0,9
13,4
443
23,2
1060
0,4
30,3
985
67,7
Geopur
type
foaming
factor
[-]
Volume
weight
[kg/m3]
82/90
9 - 11
82
2,8
1,6
82/180
5-6
185
2,2
82/290
4-5
276
1,7
82/350
2-4
354
82/600
1,5 - 2
82/1000
1 - 1,2
Table 2. Physical and mechanical parameters of the grouting system Geopur produced by the
company GME
In case of grouting with reshaping of the rock environment a so called claquage occurs,
which is in principle hydraulic fracturing of the rock well known from the oil and gas
exploitation. Due to the high hydraulic pressure of the grouting media in the soil a spatial
net of fissures is formed, which are subsequently filled with the grouting media. The length
and width of fissures depends on the pressure of grouted resin, velocity of penetration and
quantity of the grouting resin. Compacting grouting belongs among the grouting methods
considered as reshaping the rock mass as well.
5. Behavior of PUR resin in the grouted environment

Grouting PUR resin enters into the borehole as a mixture. The grouting material flows
through the rock mass first as a liquid. After curing reaction start, gaseous CO2 is formed,
which causes foaming of the mixture. In case of contact with moisture present in the soil or
rock, the foaming is more intense, because the water reacts with the present isocyanate
groups. Foaming causes increase of volume of the PUR mixture. The mixture is pushed into
open structures of the rock mass and the viscosity of the mixture consecutively increases.
The flowing stops, when the viscosity of the material is so high that further pumping is
impossible, and the resin becomes hard foam. In case, that the pump is further operated, the
pressure increases and the material density increases. In practice, this situation is indicated
by significant pressure increase. Increase of the pressure may sometime cause opening of
new structures for the grouting and continuing of the grouting. In case of formation of new
openings the pressure drops. This may occur repeatedly until full grouting of the
surrounding of the borehole.
Volume weight of the grouting material increases from the front of the grouted structure
towards the packer. In case of the PUR resins, when the pump is stopped, so called
autogrouting continues, which is induced by the reaction of the material and formed CO2,
which induces pressure of 0,1 to 0,3 MPa. In case the grouting process stops before full
saturation of the environment by the grouting media, the saturation continues due to the
pressure formed by CO2 until finishing of the chemical reaction. In case, that the fissure had
been already filled, the pressure is higher than the pressure of CO2 and bubbles are not
formed - CO2 remains dissolved in the grouting media and has minimal volume. The texture
of the material is in this case compact. Formation of the bubble structure depends therefore
on the pressure under which the mixture cures. Usually porous structures are formed with
closed or partly closed pores during the grouting.
6. Properties of grouted soil, rock and building material

During pressure grouting of PU grouting resins into soil, rock mass or fissured or defected
constructions, new specific materials are formed. These materials have the properties of
composite material and, taking into account their components character, are referred to as
geocomposites (Snuparek & Soucek, 2000).
In rocks or constructions the grouted environment contains discontinuities. The geocomponent of the formed geocomposite is formed by blocks of the rock (or masonry), which
are defined by combination of bedding surfaces, metamorphic foliation, fissures and etc.
In soil, two basic types of geocomposites are formed by PU grouting: in case of non
cohesive soil (sand-gravel), the geo-component of the geocomposite is built by solid grains
or their aggregations of various size and shape. These contain grains of minerals and rocks,
organic particles (shells of organisms, wood, carboniferous parts of plants and others) or
parts of constructions (building material, metals, ash and others). In case of cohesive soil
(clay, claystones, or siltstones), the geo-component of the geocomposite is formed by blocks
of soil penetrated by a net of so called claquage fissures (fissures caused by hydraulic
fracturing during the grouting), which are filled with the binding material.
The binding material is represented in these geocomposites by hardened organic or organicmineral PU resin with various degree of foaming.
Penetration of the grouting media through the inhomogeneous environment, and thus also
the resulting properties of the formed geocomposite, is influenced by many factors. In case
of geocomposites of PU resin rock (soil) and PU resin building material, the following
factors have primary effect (Scucka & Soucek, 2007):
properties of the unpolymerized grouting media viscosity of the media as a function

of temperature and rheology of hardening, velocity of injection (volume per time unit),
grouting pressure, the right stoichiometric ratio of input components and sufficient
time and intensity of their mixing;
properties of the grouted environment composition of the rock (building material),
shape and size of soil particles and rock blocks, humidity, effective porosity or voids,
314 Polyurethane
type and orientation of discontinuities, temperature of the environment, permeability

(plastic+water+gas), adhesion of grouting media to the rock surface, composition of
water, pore pressure.
Formed structure and texture of the geocomposite (usually very variable in case of PU
geocomposites) is a result of the effect of the above mentioned factors. This variability
depends on the bedding conditions of the grouted rock and on the parameters of the
grouting process, mainly on the grouting pressure. Grouting pressure together with
moisture cause for example significant zonal heterogeneity of the geocomposite in case of
grouting of wet or saturated sand (mainly of lower permeability) (Aldorf & Vymazal, 1996).
Structural and textural variability of geocomposites significantly complicate the estimation
of physical and mechanical properties of geotechnical constructions formed within the
grouting process. Mainly the determination of strength and deformation properties of the
geocomposite is problematic, because it is often hard to prepare standard laboratory testing
specimens from the samples available and collected in situ by core drilling or excavation. In
cases when it is impossible to prepare testing specimens from real in situ samples, model
geocomposites are prepared by grouting into pressure tanks in the laboratory (Snuparek &
Soucek, 2000). Physical and mechanical properties are subsequently determined on such
prepared model samples. Qualitative and quantitative structural-textural parameters of the
geocomposite are also analyzed by the methods of image analysis and are subsequently
compared with parameters of real samples.
In the following text, basic types of structures and textures of geocomposites (with PU
binding material) will be described and examples of determination of mechanical properties
on real and laboratory prepared samples will be presented.
6.1. Structure and texture of geocomposites

Table 3 below presents a simple classification system for description of structure and texture
of PU geocomposites according to various criteria. Some of the criteria are taken over from
the modified system commonly used for analyses of structure and texture of sedimentary
rocks in petrography (Pettijohn, 1975). We describe in more detail the categories created by
the authors based on their long-term research. These include division of geocomposite
textures according to the character of binding material penetration into the grouted soil
(rock), division of structures according to quantity of binding material and description of the
structure of the binding material in the geocomposite from the point of view of distribution,
size and morphology of bubble pores.
6.1.1. Character of penetration of the binder into the grouted rock

According to penetration of the binder into the grouted soil or rock, the following textures
or their combination may be distinguished:
honeycomb texture I. - rock particle is surrounded by the binder and this has good
adhesion to the rock surface (Fig. 2),
GEOCOMPOSITE TEXTURES
According to ordering of building units
parallel
linear parallel
aerial linear parallel
aerial parallel (bedded)
bed type
desk type
laminar
massive
According to distribution of rock particles

in the binder
-
According to character of penetration

of the binder into the rock
honeycomb type I. (Fig. 2)
honeycomb type II. (Fig. 3)
honeycomb type III. (Fig. 4)
doughy (Fig. 5)
stringer type (Fig. 6)
claquague (Fig. 7)
diffusive (Fig. 8)
barrier type (Fig. 9)
According to the According to spatial

level of filling
distribution of
of the space
particles and pores
with particles evenly distributed in the

binder material
with particles unevenly distributed in the binder material
compact
porous
isotropic
anisotropic
GEOCOMPOSITE STRUCTURES
According to rock grain size
-
pelitic
aleuritic
psamitic
(fine, medium, coarse)
psefitic
(fine, medium, coarse)
stone type
boulder type
According to quantity of
binder
basal
porous
contact type
coating type
According to relative
grain size
evenly grained
unevenly grained
According to angularity of
clastic particles
-
breccious
conglomerate
angular psamitic
sub angular psamitic
sub oval psamitic
oval psamitic
perfectly oval psamitic
According to distribution
and morphology of
According to size of pores in
bubble pores in the
rock or binder
binder
-
type PUR 1 (Fig. 10a)

type PUR 2 (Fig. 10b)
type PUR 3 (Fig. 10c)
type PUR 4 (Fig. 10d)
type OMR 1 (Fig. 11a)
type OMR 2 (Fig. 11b)
with micro pores

with macro pores
with cavities
Table 3. Classification system for description of geocomposite structure and texture.
316 Polyurethane
Figure 2. Honeycomb texture I. (PUR is surrounding the rock particle and sticks well to the rock surface).
honeycomb texture II. - rock particle is surrounded by the binder, but the binder sticks
only partly to the rock surface (Fig. 3),
honeycomb texture III. - rock particle is surrounded by the binder, but the binder does
not stick to the rock surface and is separated from the rock by a gap; free particle may
be taken out from the tissue of the plastic binder (Fig. 4),
doughy texture - the binder looks like pastry pushed into the gaps between the grains
of the aggregate, it does not fill fully the gaps between the grains and does not stick
completely to the grains (Fig. 5),
Figure 3. Honeycomb texture II. (PUR is surrounding the rock particles, but sticks only partly to their
surface).
Figure 4. Honeycomb texture III. (free rock particle can be taken out of the PUR-binder tissue").
Figure 5. Doughy texture - OMR-binder has a character of dough pushed into gaps between the
conglomerate grains, it does not fill fully the voids and does not stick fully to the grains.
stringer texture - a net of fissures (usually in all directions), not formed due to the
grouting, spreads through the rock (masonry) and is filled with the binder (Fig. 6),
claquage texture - a net of fissures, which was formed due to the grouting, spreads
through the rock (masonry) and is filled by the binder (Fig. 7),
diffusive texture - the rock is penetrated by the binder "in diffusive way" in pores (Fig. 8),
barrier texture - binder fills only the interconnected cavities and gaps between the grains,
it does not penetrate through the barriers formed by the present fine-grained soil (Fig. 9).
Figure 6. Stringer texture - a net of fissures (usually in all directions), not formed due to the grouting,
spreads through the rock (masonry) and is filled with the binder.
Figure 7. Claquage texture fine-grained soil fractured hydraulically with claquage fissure, which is
filled with PUR-binder.
318 Polyurethane
Figure 8. Diffusive porous zonal texture of geocomposite (crushed brick + PUR). A border formed by
penetration of the binder into the pores of the brick fragments is visible on the bigger grain edges.
Smaller brick fragments are fully penetrated by the binder.
Figure 9. Barrier texture the binder fills the interconnected cavities between the grains, it does not
penetrate through the barriers formed by the basic mass.
6.1.2. Quantity of the binder in the geocomposite

According to the quantity of the binder in comparison with the quantity of rock component
in the geocomposite, the following structures can be distinguished:
basal structure rock particles are distributed in the abundant binder, particles are
separated,
porous structure binding material fills the pores and voids in between the grains,
grains are in contact with each other,
contact structure binding material is present only in places of grain contact,
coating structure small amount of binder creates coating around the clastic grains.
6.1.3. Distribution, size and morphology of bubble pores in the binder

A specific feature of most grouting media on the basis of PU is increase of their volume by
foaming. In order to describe the relative distribution and morphology of bubble pores in
the foamed hardened PU binder, we use the following classification for both micro as well
as macro evaluation (Scucka & Soucek, 2007).
type PUR 1 binder is compact, vitreous, bubble pores occur only sporadically or are
not present at all (Fig. 10a),
type PUR 2 isolated spherical or ellipsoidal bubble pores of similar size are suspended
within the vitreous binder, bubbles have smooth walls, no collapsed walls occur (Fig.
10b),
type PUR 3 partly collapsed bubble pores are suspended within isles of vitreous
compact binder, bubbles are in contact, walls are of peel or shell character (Fig. 10c),
type PUR 4 collapsed bubble pores with thin walls are in contact with each other and
deform themselves, walls are of peel to honeycomb character. Vitreous compact binder
is missing or is sporadic (Fig. 10d).
In case of organic-mineral resins, out of which mainly non foaming types are used in the
geotechnics, the structure of the hardened resin has different character. The character
strongly depends on the intensity and time of mixing of the input components. In case of
good mixing, isolated or touching, regular spherical, white drops of polysilicious acid gel
are densely distributed within the plastic mass. Irregularly distributed spherical or less
regular pores of various sizes are also present in the structure (type OMR 1, Fig. 11a). In
case of insufficient mixing time and intensity, an inhomogeneous mass is formed containing
mineral part, which is irregularly distributed within the plastic mass (type OMR 2, Fig. 11b).
(a)
(c)
(b)
(d)
Figure 10. Basic types of plastic binder structure with pores in PUR-geocomposites: (a) type PUR 1, (b)
type PUR 2, c) type PUR 3, d) type PUR 4.
320 Polyurethane
(a)
(b)
Figure 11. Basic types of plastic binder structure in OMR-geocomposites: (a) type OMR 1, (b) type
OMR 2.
6.2. Determination of mechanical properties of PUR-geocomposites

6.2.1. Preparation of samples and testing specimens
Samples and testing specimens of PUR-geocomposites for laboratory testing of physicalmechanical properties are obtained by the following methods:
1.
2.
3.
4.
by pouring and free foaming the simplest method, PUR-mixture is hand mixed with
grouted material (sand, gravel, rock debris and others) and is poured into forms of
required shape, in which it freely foams. Final shape of the testing specimen is adjusted
by cutting off of overfoamed part of the sample (over the volume of the form) (Fig. 12a).
by grouting into pressure tank testing samples of required dimensions and shape are
drilled or cut from the formed geocomposite (Fig. 12b,d).
by in situ test grouting PU mixture is grouted into the rock environment in situ, testing
samples of required dimensions and shape are drilled or cut from the formed
geocomposite, which is excavated after the test grouting (Fig. 12e).
from real geotechnical projects during performance of grouting works in practice, test
grouting is undertaken with subsequent sample collection of the grouted rock mass or
construction, in some cases also control samples are collected in order to judge the
quality and effectiveness of the performed works (Fig. 12c).
The choice of shape and size of the testing specimens is determined by the properties of
particular geocomposite type. It depends mainly on the dimensions, shape and textural
homogeneity of available geocomposite and also on the possibilities of cutting and
machining with cutting or drilling tools. A high-speed abrasive water jet can be well used
for cutting of large geocomposite samples (Hlavacek et al., 2009). For shaping of test
samples, laboratory drilling machine with diamond bit and diamond saw are used.
6.2.2. Laboratory tests of PUR-geocomposites

There are no standard approaches in the field of laboratory testing of mechanical properties
of PUR-geocomposites up to date. Corresponding methods and norms, used in rock
mechanics and building material mechanics, are applied for the testing (e.g. ISRM
Commision , 1978), and these are adjusted to specific properties of the geocomposites.
(a)
(c)
(b)
(d)
(e)
Figure 12. Testing specimens of geocomposites prepared by various methods: a) hand mixed mixture
of sand + PUR poured into cylinder form with subsequent adjustment of frontal surfaces, b) sand
grouted with PUR in pressure tank cut out specimen of a prism shape of 50mm50mm100mm
dimensions after uniaxial compressive strength test, c) cylinder shape specimen made from control core
drilling, originating from grouted concrete foundation of high voltage pole, d) cube-shaped specimen
coal parts grouted with PU in pressure tank, e) beam type specimen of 40mm40mm160mm
dimensions during flexural strength test (specimen made of real sample of sand grouted with PUR)
An example of PUR-geocomposite testing is an analysis of sample prepared by grouting

in situ with Geopur 082/90 PU grouting system into saturated sand and shale sandy
breccia. Grouting works were performed during construction and excavation of an
underground utility tunnel. The underground construction crossed non-coherent strongly
saturated sand, where increased water inflows into the construction occurred with
subsequent bursting of sand from the working face. Safety of the excavation works at this
critical section was secured by creation of a protective umbrella above the excavation.
This protective umbrella was made by the method of PU pressure grouting via
perforated steel tubes. During the excavation one of the monolithic geocomposite bodies
322 Polyurethane
was dug out for laboratory testing purposes (Fig. 13a). Cross cutting of the geocomposite
body showed macroscopically visible zonal heterogeneity of the material (Fig. 13b).
Using the methods of image analysis, it was found out, that the degree of foaming of
PUR binder increases with the increasing distance from the grouting tube, and that the
volume ratio of PUR binder in the geocomposite ranges from 40 to 45% in the various
parts of the geocomposite body. Various consistencies of the binder and variable portion
of coarse grained breccia grains were identified in the body of the geocomposite. Due to
this heterogeneity, the compressive strength values tested on cube-shaped specimens cut
from the geocomposite material ranged in relatively wide interval from 5 to 30 MPa
(average 12 MPa) and the deformation modulus ranged in interval from 100 to 2000 MPa
(average 700 MPa).
(a)
(b)
Figure 13. Monolithic geocomposite body formed by GEOPUR grouting into saturated sand and shale
sandy breccia (a) and a cross through the geocomposite zonal heterogeneity of the material is visible
(b).
An example of testing of model PUR-geocomposites, prepared in laboratory conditions by

grouting into pressure tanks, is an analysis of the effect of grouted environment moisture to
the resulting properties of the geocomposite (Scucka & Soucek, 2007). A geocomposite
sample, laboratory prepared by grouting into pressure tank filled with loose rock material,
is presented in Fig. 14. Grouting was performed into crushed basalt of defined grain size.
The material was grouted by the Geopur 082/1000 resin, which reacts during the curing
process with water. Grouting was performed both into dry material and saturated material.
Fig. 15 shows macroscopically visible differences in the texture of formed geocomposites.
While during the grouting of dry material honeycomb type I texture is formed (good
adhesion of binder to the rock particles) with slightly foamed binder PUR 2 (see sec. 6.1.), in
case of saturated grouted material, honeycomb type II texture is formed (only partial
sticking of the binder to the rock particles) with strongly foamed binder PUR 3. The
difference in moisture of the grouted material causes, that the compressive strength of
saturated samples is in average lower by approx. 80% and the deformation modulus is
lower by approx. 90% compared to the values of samples prepared by grouting into dry
material.
Figure 14. Sample of model geocomposite (PUR+basalt aggregate) prepared in laboratory by grouting
into pressure tank.
(a)
(b)
Figure 15. Different types of textures of laboratory prepared model geocomposite formed due to
different moisture level of the grouted material (PUR+basalt aggregate): a) dry aggregate, b) saturated
aggregate.
6.2.3. Current knowledge about the mechanical properties of PUR-geocomposites

Data about stress and strain properties of geocomposites with PU binder have not been yet
evaluated in summary or statistically. Technical literature or company brochures offer
information connected with particular applications under particular geotechnical conditions
or from testing and comparison of individual grouting materials. A little bit more complex
data and unified interpretation of observed parameters are presented by (Aldorf &
Vymazal, 1996), where the properties of laboratory prepared and in situ prepared
geocomposites are compared (sand grouted with PU and acrylate resin). Further, we present
some conclusions deduced from the results of the above mentioned experiments and from
the knowledge of the authors in the field:
PUR-geocomposites behave in comparison with common rock types extraordinarily,

mainly in terms of considerable elasticity and plastic deformations. This feature is
observed mainly behind the ultimate strength, when along with the relatively high
values of longitudinal deformation (approx. 10 - 20% in case of grouted sand) residual
strength of the material remains significantly high.
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The ratio of rock grains to the PU binder, distribution of grains, grain size and the
possibility of formation of porous foamed material have significant influence to the
values of parameters of physical-mechanical properties of the geocomposite. These
factors are always very variable at in situ conditions and depend on the bedding
conditions of the rock (local porosity, structure, permeability, moisture and etc.). It is
therefore necessary to take into consideration during the laboratory testing mainly the
parameters of samples of lower volume weight.
Samples of lower volume weight contain greater portion of foamed plastic binder. This
results in decrease of velocity of longitudinal ultrasound waves spreading through the
material and decrease of deformation modulus (higher plasticity).
Greater portion of rock grains (higher volume weight) positively influences the strength
of the geocomposite. Compressive and tensile strengths increase with increasing
volume weight.
Geocomposite deforms within the elastic phase mainly in longitudinal direction,
transverse deformations are small. This is indicated also by small values of Poisson's
ratio. It is caused probably by high porosity of the binder, which is predominantly
elastically deformed in the direction of loading force. High values of tensile strength are
probably also result of this.
7. Examples of practical applications of PU grouting

7.1. Reconstruction of Retaining Wall (Prague - Horni Pocernice, Czech
Republic)
Task:
The retaining wall (Figs 16-19) is located at the D11 highway at Prague, Horni Pocernice.
The highway runs here in a deep trench with walls reaching to 10 m height. The works
during the reconstruction of the retaining wall included:
1.
2.
stabilization of the fill material behind the current wall by grouting technology from
static and safety reasons in order to enable performance of the follow up reconstruction
works.
anchoring of steel concrete pole prefabricates of the newly built retaining wall.
Solution:
Technology of pressure grouting was used in order to stabilize soil and fill potential cavities
behind the retaining wall. Double component PU resin Geopur 082/90 was used as a
grouting medium. Grouting works were performed through drilled or hammered in
perforated steel grouting tubes of 16/22 mm diameter. Drillings were drilled approximately
perpendicularly to the wall, to the depth of 2 to 3 m in a periodic grid. In total, an area of the
wall of approx. 1500 m2 was stabilized, total of approx. 10 000 m of grouting rods were
drilled, and a total of approx. 46900 kg of Geopur grouting resin was consumed.
Figure 16. Original state of the retaining wall
Figure 17. Anchoring works
Figure 18. Situation before final completion of the works
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Figure 19. Detail of finalized anchor
Drilling of the anchors was made in places of openings of the anchored concrete poles (Figs
17, 19). Self drilling R type rock bolts were used. The length of the anchors was 8 to 10 m,
according to the particular geological conditions at the place of the installed anchor (always
to reach at least 2 m of stiff rock environment). After drilling in of the anchor rods, pressure
grouting was performed through the installed anchor (AR32N) using two component PU
resin Geopur 082/600. The length of the grouted anchor root was approx. 3 to 6 m and
approx. 50-60 kg of grouting resin was applied into each anchor.
In total 276 anchors were installed of total length of 1896 m. The consumption of grouting
resins Geopur reached approx. 13 200 kg.
7.2. Hatarmenti water-gate (Zagyva River, Hungary)

Task:
During the time of catastrophic floods on the Tisza River, which occurred from February to
March 2001, intensive water seepages occurred around the Hatarmenti water-gate on the
Zagyva River by the town of Szolnok (Fig. 20). The dam contains two concrete units with
openings of 120cm120cm. Intensive seepages threatened the stability of the dam. Insulation
by PU pressure grouting, using pushed-in grouting tubes at the water-side of the dam, was
proposed.
Figure 20. View of the Hatarmenti water-gate
Solution:
Grouting works were launched at 7.00 AM. After preparation of the technical equipment,
grouting tubes were pushed in. Pushing in of the 1st tube was followed by immediate start
of the grouting works. In total, 9 grouting tubes were made. Grouting was done stepwise.
Complete stopping of water seepages was reached at 5 PM. In total, 600 kg of Geopur
082/350 PU resin material was used.
Figure 21. Grouting material in the surrounding of the water-gate (photo from the control excavation
after 10 years)
After 10 years (in February 2011) the river basin authority decided to check the lifetime of
the grouting material and its sealing function. An excavation was made down to the
concrete construction of the dam. Grouting material was observed on the contact with the
concrete structure and in the surrounding (Fig. 21). The material looked undamaged and
fulfilled the sealing purpose. It was solid and dry. The efficiency of the performed PU
pressure grouting was proved.
7.3. Elimination of contaminated water outflows from the uranium deposit

(Rozna, Czech Republic)
Task:
After stopping of mining at the uranium deposit Rozna in 1996, the mine was flooded. The
groundwater from the old exploited areas, rich in uranium, infiltrated into the old
investigation boreholes, even though the boreholes were sealed in the past (Fig. 22).
Contaminated water threatened a drinking water reservoir, and therefore it was necessary
to stop the dangerous outflows from these boreholes.
Solution:
The problem was successfully eliminated by application of PU grouting using Geopur
grouting system (Fig. 23). The boreholes were sealed with grouting and the outflows of
contaminated water stopped. It was proved that using PU resin of Geopur type with
foaming factor of 12 it is possible to efficiently stop seepages through porous geological
environment or boreholes.
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Figure 22. Borehole with contaminated water seepages
Figure 23. Sealing of the borehole with PU grouting
7.4. Sealing grouting of sewage collector (Pilsen, Czech Republic)

Task:
During exploitation of a sewage collector in Pilsen Cernice, drainage in the surrounding
area occurred due to drainage effect of the collector. Groundwater disappeared from the
wells in the surrounding and drops of the surface occurred, causing even damages to some
buildings. In section 4255 4350 m of the collector the excavation works ran in close
proximity of a residential house. There was a risk of damage to the house and surface drop
due to the fast drainage of the groundwater. In order to eliminate inflows into the collector,
a hydrogeological survey was performed and a technology of sealing of the environment
was proposed.
Solution:
During the exploitation works in the critical section (approx. 100 m), the rock mass was
stabilized by PU grouting. Grouting PU materials Geopur was used. The grouting works
were performed always in advance before the exploitation to the distance of 3 m ahead of
the face and were followed by exploitation of 2,5 m. Used technology enabled stopping of
strong inflows of groundwater and secured higher stability of the rock mass during the
exploitation works. Drainage of the surrounding area was eliminated and buildings were
not threatened further by the excavation works. Total of 9516 kg of PU grouting material
Geopur was used. Grouting was performed in total of 275 boreholes. The efficiency of the
grouting works was proved by monitoring of the groundwater table level.
Figure 24. Geological situation of sewage collector construction in Pilsen.
Figure 25. Drift of sewage collector in Pilsen - scheme of grouting works.
7.5. Securing of excavation of underground utility tunnel (Ostrava, Czech

Republic)
Task:
In the centre of Ostrava town an underground gallery was exploited (Fig. 26). According to
the design of the construction, it was required that the compressive strength of the
overburden soil (gravels of the River Ostravice terrace) was minimally 2 MPa.
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Solution:
The proposed technology was based on grouting of overlaying rocks ahead of the workingface by PU grouting system Geopur to the distance of 3 m. In the given geological
conditions the technology proved to be a safe and economic solution. The use of PU
grouting resin system Geopur enabled to perform the whole cycle of grouting works in 4
hours. Proposed technology did not require equipment of great size. Borings for grouting
were drilled using a light hand drilling equipment; grouting works were performed using
transportable pumps. 9-12 grouting tubes were used per one section (3 m), in accordance
with local geological conditions. Distance between the grouting tubes was 0,3 m at the face
and 0,4 m at the sides of the tunnel. Minimal compressive strength of the formed geocomposite reached in the upper part of the profile 4-6 MPa and 2-4 MPa on the sides. The
strength of the rock was reached in 20 min after grouting works.
Figure 26. Grouted gravel in the face of the tunnel
7.6. Repair of cracks in the concrete of highway bridge (Belotin, Czech Republic)
Task:
During the construction of the highway near Belotin, bridge beams were damaged probably
due to the frosty weather. Cracks of up to 11 m length formed at the construction. It was
necessary to reconnect the cracks using a reinforced grouting technology.
Solution:
Boreholes of 14 mm diameter were drilled into the concrete beam along the cracks,
diagonally across the crack. Steel bars of 10 mm diameter were inserted into the drillings
and subsequently the drillings were grouted with Geopur PU resin (Figs 27,28)
Figure 27. Reinforced PU grouting of the crack in the concrete construction
Figure 28. Overall view of the repaired crack
7.7. Lock at the Danube River (Gabcikovo, Slovakia)

Task:
During operation of the lock on the Danube River cavities had been formed on the outer
side of the lock in the soil, caused by insufficiently sealed dilatation joints (Fig. 29). Water
flowed through the soil embankment, washed out the fine grained particles and cavities
were formed. Additional sealing of the dilatation joints was therefore proposed.
Solution:
In 2005 additional sealing of dilatation joints and sealing of cracks in the concrete was
performed using PU grouting system Geopur. In total an area of 42 m2 of concrete was
repaired, 210 m of dilatation joints was resealed and 207 m of cracks in the concrete was
sealed. Total of 7 dilatation joints was successfully repaired using total of 700 kg of Geopur
(Fig. 30).
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Figure 29. Dilatation joint before the grouting
Figure 30. Dilatation joint after the grouting
7.8. Repair of metro railway (Budapest, Hungary)

Task:
Metro line East-West in Budapest has been operated since 1970. During the operation the
railway must withstand a great load. Daily operation represent passing over of 7000 wheels
with axis pressure of 7,9 tons. Despite everyday maintenance, signs of damage occurred and
repair works were launched.
Solution:
A new method of repair of the concrete sleepers was proposed based on anchoring and use
of PU resin. The performance of the works concurrently led also to stopping of water
inflows from the subsoil of the railway. Concrete sleepers were stabilized and anchored
without the necessity to replace them (Figs 31,32).
Grouting works were performed between 2005 and 2006, mainly during night time and
without necessity of putting the metro out of operation. Total of 2842 anchors were made of
the following parameters: length of the anchor 500 mm, diameter of the anchor 18 mm,
diameter of borehole 25 mm, grouting material Supermin with reaction start of 2 minutes.
Further, total of 2430 grouting boreholes were drilled of the following parameters: borehole
diameter 14 mm, length up to 1 m, length of inserted steel bars up to 600 mm, diameter of
the bars 8 mm, grouting material Geopur 082/1000 with reaction time 2 minutes.
Figure 31. Detail of the grouting works
Figure 32. View of the railway after repair works
In addition, water infiltration from below of the railway was stopped in a total length of 58
m of the metro tunnel using material Geopur 082/350.
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Applied methods proved to be very effective and did not disturb the regular operation of
the metro line.
8. Conclusion
PU grouting is performed in order to achieve improvement of physical and mechanical
properties of the rock, soil, or building material in the construction. It requires experience
and complex knowledge from various fields like geology, hydrogeology, structural geology,
rock and soil mechanics, geotechnics, mining, underground constructions, construction of
foundations, structural stability, defects of constructions and their repair, chemistry of the
grouting material, grouting technique (pumps, packers) and etc. Grouting technologies
represent an effective technology of solving of various kinds of problems in mining,
building industry and geotechnics practice.
Author details
Jan Bodi and Zoltan Bodi
GME, s.r.o., Ostrava, Czech Republic
Jiri Scucka and Petr Martinec
Institute of Geonics AS CR, Institute of Clean Technologies for Mining and Utilization of Raw
Materials for Energy Use, Ostrava, Czech Republic
Acknowledgement
This work presents also information and data gathered during a Research project Vzkum
a vvoj novch chemickch injektnch materil pro zlepen vlastnost hornin, zemin a
stavebnch konstrukc v inenrskm stavitelstv a stavebnictv 2005-2007 Research and
development of new chemical grouting systems for improvement of rock, soil and
constructions at civil engineering and building industry, solved by the companies SG
Geotechnika, a.s., Prague and GME Consult, Ostrava. The project was supported by the
Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Czech Republic under the programme Impuls no.
47/2007/FI-IM2/072.
In addition this work contains also data gathered within the project of The Institute of clean
technologies for mining and utilization of raw materials for energy use, reg. no.
CZ.1.05/2.1.00/03.0082 supported by Research and Development for Innovations
Operational Programme financed by Structural Founds of Europe Union and from the
means of state budget of the Czech Republic.
9. References
Aldorf, J., Vymazal, J. (1996) Contribution to study of stress and strain properties of sand
reinforced using grouts on the basis of PU and acrylate resins. Proceedings of conference
Application of PUR in mining and underground engineering, Ostrava, February 1996

(in Czech).
Aldorf, J.,Hrubeov,E.,Bdi,J.,Hulla,J. (2003) Stabilita protipovodovch hrz eky Dunaje na
ostrov Szentendre. FAST VB-TU Ostrava
Bodi, J. (2003). Instructions for use for double component resin grouting system Geopur, 2003,
Available from: < www.gmeconsult.cz>
Bodi, J., Bdi, Z. GME Consult and GME s.r.o. company materials
Bodi, Z., Ebermann, T. (2009) Chemical grouting effective technology for improvement of noncoherent soil and rock environment in the field of foundation of constructions, GME Consult &
SG Geotechnika a.s., Paper at the Geotechnical Seminar in Stupava, Slovakia, (in Czech).
Bdi, J., Paloncy, L. (1996) Improvement of the mine workings stability during mining and drivage
by the integrated system of bolting and grouting. World Mine Safety Congress New Delhi,
India
Bdi J., (1997) Insulation injection labours, creation of underground barriers using the PU injection
materials during mines closure. Acapulco World Mining Congress, Mexico
Bdi, J., Pellionis, (1998) Zajitn stability likvidovanch dlnch dl pomoc polyuretanovch
injekt a kotven., International conference Dmenovsk Dolina Slovakia.
Bdi, J., (1999) Mining Activities consequences elimination under the Conditions of dense populated
areas 28th World Mine Safety Congress in Mines-Sinai Romania
Bdi, J., (2001) Repair of defects in hydraulic structures by PU grouting under flood and normal
conditions. International conference on water and nature conservation in the Danube
Tisza river basin Debrecen Hungary
Bdi, J., (2003) Polyuretanov injekte, teorie a pklady vyuit VB TU Ostrava, Fakulta
stavebn, Habilitation
Bdi, J.,Potulka,A. (2003) Injektovatelnost stavebnch konstrukc pomoc polyuretanovch
pryskyic. FAST VB-TU Ostrava
Bodi, Z. (1998): Thesis: Physical properties of geo-composites (soil, rock debris polyurethane).,
VB-TU Ostrava
Hlavek, P., Valicek, J., Hloch, S., Gregr, M., Foldyna, J., Kozak, D.,Sitek, L., Kusnerova, M.,
Zelenak, M. (2009). Measurement of Fine Grain CopperSurface Texture Created by Abrasive
Water Jet Cutting. Strojarstvo, Vol. 51, No. 4, pp. 273-279, ISSN 0562-1887.
ISRM Commision on standardization of laboratory and field tests. (1978) Suggested methods
for determining tensile strength of rock materials. International Journal of Rock Mechanics
and Mining Sciences & Geomechanical Abstracts, Vol. 15, pp. 99-103.
ISRM Commision on standardization of laboratory and field tests. (1978) Suggested methods
for determining the uniaxial compressive strength and deformability of rock materials.
International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanical
Abstracts, Vol. 16, pp. 135-140.
Pettijohn, F. J. (1975). Sedimentary Rocks (Third edition), Harper & Row, New York
Snuparek, R., Soucek, K. (2000). Laboratory testing of chemical grouts. Tunnelling and
Underground Space Technology, Vol. 15, No. 2, (April-June 2000), pp. 175-186, ISSN
0886-7798
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Scucka, J., Soucek, K. (2007). Architecture and Properties of Geocomposite Materials with
Polyurethane Binders, Institute of Geonics of ASCR, ISBN 978-80-86407-15-9, Ostrava (in
Czech)
Trade mark GEOPUR, no. 148 179, 1999 Czech Republic, Arrangement et Protocole de Madrid
no. 864 266 EU, GEOPUR, no. M0002030 , 2000 Hungary

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Chapter 14

Polyurethane Grouting Technologies

Underground constructions, tunneling

filling of caverns and voids

protection when crossing fault zones

stabilization of loose material in the foreland of excavation

securing of excavation during tunnel construction

preventive improvement of mechanical properties of the rock mass in the line of

sealing and stopping of water inflows into the construction

anchoring of soil and rocks

strengthening and stabilization of overburden and etc.

strengthening and stabilization of deposit layers before exploitation

crossing of fault zones

securing of the overburden

stabilization of the surrounding of the mine workings

lowering of permeability of the rock mass

strengthening of coal in areas with rock burst risk

limitation of the mine wind blowing

anchoring of soil and rocks

stabilization and sealing of old mine pits and etc.

stabilization of slopes, embankments, excavations

anchoring of retaining walls

construction of underground barriers with low permeability

stabilization of unconsolidated soil

sealing of dilatation joints

strengthening of subsoil (also under groundwater level)

securing of stability of structures threatened by mining or construction

strengthening of brick or stone masonry

restoration of insulation of structures

sealing of utility entries into constructions

stopping of water inflows into constructions and etc.

sealing and anchoring of bottoms and walls of construction pits under

anchoring of walls of construction pits

improvement of subsoil conditions before starting of the construction

micropiling in soil with low bearing capacity

foundation of buildings in undermined areas

sealing of joints on dams

anchoring and sealing of flood dams, anchoring of bottom of water canals

anchoring and strengthening of embankments

repair of concrete structures under water

Bridges and roads

strengthening and sealing of brick and stone masonry on bridges

repair of cracks in the constructions

improvement of subsoil parameters under pillars (also in rivers)

anchoring and micropiling of foundations

This chapter contains brief description of PU grouting technologies and characteristics of

Polyurethane Grouting Technologies 309

2. PU grouting resin types

two-component (PU) organic resins:

component A polyol in mixture (polyetherpolyol, catalysts, additives),

one-component organic resins:

two-component organic-mineral resin (OMR):

component A polysiliceous acid (natrium water glass, catalyst and additives),

Geopur 082/1000 Geopur 082/600 Geopur 082/350 Geopur 082/290

Mixing ration A/B

Mixing ratio A/B

Volume weight of the

Mixing ratio A/B